“Euphoria” has garnered the attention from people of all ages, regardless of if they have an HBO subscription. The show that has taken over the internet is almost finished with its second season.
“TikTok thinks I watched it. I could legit tell you everything that’s going on, and I’ve never watched an episode,” said Jackie Romano, a 23-year-old English major from Manalapan.
Focusing on addiction, teen drug abuse, toxic relationships and mental health, the show features characters who are each addicted to something.
Maddy, played by Alexa Demie, is addicted to her on-and-off again boyfriend, Nate, played by Jacob Elordi. Rue, played by Zendaya Coleman, is addicted to drugs–mainly opiates. Jules, played by Hunter Schafer, and Cassie, played by Sydney Sweeney, are addicted to attention.
“Although messy and controversial, I like Cassie’s storyline simply for the drama,” said Kristin Plemacher, a 20-year-old student from Toms River. “The last episode (Season 2, Episode 7,) was my absolute favorite. It was so iconic.”
“Euphoria” also takes the audience through the trials and tribulations of the relationship between Maddy and Nate. This couple displays toxic attributes in a relationship. In the first season of the show, Nate said that he would “kill for Maddy.” He also continues to display aggressive behaviors throughout the series. Further along within the first season, Nate pushes Maddy against a vehicle and chokes her, leaving her with bruises. While these could be considered “adult themes” for a teen drama, it tackles real issues affecting teens today.
Kat, who is played by Barbie Ferreria, battles with her body image in this season. Internet influencers bombard her in what appears to be a dream, with their optimism, and what could be called toxic positivity (Season 2, Episode 2.) The influence of the internet and the influencers who promote body positivity can provide comfort to some, but this episode displays the other side of that.
“Euphoria” is the American adaptation of an Israeli show by the same name. All of the episodes are written by the executive producer, Sam Levinson. The series has a rating of NC-17, which indicates that it is not suitable for people younger than 17-years-old. It deals with “very heavy issues,” which include drug use, nudity, violence and adult language. According to “Variety Magazine,” each hour-long episode costs around $11 million to produce.
The show has given HBO and HBO Max record-breaking viewership. With over two million people tuning in for the sophomore season premiere, this will have viewers happy to know that it has been renewed for a third season.