From the glitter raves that dominated COVID-era social media to the intense X (formerly Twitter) discourse that unfolded after every episode’s premiere, “Euphoria” has proved itself to be a pop culture phenomenon in every respect. However, many people have voiced their concerns online as the third season has recently entered production after a three-year hiatus, asking whether or not a new season is even necessary, especially considering the passing of Angus Cloud who portrayed Fezco. Despite the uproar that this show has caused on virtually every front, there isn’t a doubt in my mind that this show still has gas in the tank and will set the internet ablaze yet again once it finally releases.
One of the primary reasons I am convinced that “Euphoria” will be an enduring success is because the show will be different from the previous seasons structurally. With a much-needed time jump taking place, the whole argument about the actors being too old to play high schoolers will finally be put to bed. A time jump will not only exponentially broaden everyone’s potential character arcs, but it will also give the actors a chance to shine in more complex and mature plots than the anything-but-typical high school shenanigans which they have been up to for the past two seasons. This time jump also gives leeway for addressing and getting rid of any lingering plotlines that would have eventually run stale, which proves immensely beneficial to characters who need a fresh start. (Cassie, please be sane this season — I can’t keep defending you to my friends!)
Another major point that proves the show is still absolutely a force to be reckoned with is the megawatt starpower of the show’s actors which has skyrocketed since the ending of the last season. With Sydney Sweeney and Jacob Elordi joining the ranks of Zendaya in becoming certified A-list celebrities, they provide a gargantuan draw to a show that would have potentially lost steam were it not for the talent that fills its roster. Marketing for the upcoming season will heavily rely on these actors, who have become major selling points for nearly every recent project they’ve been part of. It should also be noted that they are not the only stars among the cast with growing resumes; Hunter Schafer and Maude Apatow have both landed major roles in films throughout the hiatus. From a business perspective, it would be borderline blasphemous not to capitalize on a red hot cast like this when it is at your disposal for one more go-around.
Even though this star power makes the show what it is, it will also be losing some major players in the upcoming season, solidifying the concerns voiced by those online. With the exits of Angus Cloud followed by Barbie Ferreira and Storm Reid, the cast is losing some of its charm as these actors and their characters provided a stable base for the more hectic and frankly delinquent lives of their counterparts. During the past season, we were almost out of touch with reality as Rue’s addiction and drug dealing soared to new heights and Lexi’s (somehow approved) school play served as the catalyst for the long-anticipated Maddie vs. Cassie brawl. As these characters fully descend into madness, they will lose the relatability that made them so accessible in the show’s earlier episodes.
Overall, even though the show’s quality is up in the air as it enters its third season, we at least know that it will be entertaining to see our favorite messy drug addicts back on screen for what may be their last hurrah. Though it will still be months before we lay our eyes upon the opening sequence of a new episode, I am already mentally prepared to foray into the glitter- and neon-soaked world which Sam Levinson has so carefully constructed.
