HBO’s hit teen drama Euphoria has a risky plan for its future beyond season 3, but it’s one that could pay off in a great way. Since its debut in 2019, the show has skyrocketed in popularity due to its stellar cast, inspired visuals, and engaging writing that cranks the world of East Highland High up to 11. The controversial storylines radiate out from Rue, the drug-addict and unreliable narrator played masterfully by Zendaya, who has recently made history by becoming the youngest actor to win a Primetime Emmy twice for acting (both for Euphoria).
Season 2 of Euphoria led to it becoming HBO’s second-most streamed show, after Game of Thrones. The season ended with several cliffhangers, including the fate of Fezco (Angus Cloud) after being caught in the crossfire of the fatal drug raid. Euphoria season 3 will have a time jump to get the main characters out of high school and allow for a new perspective on their relationships and struggles, though the length of this jump is still unknown.
Euphoria won’t end with season 3 and instead plans to find ways to evolve as its characters get older, which is extremely risky as its cast members have become stars and will be increasingly difficult to bring together. For a show built around the drama and struggles of high school in the modern age, leaving high school would seem like the natural cut-off point for its characters’ stories. Still, allowing the characters to grow up is a good thing, given the actual age of the actors, who are all well into their 20s and are diminishingly convincing as high schoolers.
Why Euphoria Season 3 Shouldn’t Be The End
Euphoria season 3 will mark a shift for the show that will give it new life. Planning to extend into the adult lives of the characters offers many narrative opportunities to explore the aftermath of their decisions in high school, for better or worse. This could pay off brilliantly if the cast can keep coming back. Even if there are big gaps between future seasons, this would allow the show to grow and reshape with its audience, to explore the far-reaching and evolving effects of the foundational issues each character has dealt with, such as Rue’s journey to sobriety and Cassie’s toxic relationship with men.
The release of Euphoria season 3 and the future of the show beyond it are highly anticipated, and no matter the direction they take, it’s sure to be interesting to watch. While planning to wrap things up after high school would certainly be an easier and safer ending to the show, nothing about Euphoria says “safe” or “easy.” It’s a show that dances in the tightest, darkest corners of modern life and revels in the shadows others prefer to ignore – it’s a show that takes risks, ones that have so far paid off.
