All Of The Euphoria Season 3 Controversy In One Place

Euphoria season 3 is here — and so are the controversies.

The show’s third season has been a long time coming, and now that it’s finally here, early reviews are indicating that it may not even be worth the wait.

The HBO series has been rife with controversy ahead of the season 3 launch. From cast feuds to questionable plot details to Sam Levinson in general, there’s a lot to unpack.

Here’s all the controversies you need to know about.

1. The delays

It’s no secret that Euphoria season three has been a long time coming. The show’s second season landed in early 2022 — over four years ago, nonetheless.

This delay is due to a lot of things. Covid, the LA wildfires, and pinning the cast down, many of whom have been booked and busy the past few years. And, of course, aged.

Euphoria was initially set in a high school, but this considerable delay between seasons has led to a five year timeline jump.

A necessary move? Yes. Sure to disrupt the natural progression of the show and growth of the characters? Absolutely.

2. The plot

Euphoria has always pushed the boundaries of what it means to be a young person in America.

In the past the series has dealt with issues like addiction, drug use, sex work, trauma, infidelity, and death — in a way that was provocative, but largely artistic.

Season three is, judging by trailers and early reviews, not that. The new season appears to be preoccupied by (and judgemental of) sex work, featuring exploitative storylines that humiliate its female characters.

The Guardian called it “a humourless work of torture porn” while Mashable dubbed it “an exercise in fetishisation.” Yikes.

3. The contractual obligations

For awhile now there have been reports of creative differences and walkouts on the Euphoria set.

Back in season 2, it was reported that Barbie Ferreira and Levinson engaged in multiple disagreements around Kat’s story development, though Ferreira later said, “I never walked off set.” Kat will not return for season 3 of the show.

There have also been rumours surrounding a ‘feud’ between Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney, and Zendaya’s active distancing of herself from the series.

The star left the Euphoria season 3 premiere early after walking the red carpet, and has shared minimal content to her social media ahead of its release.

Zendaya is also no longer an executive producer on the show, suggesting that she is simply fulfilling her contractual obligations this time around.

4. The… age play

A new clip from the show’s third season show’s Cassie (played by Sweeney) dressed up as a baby while shooting OnlyFans content.

Cassie had previously been shown dressed up as a dog, as her character attempts to make money to afford her dream wedding to Nate (Jacob Elordi).

The scene has been harshly criticised online, with many dubbing its contents disturbing and indicative of Levinson’s apparent desire to humiliate his female characters.

5. The score

British artist Labrinth has long been credited with achieving Euphoria’s unique and striking tone with his atmospheric score, which has become synonymous with the series, even winning him an Emmy.

Labrinth, however, wants nothing to do with season 3 — and wants everyone to know.

Last month he released a statement saying, “I’m done with this industry. Fuck Columbia. Double fuck ‘Euphoria.’ I’m out. Thank you and good night x.”

One of the show’s makeup artists Kirsten Coleman later commented on his post saying, “I understand. You aren’t alone.”

This came after it was announced that Labrinth and Hans Zimmer would be collaborating on Euphoria season 3. Labrinth later said that he had spoken to HBO to ensure none of his music would be used in the show.

Euphoria season 3 kicked off on April 12 on NOW.