Euphoria (American TV series)

Euphoria
File:Euphoria intertitle.png
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 Javon “Wanna” Walton Austin Abrams Dominic Fike
Narrated by	Zendaya
Composer	Labrinth
Country of origin	United States
Original language	English
No. of seasons	2
No. of episodes	12 (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 Will Greenfield Ashley Levinson
Producers	Tyler Romary Philipp A. Barnett Jamie Feldman Kenneth Yu Harrison Kreiss
Cinematography	Marcell Rév André Chemetoff Drew Daniels Adam Newport-Berra
Editors	Julio C. Perez IV Laura Zempel Harry Yoon
Camera setup	Single-camera
Running time	48–65 minutes
Production companies	The Reasonable Bunch A24 Little Lamb DreamCrew HBO Entertainment
Original release
Network	HBO
Release	June 16, 2019 (2019-06-16) – present (present)

Euphoria is an American teen drama television series created and written by Sam Levinson for HBO. It is based on the Israeli television miniseries of the same name created by Ron Leshem and Daphna Levin. The series follows a group of high school students through their experiences of identity, trauma, drugs, friendships, love, and sex. It 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, Colman Domingo, Javon Walton, Austin Abrams, and Dominic Fike.

The series premiered on June 16, 2019. In July 2019, it was renewed for a second season, preceded by two one-hour specials broadcast in December 2020 and January 2021. The second season premiered on January 9, 2022.

Since its debut, Euphoria has received critical acclaim, with praise for its cinematography, story, score, performances of the cast (particularly Zendaya and Schafer), and approach to its mature subject matter, though it was controversial for its nudity and sexual content, which some critics found 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 a Satellite Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series.

Cast and characters

Main article: List of Euphoria characters

• Zendaya as Rue Bennett, a recovering teenage drug addict who is fresh out of rehab and struggling to find her place in the world. She serves as the series' narrator.
• Maude Apatow as Lexi Howard, Rue's childhood best friend and Cassie's younger sister.
• Angus Cloud as Fezco, a local drug dealer with a close relationship to Rue.
• Eric Dane as Cal Jacobs, Nate's strict, demanding father with a double life.
• Alexa Demie as Maddy Perez, Nate's on-and-off girlfriend.
• Jacob Elordi as Nate Jacobs, a high school athlete whose anger issues mask his sexual insecurities.
• Barbie Ferreira as Kat Hernandez, a girl fighting for body positivity while 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 enters a turbulent relationship with Rue after moving into town.
• Algee Smith as Chris McKay, a young football player and Cassie's ex-boyfriend who is having difficulties adjusting to college.
• Sydney Sweeney as Cassie Howard, Lexi's older sister and McKay's ex-girlfriend with an infamous sexual past that continues to haunt her.
• Colman Domingo as Ali ("Trouble Don't Last Always"; recurring season 1–present), a man in recovery from substance use disorder who often speaks at Rue's Narcotics Anonymous meetings and eventually becomes her sponsor.
• Javon "Wanna" Walton as Ashtray (season 2; recurring season 1), Fez's "little brother" and a drug dealer.
• Austin Abrams as Ethan Lewis (season 2; recurring season 1), Kat's love interest.
• Dominic Fike as Elliot (season 2), a new friend of Rue's, who comes between her and Jules.

Episodes

Season	Episodes		Originally released
			First released	Last released
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)
2	8		January 9, 2022 (2022-01-09)	February 27, 2022 (2022-02-27)

Season 1 (2019)

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original release date	U.S. viewers (millions)
1	1	"Pilot"	Augustine Frizzell	Teleplay by : Sam Levinson	June 16, 2019 (2019-06-16)	0.577
Growing up, Rue Bennett struggled with multiple mental disorders, which lead to drug addiction in her teens. Now 17, Rue returns home from rehab and immediately buys drugs from her friend and drug dealer Fezco ("Fez"). Jules, a transgender girl who is new in town, is invited by Kat, a classmate, to a party hosted by a popular college freshman, Christopher McKay. Jules opts instead first to meet up at a motel with an older man from a hookup app. 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 quarterback Nate Jacobs, publicly has revenge sex with a partygoer named Tyler. Angered by this, Nate drunkenly harasses Jules, who threatens Nate with a knife before 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 was Jules's hookup. Featured character: Rue Bennett
2	2	"Stuntin' Like My Daddy"	Sam Levinson	Sam Levinson	June 23, 2019 (2019-06-23)	0.574
At 11, 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 becomes 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 13 (the drug was prescribed 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 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 texting is Nate, using the name "Tyler". Featured character: Nate Jacobs. 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
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 camming 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's 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 thereafter, Rue goes to Jules's house to apologize and ends up kissing her. Embarrassed, Rue visits Fez to get drugs, but, afraid for her well-being, he refuses to give her any and locks her out of his house. Upset, Rue blames Fez for her addiction. She calls Ali for help. Featured character: Kat Hernandez. 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
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 she insults 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 Cal as the man she had sex with at the motel. Kat hangs out with a classmate, Ethan, but becomes jealous when she incorrectly thinks he is 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; she assures him that she will not tell anyone. After the carnival, Jules meets up with "Tyler" and discovers he is 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. Featured character: Jules Vaughn. 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
As a child, Maddy loved to compete in beauty pageants until her mother barred her from 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 she passes 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's and Jules's 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 toward Ethan, who does not understand why. Kat gives a blowjob to a clothing store clerk. Rue apologizes to Lexi for having been a bad friend and invites her to go rollerskating with her and Jules. Cal questions the effects his secret life has had on his children. Maddy meets Nate at a motel. After rollerskating, Jules takes Rue home with her, but cannot sleep. Featured character: Maddy Perez. 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
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 saw Tyler rape Maddy. Kat gains popularity as a camgirl. Cassie attends a Halloween party with McKay, where he is violently hazed by his fraternity brothers. He then has aggressive sex with Cassie, which leaves her in tears. The next 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 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 at Daniel's party and are applauded by the partygoers. Rue becomes suspicious when she sees Jules's reaction. Featured character: Chris McKay. The title of this episode is a reference to the third single, "The Next Episode", from American rapper Dr. Dre's 1999 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
Cassie's parents get divorced when she is in her early teens. After a car accident, her father descends into drug addiction and poverty and abandons their family. Because of this, she frequently gets into exploitative sexual relationships with guys, until she meets 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 come 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 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. Featured character: Cassie Howard
8	8	"And Salt the Earth Behind You"	Sam Levinson	Sam Levinson	August 4, 2019 (2019-08-04)	0.530
Rue and Jules reconcile as Rue recovers in the hospital after a kidney infection. Nate is unable to get an erection with Maddy, who confronts him about his sexuality, after which Nate attacks 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 Cal criticizes his performance. Nate attempts to fight him but after being subdued, 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's loyalty. After spending the night trying to one-up each other, Nate and Maddy peacefully decide to end their relationship. Jules tells 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, musical hallucination.

Specials (2020–21)

No. overall	No. in specials	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original release 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)	0.236
On Christmas Eve, after her relapse, an intoxicated Rue sits at a diner with Ali to reflect on her addiction. Rue admits that she willingly relapsed; 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 took, 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 feels guilty about 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 wife after developing a drug addiction, estranging his daughters. Ali tells Rue that a refusal to forgive oneself for one's mistakes is what prevents personal growth, and that he has faith in her ability to improve. Featured character: Rue Bennett
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)	0.109
On Christmas Eve, after leaving Rue behind at the train station, Jules attends her first therapy session. She says Rue is the only person she believes loved her for who she truly is, but admits resenting the burden of having to preserve Rue's sobriety by being constantly available to her. Flashbacks reveal that Jules's 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's therapist observes that Jules's 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 communicate with her, despite knowing that 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 expressed only to please men. 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. Featured character: Jules Vaughn

Season 2 (2022)

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original release date	U.S. viewers (millions)
11	1	"Trying to Get to Heaven Before They Close the Door"	Sam Levinson	Sam Levinson	January 9, 2022 (2022-01-09)	0.254
As a child, Fez was taken in by his grandmother, who introduced him to the drug trade. In a continuation of the scene from the season one finale, Ashtray kills Mouse with a hammer. On New Year's Eve, an intoxicated Rue accompanies Fez and Ashtray to a particularly intense drug deal (which ultimately succeeds) before attending a large house party. At a convenience store, a drunken Cassie runs into Nate, who offers her a ride to the party; upon arriving, the two have sex in the bathroom and are nearly interrupted by Maddy, forcing Cassie to hide in the bathtub. Rue takes a concoction of drugs with a boy named Elliot and nearly enters cardiac arrest before taking Adderall to stabilize her heartrate. Outside, she and Jules reunite, where Rue tells Jules that she relapsed the night Jules left her at the train station. Later, the two confess their feelings and kiss. Fez has a conversation with Lexi and they exchange phone numbers. He then confronts Nate and viciously beats him until the other partygoers stop him. Featured characters: Fezco and Ashtray. The title of the episode is a reference to "Tryin' to Get to Heaven" by Bob Dylan.
12	2	"Out of Touch"	Sam Levinson	Sam Levinson	January 16, 2022 (2022-01-16)	0.279
Nate recovers from his beating by Fez in the hospital and refuses to name his attacker to his father. He finds himself falling in love with Cassie, who has undergone a depressive episode since her abortion and feels inexperienced at being single. Cassie continues seeing Nate despite the guilt she feels at betraying Maddy, who is still in love with Nate. Jules becomes insecure about Rue's friendship with Elliot, unaware that the two have been frequently taking drugs together. Kat begins losing interest in Ethan. Cal begins investigating Nate's assault and pressures Cassie into naming Fez as the perpetrator; he and Fez have a tense standoff at Fez's convenience store, which Lexi witnesses. Cal then confronts Nate, who reveals that he is aware of Cal's secret sexual exploits and the recording of him having sex with Jules. Featured character: Nate Jacobs. The title of the episode is a reference to the 1984 Hall & Oates single "Out of Touch", from their 12th studio album, Big Bam Boom.
13	3	"Ruminations: Big and Little Bullys"	Unknown	Unknown	January 23, 2022 (2022-01-23)	N/A
Featured character: Cal Jacobs. The title of the episode is a reference to Robert Rauschenberg art with the same name.

Production

Development

Showrunner Sam Levinson in 2018.

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. In 2019, Levinson stated HBO executive Francesca Orsi liked the "raw and honest" portrayal of drug use and other teenage issues in the Israeli series. Levinson based the series on his own experiences as a teenager, including his struggles with anxiety, depression, and drug addiction. He said, "There is this consistent anxiety that I think exists in this generation that I think informed the whole filmmaking process".

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. In a press release, Orsi described the series "as Kids meets Trainspotting" with no parental supervision. On March 27, it was announced that Augustine Frizzell would direct the pilot and serve as co-executive producer. On July 30, it was announced that HBO had given the production a series order and that Levinson would write every episode. Additional executive producers were to include Drake, Future the Prince, Ravi Nandan, and Kevin Turen, while production companies involved included A24 Television. On July 11, 2019, the series was renewed for a second season.

HBO ordered two special episodes to air before the second season. The first, "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. The second, "Fuck Anyone Who's Not a Sea Blob", premiered on January 24, 2021, and follows Jules's side of the story.

Writing

Zendaya said season 2 would contain some strong development for the 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 said season 2 would "not be a fun watch".

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. On October 31, it was reported that Algee Smith had been cast to replace Astro as McKay, and that Austin Abrams had also been cast. In April 2020, it was announced that Kelvin Harrison Jr. had joined the cast, but in May 2021, it was announced that Harrison had dropped out due to scheduling conflicts. In August, it was announced that Dominic Fike, Minka Kelly, and Demetrius 'Lil Meech' Flenory Jr. had joined the cast.

Filming

Confirmed locations include Sony Studios in Los Angeles, Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, and Ulysses S Grant High School in Valley Glen. Production for season 2 was scheduled to start in the second quarter of 2020, with the first table read on March 11, but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Production of season 2 began in March 2021, with filming following from April to November.

Music

Euphoria's score is by English singer, songwriter, and record producer Labrinth. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he said, "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." The song "All for Us", performed by Labrinth and Zendaya, is hinted at throughout season 1 before being performed as a large musical number at the end of the season finale.

The show also makes unusually extensive use of popular music, including hip-hop, trap, R&B, experimental, indie rock, standards and doo-wop, with some episodes featuring over 20 songs. 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.

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. It was also released on vinyl on January 10, 2020.

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".

Euphoria Season 1 (An HBO Original Series Soundtrack)
Soundtrack album by various artists
Released	May 14, 2021 (2021-05-14)
Genre	Soundtrack
Length	42:33
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, 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." Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 68 out of 100, based on 26 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".

Ben Travers of IndieWire praised the show's authenticity, how HBO "grounds itself in stark reality", and Zendaya's performance and narration. Tim Goodman of The Hollywood Reporter praised Zendaya's performance and the handling of the subject matter. Pilot Viruet of Observer praised the show as 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".

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." On Metacritic, the episode has a weighted average score of 84 out of 100, based on 10 reviews, indicating "universal acclaim".

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, emotional resonance, and exploration of trans identity. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a score of 95%, with an average rating of 7.9/10 based on 22 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." On Metacritic, the episode has an average weighted score of 78 out of 100, based on 10 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews."

Season 2

The second season has received positive reviews, with critics praising the performances and visuals, but criticizing the season's pace and characterization. On the review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, the second season has a score of 79%, with an average rating of 7.4/10 based on 29 reviews. Metacritic assigned the season a score of 73 out of 100 based on 18 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".

Indiewire's Ben Travers criticized the sexual content but praised Zendaya's performance, writing, "After seven of the eight episodes, Season 2 is exactly what a drama seeking to spark conversation fears most: It’s skippable." Rebecca Nicholson for The Guardian gave the second season two out of five stars, writing, "this long-awaited second season has decided to lean into its crueller instincts." USA Today's Patrick Ryan praised the performances of Zendaya, Schafer, and Fike, but wrote that "the new episodes are much less captivating when they shift their focus away from Rue and Jules."

Criticism and controversy

Some commentators and organizations have criticized the show's explicit content, including self-harm, excessive drug use, and sexual material. The media advocacy group Parents Television and Media Council called the series "dark, depraved, degenerate and nihilistic" and asked HBO and AT&T to end it. Common Sense Media, which provides information relating to media's suitability for children, also noted the strong adult themes and advised against teenage viewership. One scene involving more than 30 instances of frontal male nudity was criticized by both critics and supporters alike, with Esquire calling it "pointlessly gratuitous". The Guardian wrote that writers and producers should find new and different ways to shock audiences.

Sam Levinson acknowledged the controversies about the show's content, saying that some parents will be "totally fucking freaked out". Augustine Frizzell, who directed the show's pilot episode, said that the explicit content should help foster a conversation between parents and teenagers. Levinson also said that he hopes the show "opens up a dialogue" due to the "disconnect between parents and teenagers". Zendaya issued a warning both before the show and season 2 premiere about its "deeply emotional subject matter". Although HBO did voice objections to some sexually graphic scenes, the network said it would not interfere with the show's "creative process". The show includes viewer discretion warnings and a website for mental health and other support group resources.

Ratings

The show's premiere averaged 577,000 viewers in its time slot, a number that increased to one million after 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. The first season was the most watched of HBO's series in the 18–49 demographic. The season 2 premiere drew 2.4 million viewers across all HBO platforms, a series high. It also marked the strongest digital premiere night performance for any episode of an HBO series since HBO Max’s launch.

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	0.08	0.225	0.25	0.802
2	"Stuntin' Like My Daddy"	June 23, 2019	0.20	0.574	0.07	0.200	0.27	0.774
3	"Made You Look"	June 30, 2019	0.19	0.493	—	—	—	—
4	"Shook Ones Pt. II"	July 7, 2019	0.21	0.609	0.10	0.218	0.31	0.827
5	"'03 Bonnie and Clyde"	July 14, 2019	0.21	0.579	0.13	0.289	0.34	0.868
6	"The Next Episode"	July 21, 2019	0.20	0.569	0.12	0.266	0.32	0.835
7	"The Trials and Tribulations of Trying to Pee While Depressed"	July 28, 2019	0.19	0.549	0.13	0.297	0.32	0.846
8	"And Salt the Earth Behind You"	August 4, 2019	0.21	0.530	0.12	0.273	0.33	0.803

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	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD
2	"Fuck Anyone Who's Not a Sea Blob"	January 24, 2021	0.02	0.109	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD

Season 2

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	"Trying to Get to Heaven Before They Close the Door"	January 9, 2022	0.08	0.254	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD
2	"Out of Touch"	January 16, 2022	0.09	0.279	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD

Euphoria : U.S. viewers per episode (thousands)

Season		Episode number								Average
		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
	1	577	574	493	609	579	569	549	530	560
	Specials	236	109	–						173
	2	254	279	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD

Audience measurement performed by Nielsen Media Research

Awards and nominations

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

External links

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