It's official: Euphoria will be back for season 3. While this is undoubtedly great news for fans of the show, it isn't exactly the surprise of the century. Euphoria has become one of HBO's most popular shows, a trend that has increased with its acclaimed second season. It was just recently reported how season 2 managed to increase viewership from the first season by almost 100%. Now, the news has been made official, as announced by HBO on Friday.
“Sam, Zendaya, and the entire cast and crew of Euphoria have taken Season 2 to extraordinary heights, challenging narrative convention and form, while maintaining its heart,” HBO programming EVP Francesca Orsi said in a statement, per TVLine. “We couldn’t be more honored to work with this gifted, wildly talented team or more excited to continue our journey with them into season 3.”
Euphoria is created, directed, and written by executive producer Sam Levinson. Based on the Iraeli series of the same name, the show follows teenager Rue (Zendaya) on her journey to find hope while dealing with the pressures of grief and addiction. The series also stars Hunter Schafer, Nika King, Eric Dane, Angus Cloud, Jacob Elordi, Algee Smith, Sydney Sweeney, Alexa Demie, Barbie Ferreira, Maude Apatow, Javon Walton, Dominic Fike, Storm Reid, and Austin Abrams.
Euphoria first premiered on HBO in 2019 and was renewed for its second season soon after. There were two one-hour specials which aired in 2020 and 2021 to bridge the gap between the two seasons before season 2 premiered on HBO in January. Let's hope the wait for season 3 is not quite as long a fans had to hold on for season 2.
Zendaya Made History With an Emmy-Winning Performance on Euphoria
Euphoria is also a record-setting show thanks to Zendaya leading the cast with her starring role. For her role as Rue, Zendaya won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. This win made her the youngest ever recipient of that award. Certainly, the series would not be the same with anyone else in the role of Rue. Down to the character's dancing skills, Zendaya has done a lot to make this role her own.
"Yeah, I mean it seems that her most blissful moments are aided in some way," Zendaya said of her character's dancing, per Decider. "I think those moments remind us of why she does it in the first place. I think it's her way of dealing with life and coping with it and trying to stay above water and be happy in the only way she knows how. I think that is a moment for her, when we live inside of her brain, that's joyous and beautiful until we zoom out and remember what's happening. There's a very harsh reality to what's happening to her."
Euphoria will conclude its second season on Sunday, Feb. 27, on HBO. The series can also be streamed on HBO Max. The cabler has not yet set a premiere date for the third season.