Euphoria (American TV series)

Euphoria
Genre	Teen drama
Created by	Sam Levinson
Based on	Euphoria by Ron Leshem Daphna Levin
Written by	Sam Levinson
Directed by	Augustine Frizzell Sam Levinson Jennifer Morrison Pippa Bianco
Starring	Zendaya Maude Apatow Angus Cloud Eric Dane Alexa Demie Jacob Elordi Barbie Ferreira Nika King Storm Reid Hunter Schafer Algee Smith Sydney Sweeney Colman Domingo
Narrated by	Zendaya
Composers	Labrinth Gustave Rudman Rambali
Country of origin	United States
Original language	English
No. of seasons	1
No. of episodes	10 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers	Sam Levinson Kevin Turen Ravi Nandan Drake Adel "Future" Nur Ron Leshem Daphna Levin Hadas Mozes Lichtenstein Gary Lennon Mirit Toovi Tmira Yardeni Yoram Mokadi Jim Kleverweis Zendaya
Producers	Tyler Romary Philipp A. Barnett Jamie Feldman Kenneth Yu
Cinematography	Marcell Rév André Chemetoff Drew Daniels Adam Newport-Berra
Editors	Julio C. Perez IV Laura Zempel Harry Yoon
Camera setup	Single-camera[citation needed]
Running time	48–65 minutes
Production companies	The Reasonable Bunch A24 Little Lamb DreamCrew
Release
Original network	HBO
Original release	June 16, 2019 (2019-06-16) – present (present)
External links
Website

Euphoria is an American teen drama television series created and written by Sam Levinson for HBO. It is loosely based on the Israeli television miniseries of the same name created by Ron Leshem and Daphna Levin.^[1][2][3][4] It follows a group of high school students through their experiences of sex, drugs, friendships, love, identity, and trauma.^[5] The series stars Zendaya in the lead role, alongside an ensemble cast consisting of Maude Apatow, Angus Cloud, Eric Dane, Alexa Demie, Jacob Elordi, Barbie Ferreira, Nika King, Storm Reid, Hunter Schafer, Algee Smith, Sydney Sweeney, and Colman Domingo. It premiered on June 16, 2019.^[6][7] In July 2019, the series was renewed for a second season,^[8] preceded by two one-hour specials broadcast in December 2020 and January 2021.

Euphoria received positive reviews from critics, with praise for its cinematography, story, score, acting (particularly that of Zendaya and Schafer), and approach to its mature subject matter, though it did become the subject of controversy for its use of nudity and sexual content, which some critics perceived to be excessive. The series received nominations for the British Academy Television Award for Best International Programme, and the TCA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Drama. For her performance, Zendaya won a Primetime Emmy Award and Satellite Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series.

Cast and characters[]

Main[]

• Zendaya as Rue Bennett, a recovering teenage drug addict struggling to find her place in the world
• Maude Apatow as Lexi Howard, Rue's childhood best friend, and Cassie's younger sister
• Angus Cloud as Fez, a local drug dealer with a close relationship to Rue
• Eric Dane as Cal Jacobs, Nate's father who is hiding secrets from his family
• Alexa Demie as Maddy Perez, Nate's sometime girlfriend
• Jacob Elordi as Nate Jacobs, a high school athlete whose anger issues mask his sexual insecurities
• Barbie Ferreira as Kat Hernandez, a body-conscious teen exploring her sexuality
• Nika King as Leslie Bennett, Rue and Gia's mother
• Storm Reid as Gia Bennett, Rue's younger sister
• Hunter Schafer as Jules Vaughn, a transgender girl who befriends Rue after moving into town
• Algee Smith as Christopher McKay, a young football player and Cassie's boyfriend who is having difficulties adjusting to college
• Sydney Sweeney as Cassie Howard, Lexi's older sister and McKay's girlfriend with an infamous sexual past that continues to affect her life
• Colman Domingo as Ali ("Trouble Don't Last Always"; recurring season 1), a man in recovery from substance use disorder who often speaks at Rue's Narcotics Anonymous meetings and eventually becomes her sponsor^[9]

Recurring[]

• Alanna Ubach as Suze Howard, Lexi and Cassie's alcoholic mother
• Lukas Gage as Tyler Clarkson, a college student who is brutally attacked by Nate for having sex with Maddy at a party
• John Ales as David Vaughn, Jules's father
• Tyler Timmons and Tristan Timmons as Troy McKay and Roy McKay, McKay's twin brothers
• Javon Walton as Ashtray, Fez's "little brother"
• Sophia Rose Wilson as BB, a friend of Maddy, Kat, Cassie, and Lexi
• Bruce Wexler as Robert Bennett, Rue's father
• Ruben Dario as Ted Perez, Maddy's father
• Austin Abrams as Ethan Lewis, Kat's love interest
• Keean Johnson as Daniel, Kat's ex-boyfriend who takes an interest in Cassie
• Paula Marshall as Marsha Jacobs, Nate's mother
• Zak Steiner as Aaron Jacobs, Nate's brother
• Mercedes Colon as Mrs. Hernandez, Kat's mother
• Tyler Chase as Custer, who works with Mouse
• Meeko as Mouse, Fez's supplier
• Marsha Gambles as Miss Marsha, who works at Frank's

Guest[]

• Jeremiah Birkett as Principal Hayes, at Rue's high school
• Shiloh Fernandez as Trevor, a store clerk at Femme for whom Kat develops an attraction
• Pell James as Amy Vaughn, Jules's mother
• Will Peltz as Luke Kasten, a notorious former East Highland student
• Elpidia Carrillo as Sonia Perez, Maddy's mother
• Larry Joe Campbell as Officer Wilson
• Jeff Pope as Johnny_Unite_USA, who pursues Kat as a financial dominatrix
• Sean Martini as Minako, one of Cal's hookups
• Cranston Johnson as Frederick McKay, Christopher's father
• Nat Faxon as Rick, Leslie's new boyfriend
• Nick Blood as Gus Howard, Cassie and Lexi's father
• Bobbi Salvör Menuez as TC, Jules's friend
• Quintessa Swindell as Anna, Jules's new love interest
• Shamari Maurice as Harris, a friend of TC, Anna, and Jules
• Allie Marie Evans as Natalie, Nate's winter formal date
• Janice LeAnn Brown as 4-year-old Rue and 6-year-old Rue
• Keilani Arellanes as 11-year-old Maddy

Episodes[]

Season		Episodes		Originally aired
				First aired	Last aired
	1	8		June 16, 2019 (2019-06-16)	August 4, 2019 (2019-08-04)
	Specials	2		December 6, 2020 (2020-12-06)	January 24, 2021 (2021-01-24)

Season 1 (2019)[]

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (millions)
1	1	"Pilot"	Augustine Frizzell	Teleplay by : Sam Levinson	June 16, 2019 (2019-06-16)	0.577[10]
Growing up, Rue Bennett struggled with multiple mental disorders, which ultimately lead to a drug addiction in her teens. Now seventeen years old, Rue returns home from rehab and immediately buys drugs from her friend and drug dealer Fezco. Jules, a transgender girl who is new in town, is invited by a classmate named Kat to a party hosted by a popular college freshman, Christopher McKay. Jules opts instead first to meet up with an older man from a hookup app. Jules meets the older man at a motel. She lies about her age and they have sex. At the party, Kat loses her virginity. McKay and his girlfriend Cassie have an uncomfortable sexual encounter but immediately come to an understanding. Maddy, who recently broke up with Nate, publicly has revenge sex with Tyler. Angered by this, Nate drunkenly harasses Jules, who has decided to attend the party and who threatens Nate with a knife before accidentally cutting herself. Jules leaves the party, accompanied by Rue, who introduces herself and goes home with her. As Nate returns home, he encounters his father Cal, who is Jules' hookup.
2	2	"Stuntin' Like My Daddy"	Sam Levinson	Sam Levinson	June 23, 2019 (2019-06-23)	0.574[11]
At 11 years old, Nate discovers his father's collection of self-made videos featuring him having sex with young gay men and trans women. Upon entering high school, Nate became a successful quarterback who struggles with anger issues and sexual insecurities. In the present, Nate breaks into Tyler's house and severely beats him, accusing him of raping Maddy at McKay's party after Maddy falsely tells him she was blackout drunk. On the first day of school, Rue breaks down after being asked to talk about her summer. Lexi attempts to comfort her only to be rebuffed. Rue reminisces about trying oxycodone for the first time at the age of 13 (the drug belonged to her father who was dying of cancer). Kat discovers that a video of her having sex at McKay's party is circulating online and realizes she can make money performing as a camgirl. Jules starts texting with an anonymous jock online. McKay spends time with Cassie and accuses her of being too libidinous. A drug dealer coerces Rue into trying fentanyl. It is revealed that the man Jules is talking to online is Nate (using the false name "Tyler"). The title of this episode is a reference to the 2006 Birdman and Lil Wayne song "Stuntin' Like My Daddy", the first single from their collaborative studio album, Like Father, Like Son.
3	3	"Made You Look"	Sam Levinson	Sam Levinson	June 30, 2019 (2019-06-30)	0.493[12]
A young Kat abruptly gains weight on a family vacation. Her boyfriend, Daniel, breaks up with her, and she is ostracized by her peers. Later, she becomes a popular online fan fiction writer. In the present, Kat starts hosting cam sessions and uses the money to buy a new wardrobe. Jules tells Rue she will not remain friends with her if she keeps using drugs. At her Narcotics Anonymous meeting, Rue says she is 60 days sober; another attendee, Ali, tells her he knows she is lying. Rue helps Jules take nude photos of herself after Nate sends her a "dick pic". Rue steals pills from Jules' kitchen. Maddy is shocked to find dick pics on Nate's phone. Rue and Jules argue after Jules reveals her plans to meet "Tyler" alone at night. Shortly after, Rue goes to Jules' house to apologize and ends up kissing Jules. Embarrassed, Rue visits Fez to get drugs, but, afraid for her well-being, refuses to give any and locks her out of his house. Rue, upset, blames Fez for causing her addiction. She calls Ali for help. The title of this episode is a reference to the 2002 Nas song "Made You Look" from his sixth studio album, God's Son.
4	4	"Shook Ones Pt. II"	Sam Levinson	Sam Levinson	July 7, 2019 (2019-07-07)	0.609[13]
Aged 11, Jules is admitted to a psychiatric hospital because of her gender dysphoria and self-harming. Later, she begins transitioning. In the present day, at a carnival, Nate and Maddy have an argument, and Nate grabs her by the throat after publicly insulting his family. McKay upsets Cassie by refusing to acknowledge her as his girlfriend. Cassie and Maddy take MDMA. Cassie flirts with a classmate, Kat's childhood sweetheart Daniel. Jules recognizes Nate's father as the man she had sex with at the motel. Kat hangs out with a classmate, Ethan, but becomes jealous when she incorrectly presumes him flirting with another girl and ends up having sex with an older boy. Rue looks for her sister, Gia, and finds her stoned. Cal confronts Jules, begging her not to reveal their secret but she reassures him that she will not tell anyone. After the carnival, Jules meets up with "Tyler" and discovers he is actually Nate. Nate threatens to report the nudes Jules has sent him as child pornography unless she keeps quiet about her relationship with his father. Jules goes to Rue's house and they kiss. The title of this episode is a reference to the 1995 Mobb Deep song "Shook Ones (Part II)" from the duo's second album, The Infamous.
5	5	"'03 Bonnie and Clyde"	Jennifer Morrison	Sam Levinson	July 14, 2019 (2019-07-14)	0.579[14]
As a child, Maddy loved to compete in beauty pageants until her mother barred her from further participating after hearing about a molestation case. Years later, she lies to Nate about being a virgin and they begin a relationship. In the present day, Rue tells her mother that she is dating Jules. Maddy tries to hide the bruises on her neck that Nate caused at the carnival, but they are discovered after passing out at school and a police investigation begins. Both Maddy and Nate deny that he hurt her, but Maddy's mother presses charges. Jules gets frustrated when Rue does not take her situation with Cal seriously. Ali does not believe that Rue and Jules' relationship will last, which scares Rue. Cassie stops seeing Daniel and goes back to McKay, who apologizes for his behavior at the carnival. Kat is cold towards Ethan, who does not understand why. Kat hooks up with a clothing store clerk. Rue apologizes to Lexi for having been a bad friend and invites her to go rollerskating with her and Juels. Cal questions the effects his secret life may have had on his children. Maddy meets Nate at a motel. After rollerskating, Jules takes Rue home with her, but cannot sleep. The title of this episode is a reference to the 2002 Jay-Z and Beyoncé song "'03 Bonnie & Clyde" from his seventh studio album, The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse.
6	6	"The Next Episode"	Pippa Bianco	Sam Levinson	July 21, 2019 (2019-07-21)	0.569[16]
Growing up, McKay is coached by his father to become a successful football player. When he reaches college, he realizes he has little chance of going pro. In the present day, Nate is suspended from school. He and his family are turned away from a restaurant. Nate breaks into Tyler's apartment and coerces him into confessing to choking Maddy. He also blackmails Jules into telling the police that she witnessed the alleged attack. Kat gains popularity as a cam girl. Cassie attends a Halloween party with McKay, where he is violently hazed[15] by his fraternity brothers. He then has aggressive sex with Cassie, which leaves her in tears. The following night, Daniel hosts a party. Rue worries about Jules, who is drinking heavily. Rue apologizes to Fez for lashing out at him. Kat hooks up with Ethan but soon ditches him when he visits the bathroom. When Cassie refuses to have sex with Daniel, he insults her. At home, Cassie realizes her period is late. Nate and Maddy turn up to Daniel's party and are applauded by the partygoers. Rue becomes suspicious when she sees Jules' reaction. The title of this episode is a reference to the third single "The Next Episode" from American rapper Dr. Dre 's 1999 second studio album, 2001, featuring Snoop Dogg.
7	7	"The Trials and Tribulations of Trying to Pee While Depressed"	Sam Levinson	Sam Levinson	July 28, 2019 (2019-07-28)	0.549[17]
Cassie's parents get divorced when she is in her early teens. Following a car accident, her father descended into drug addiction and poverty and abandons their family. Because of this, she frequently got into exploitative sexual relationships with guys, until she met McKay. In the present, Rue falls into a depression with manic episodes after Jules grows distant. After she and Lexi realize what Nate did to Jules, Rue asks Fez to intimidate him. He does so, but Nate retaliates by anonymously reporting Fez to the police as a drug dealer, forcing Fez and Ashtray to dispose of their stash when the police show up to their home. Maddy confronts Kat over her new, assertive persona. Kat ends a cam session with a high-paying client when it makes her uncomfortable. Cassie tells McKay that she is pregnant. He is overwhelmed and suggests she get an abortion. Jules visits TC, a friend from her old town, and meets TC's roommate, Anna. Jules and Anna go clubbing, get high and share a sexual experience, during which Jules hallucinates about both Nate and Rue. She texts Rue to tell her that she misses her.
8	8	"And Salt the Earth Behind You"	Sam Levinson	Sam Levinson	August 4, 2019 (2019-08-04)	0.530[18]
Rue and Jules reconcile as Rue recovers in hospital after a kidney infection. Nate is unable to get an erection with Maddy, who confronts him about his sexuality, causing Nate to get physical with her. When Nate goes into the shower, Maddy steals the video of Cal and Jules that Nate has in his possession, goes home to watch it and is shocked by what she sees. Nate wins his final high-school football game, but his father, Cal, criticizes his performance. Nate attempts to fight him but after being subdued, he begins to hit himself, leaving Cal shaken. Cassie terminates her pregnancy with the support of her mother and sister. Fez breaks into the house of Mouse's supplier and robs him in order to pay Mouse. At the winter formal, Kat seeks out Ethan and apologizes for her behavior. Rue confronts Nate, threatening to expose Cal. Nate taunts her about Jules' loyalty. After spending the night trying to one up each other, Nate and Maddy peacefully decide to end their relationship. Jules admits to Rue that she is in love with both her and Anna. Rue and Jules decide to leave town together, but Rue backs out at the last minute and Jules leaves on a train alone. Returning home, heartbroken, Rue snorts oxycodone and experiences a vivid and musical hallucination, leaving her fate unknown.

Specials (2020–21)[]

No. overall	No. special	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	U.S. viewers (millions)
9	1	"Trouble Don't Last Always" "Part 1: Rue"	Sam Levinson	Sam Levinson	December 6, 2020 (2020-12-06)[a]	0.236[20]
On Christmas Eve, following her relapse, an intoxicated Rue sits at a diner with Ali to reflect on her addiction. Rue admits that she willingly relapsed with little hesitation; Ali reminds her that addiction is a disease, and emphasizes the importance of committing to a cause greater than herself. Rue attempts to blame Jules for her relapse, but Ali points out that Rue had been saving the pills she ultimately used, suggesting that she was never serious about staying clean. He also notes that Rue never officially acknowledged her relationship with Jules. Rue eventually admits that she does not forgive herself for her treatment of her family (particularly her mother), and that she is suicidal. Ali argues that drugs fundamentally change a person; he reveals that he grew up with an abusive father for whom he harbored deep hatred, only to become violent with his own wife after developing a drug addiction, ultimately estranging his two daughters. Ali tells Rue that a refusal to forgive oneself for one's mistakes is what prevents personal change, and that he has faith in her ability to improve.
10	2	"Fuck Anyone Who's Not a Sea Blob" "Part 2: Jules"	Sam Levinson	Sam Levinson & Hunter Schafer	January 24, 2021 (2021-01-24)[b]	0.109[22]
On Christmas Eve, after leaving Rue behind at the train station, Jules attends her first therapy session. Jules cites Rue as the only person she believes loved her for who she truly was, but admits feeling resentful over the burden of having to preserve Rue's sobriety by being constantly available to her. Flashbacks reveal that Jules' mother was recovering from addiction during the events of season 1, but was hospitalized as the result of a relapse after overhearing Jules admit she cannot forgive her for abandoning her as a child. Jules' therapist observes that Jules' complicated feelings about Rue closely resemble those she has about her own mother. Jules further confides that she is still in love with "Tyler", the fake online persona Nate used to anonymously communicate with her, despite knowing that her conception of their relationship is a fantasy. Jules tells her therapist that she is contemplating going off her hormone replacement therapy due to her evolving notion of her own femininity, which she believes she has only expressed in terms of male desires of womanhood. Upon returning home, Jules receives a surprise visit from Rue, who says she is on her way to meet Ali. Jules tries to apologize to Rue for leaving her, but an emotional Rue simply wishes Jules a merry Christmas before abruptly leaving. Jules breaks down crying in her bedroom.

Production[]

Development[]

On June 1, 2017, it was announced that HBO was developing an adaptation of the 2012 Israeli television series Euphoria created by Ron Leshem, Daphna Levin, and Tmira Yardeni. The production was expected to be written by Sam Levinson, who was also set to executive-produce alongside Leshem, Levin, Yardeni, Hadas Mozes Lichtenstein, Mirit Toovi, Yoram Mokadi, and Gary Lennon.^[23] Levinson based the series on his own experiences as a teenager, including his struggles with anxiety, depression, and drug addiction.^[24] He stated, "There is this consistent anxiety that I think exists in this generation, that I think, informed the whole filmmaking process..."^[25]

On March 13, 2018, HBO programming president Casey Bloys announced at the INTV conference in Jerusalem that the network had given the production a pilot order. It was further announced that A24 would serve as a production company for the pilot.^[26] On March 27, 2018, it was announced that Augustine Frizzell would direct the pilot episode and serve as co-executive producer.^[27] On July 30, 2018, it was announced that HBO had given the production a series order and that every episode of the series will be written by Levinson. Additional executive producers were to include Drake, Future the Prince, Ravi Nandan, and Kevin Turen, while production companies involved included A24 Television.^[5]

On July 11, 2019, the series was renewed for a second season.^[8]

The promotional posters for the series were designed by Percival & Associates.^[28][29]

HBO ordered two special episodes to air before the second season. The first one, titled "Trouble Don't Last Always", premiered on December 6, 2020, and follows Rue as she deals with the aftermath of leaving Jules at the train station and relapsing.^[30] The second special, titled "Fuck Anyone Who's Not a Sea Blob", premiered on January 24, 2021, and follows Jules's side of the story.^[31]

Writing[]

Zendaya explained how the second season would reveal some strong development for the series' characters. She also said, "It's a challenging season. It's gonna be hard and it's gonna be devastating sometimes, but I think Rue really deserves all of that care when it comes to her character, because I think she represents a lot for so many people." She later stated that the second season would "not be a fun watch".^[32][33]

Casting[]

On June 7, 2018, it was announced that the pilot would star Zendaya, Storm Reid, Maude Apatow, Astro, Eric Dane, Angus Cloud, Alexa Demie, Jacob Elordi, Barbie Ferreira, Nika King, Hunter Schafer, and Sydney Sweeney.^[34] On October 31, 2018, it was reported that Algee Smith had been cast to replace Astro in the series regular role of McKay. It was further reported that Austin Abrams had also been cast in the series.^[35] In April 2020, it was announced Kelvin Harrison Jr. had joined the cast of the second season. In May 2021, however, it was announced that Harrison had dropped out of the role due to scheduling conflicts.^[36][37] In August 2021, it was announced that Dominic Fike, Minka Kelly, and Demetrius "Lil Meech" Flenory Jr. had joined the cast for the second season.^[38]

Filming[]

Confirmed locations include Sony Studios in Los Angeles, Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, and Ulysses S Grant High School in Valley Glen.^[39] Production for the second season was scheduled to start in the second quarter of 2020, with the first table read taking place on March 11.^[40] However, it was delayed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.^[41][42] Production on the second season began in March 2021, with filming following in April 2021.^[43]

Music[]

Euphoria's score was composed by English singer, songwriter, and record producer Labrinth. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he stated, "When you look back to your teenage days, it feels semi-magical but semi-crazy and semi-psychotic. I wanted to make sure the music felt like those things."^[44] The song "All for Us", performed by Labrinth and Zendaya, is hinted throughout season one, but has the large musical number acted out at the very end of the season finale.^[45]

The show also makes unusually extensive^[46] use of popular music, including hip-hop, trap, R&B, experimental, indie rock, standards and doo-wop, with some episodes featuring over 20 songs.^[47][48] For their work on Euphoria's first season, music supervisors Jen Malone (who also supervises Atlanta) and Adam Leber won the 2020 Guild of Music Supervisors Award for Best Music Supervision in a Television Drama.^[49]

Season 1 albums[]

Score[]

Euphoria (Original Score from the HBO Series)
Soundtrack album by Labrinth
Released	October 4, 2019 (2019-10-04)
Genre	Soundtrack
Length	63:13
Label	Milan Records (Sony Masterworks)

The score album for the first season was released by Sony Masterworks through Milan Records on October 4, 2019, for digital download.^[50] It was also released on vinyl on January 10, 2020.^[51]

Track listing: Score

No.	Title	Length
1.	"New Girl"	1:02
2.	"Formula"	1:31
3.	"Preparing for Call"	0:28
4.	"Forever"	3:22
5.	"Planning Date"	1:41
6.	"Nate Growing Up"	2:33
7.	"Home from Rehab"	0:43
8.	"We All Knew"	3:01
9.	"Say Goodnight"	0:43
10.	"Shy Guy"	1:25
11.	"Following Tyler"	1:28
12.	"Still Don't Know My Name"	2:33
13.	"Kat's Denial"	1:30
14.	"Slideshow"	0:56
15.	"Family Vacation"	0:22
16.	"Grapefruit Diet"	1:35
17.	"WTF Are We Talking For"	2:51
18.	"Euphoria Funfair"	10:07
19.	"The Lake"	3:45
20.	"Maddy's Story"	4:51
21.	"Demanding Excellence"	3:30
22.	"McKay & Cassie"	1:32
23.	"Gangster"	2:30
24.	"When I R.I.P."	2:54
25.	"Arriving at the Formal"	5:58
26.	"Virgin Piña Coladas"	0:22
Total length:		63:13

Soundtrack[]

A separate soundtrack album was released by Interscope Records on May 14, 2021. It feature a selection of songs from the first season as well as two songs from the special episode "Fuck Anyone Who's Not a Sea Blob".^[52]

Euphoria (Season 1 Soundtrack)
Soundtrack album by various artists
Released	May 12, 2021 (2021-05-12)
Genre	Soundtrack
Label	Interscope Records

Track listing: Soundtrack

No.	Title	Artist(s)	Length
1.	"All For Us"	Labrinth and Zendaya	3:12
2.	"Mount Everest"	Labrinth	2:37
3.	"Fly Me To The Moon (In Other Words)"	Bobby Womack	2:08
4.	"Even the Nights Are Better"	Air Supply	3:52
5.	"Work"	Charlotte Day Wilson	3:44
6.	"Champagne Coast"	Blood Orange	4:52
7.	"Taking Responsibility"	Kilo Kish	3:29
8.	"Run The Road"	Santigold	4:22
9.	"Hot"	The Last Artful, Dodgr	3:10
10.	"Be Mine"	Amandla Stenberg	3:40
11.	"My Body Is A Cage"	Arcade Fire	4:47
12.	"Lo Vas a Olvidar"	Billie Eilish and Rosalía	3:23
13.	"Love Me Low"	Ai Bendr	2:29

Reception[]

Critical response[]

Season 1[]

The first season was met with a positive response from critics, with much of the praise going to its acting, story, visuals, and approach to mature subject matter. On the review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes the first season has a positive score of 80%, with an average rating of 7.3/10 based on 97 critical reviews,^[53] resulting in it being designated "Certified Fresh". The website's critical consensus summary states, "Though at times hard to watch, Euphoria balances its brutal honesty with an empathetic – and visually gorgeous – eye to create a uniquely challenging and illuminating series, held together by a powerfully understated performance from Zendaya."^[53] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 68 out of 100, based on 26 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".^[54]

Ben Travers of IndieWire praised the show's authenticity and how HBO "grounds itself in stark reality." As well, he praised Zendaya's performance and narration, and how she manages to fulfill the leading role.^[55] Tim Goodman of The Hollywood Reporter praised Zendaya's performance and the handling of the subject matter.^[56] Pilot Vireut of Observer praised the show as being visually stunning, as well as the ensemble performance, but criticized the writing as "shaky, filled with clunky lines", and recommended that the show "keep its focus narrow".^[57]

The series garnered criticism from the conservative Parents Television Council after it was reported that one of the episodes contained "close to 30 penises [flashing] onscreen" and the onscreen statutory rape of a character. The Parent Television Council also criticized the show for marketing "graphic adult content" towards teens.^[58]

Specials[]

The first of the two special episodes received critical acclaim for its writing, performances, and shift in tone and content from the first season. On Rotten Tomatoes, the episode has a score of 96%, with an average rating of 8.44/10 based on 23 critical reviews. The website's critical consensus reads, "Euphoria slows down the tempo without losing the beat in a special episode that pairs a raw Zendaya with a steady Colman Domingo to create small screen magic."^[59] On Metacritic, the episode has a weighted average score of 84 out of 100, based on 10 reviews, indicating "universal acclaim".^[60]

The second of the two special episodes also received critical acclaim, with particular praise for Schafer's performance, as well as the episode's distinct directorial approach, its emotional resonance, and its exploration of trans identity. On Rotten Tomatoes, the episode has a score of 93%, with an average rating of 7.58/10 based on 15 critical reviews. The website's critical consensus reads, "By centering on Jules' journey, F*ck Anyone Who is Not a Sea Blob adds welcome depth to her character and gives Hunter Schafer plenty of room to shine."^[61] On Metacritic, the episode has an average weighted score of 78 out of 100, based on 10 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews."^[62]

Ratings[]

The show's premiere averaged 577,000 viewers in its time slot, a number which increased to one million following the same-night linear replay and preliminary viewing on HBO Go/Now. The hashtag #EuphoriaHBO trended number one in the United States and number three worldwide on Twitter after the premiere.^[63]

Season 1[]

Viewership and ratings per episode of Euphoria

No.	Title	Air date	Rating (18–49)	Viewers (millions)	DVR (18–49)	DVR viewers (millions)	Total (18–49)	Total viewers (millions)
1	"Pilot"	June 16, 2019	0.17	0.577[10]	0.08	0.225	0.25	0.802[64]
2	"Stuntin' Like My Daddy"	June 23, 2019	0.20	0.574[11]	0.07	0.200	0.27	0.774[65]
3	"Made You Look"	June 30, 2019	0.19	0.493[12]	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
4	"Shook Ones Pt. II"	July 7, 2019	0.21	0.609[13]	0.10	0.218	0.31	0.827[66]
5	"'03 Bonnie and Clyde"	July 14, 2019	0.21	0.579[14]	0.13	0.289	0.34	0.868[67]
6	"The Next Episode"	July 21, 2019	0.20	0.569[16]	0.12	0.266	0.32	0.835[68]
7	"The Trials and Tribulations of Trying to Pee While Depressed"	July 28, 2019	0.19	0.549[17]	0.13	0.297	0.32	0.846[69]
8	"And Salt the Earth Behind You"	August 4, 2019	0.21	0.530[18]	0.12	0.273	0.33	0.803[70]

Specials[]

Viewership and ratings per episode of Euphoria

No.	Title	Air date	Rating (18–49)	Viewers (millions)	DVR (18–49)	DVR viewers (millions)	Total (18–49)	Total viewers (millions)
1	"Trouble Don't Last Always"	December 6, 2020	0.08	0.236[20]	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD
2	"Fuck Anyone Who's Not a Sea Blob"	January 24, 2021	0.02	0.109[22]	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD

Awards and nominations[]

Year	Award	Category	Nominee(s)	Result	Ref.
2019	People's Choice Awards	Favorite Drama TV Star	Zendaya	Won	[72]
	Satellite Awards	Best Actress – Television Series Drama	Zendaya	Won	[73]
2020	American Cinema Editors Awards	Best Edited Drama Series for Non-Commercial Television	Julio C. Perez IV (for "Pilot")	Nominated	[74]
	Art Directors Guild Awards	One-Hour Contemporary Single-Camera Series	Kay Lee	Nominated	[75]
	Black Reel Awards for Television	Outstanding Actress, Drama Series	Zendaya	Won	[76]
	British Academy Television Awards	Best International Programme	Sam Levinson, Ravi Nandan, Kevin Turen and Drake	Nominated	[77]
	Critics' Choice Television Awards	Best Actress in a Drama Series	Zendaya	Nominated	[78]
	GLAAD Media Awards	Outstanding Drama Series	Euphoria	Nominated	[79]
	Guild of Music Supervisors Awards	Best Music Supervision – Television Drama	Adam Leber and Jen Malone	Won	[80]
	Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards	Best Contemporary Make-Up	Doniella Davy and Kristen Coleman	Nominated	[81]
	Primetime Emmy Awards	Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series	Zendaya (for "Made You Look")	Won	[82]
	Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards	Outstanding Contemporary Costumes	Heidi Bivens, Danielle Baker and Katina Danabassis (for "The Next Episode")	Nominated	[83]
		Outstanding Contemporary Makeup (Non-Prosthetic)	Doniella Davy, Kirsten Sage Coleman and Tara Lang Shah (for "And Salt the Earth Behind You")	Won
		Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score)	Labrinth (for "'03 Bonnie and Clyde")	Nominated
		Outstanding Music Supervision	Jen Malone and Adam Leber (for "And Salt the Earth Behind You")	Nominated
		Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics	"All for Us" – Labrinth (for "And Salt the Earth Behind You")	Won
	TCA Awards	Outstanding Achievement in Drama	Euphoria	Nominated	[84]
2021	American Cinema Editors Awards	Best Edited Drama Series for Non-Commercial Television	Julio C. Perez IV (for "Trouble Don't Last Always")	Nominated	[85]
	BET Awards	Best Actress	Zendaya (also for Malcolm & Marie)	Nominated	[86]
	Casting Society of America	Television Pilot and First Season – Drama	Mary Vernieu, Jessica Kelly, Jennifer Venditti and Bret Howe	Won	[87]
	Costume Designers Guild Awards	Excellence in Contemporary Television	Heidi Bivens (for "Trouble Don't Last Always")	Nominated	[88]
	Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards	Best Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or Television Movie	Colman Domingo	Pending	[89]
		Best Actress in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or Television Movie	Zendaya	Pending
		Best Broadcast Network or Cable Limited Series, Anthology Series or Live-Action Television Movie	Euphoria Two-Part Special	Pending
	Hollywood Music in Media Awards	Best Original Song in a TV Show/Limited Series	"All for Us" – Labrinth	Won	[90]
	Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards	Best Contemporary Hair Styling	Melanie Smith and Kaity Licina (for "Trouble Don't Last Always")	Nominated	[91]
	Peabody Awards	Entertainment	"Trouble Don't Last Always"	Nominated	[92]
	Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards	Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (One Hour)	Marcell Rév (for "Trouble Don't Last Always")	Pending	[93]
		Outstanding Contemporary Costumes	Heidi Bivens, Devon Patterson and Angelina Vitto (for "Fuck Anyone Who's Not a Sea Blob")	Pending
		Outstanding Contemporary Makeup (Non-Prosthetic)	Doniella Davy and Tara Lang Shah (for "Fuck Anyone Who's Not a Sea Blob")	Pending
	Satellite Awards	Best Actress – Miniseries or Television Film	Zendaya (for "Trouble Don't Last Always")	Nominated	[94]
	Writers Guild of America Awards	Television: Episodic Drama	Sam Levinson (for "Trouble Don't Last Always")	Nominated	[95]

References[]

External links[]

• Official website
• Euphoria at IMDb 
• Euphoria at Rotten Tomatoes