Euphoria's third season has returned after a four-year hiatus, sparking both acclaim and controversy. The premiere episode features a graphic drug-smuggling scene involving Zendaya and Chloe Cherry, which the crew reportedly applauded for its realism. Meanwhile, a scene featuring Sydney Sweeney has drawn criticism online, with some calling it a 'humiliation ritual.' The season has also faced backlash for its bleak portrayal of adulthood and declining ratings compared to previous seasons.
Graphic Drug-Smuggling Scene Draws Praise
Chloe Cherry, who plays Faye in the series, revealed that filming a drug-smuggling scene was so intense that the crew gave her a standing ovation. The scene involved her character attempting to swallow bags of fentanyl, a process depicted as physically and emotionally grueling. Cherry described the scene as a deliberate effort to show the harsh reality of drug smuggling, with director Sam Levinson emphasizing its disgusting nature.
Sydney Sweeney Scene Sparks Backlash
A scene featuring Sydney Sweeney as Cassie Howard has sparked controversy, with some viewers calling it a 'humiliation ritual.' The scene involves Cassie working on OnlyFans, a decision that has been criticized for its portrayal of female characters. Sweeney has not publicly responded to the backlash.
Declining Ratings and Criticism
The third season of Euphoria has received mixed reviews, with some critics calling it 'desperate' and 'not worth the wait.' The premiere episode has the lowest IMDb rating in the show's history, and the season currently holds a 44% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, down from 78% in Season 2 and 80% in Season 1. The show has also faced criticism for its frequent nude scenes and the depiction of female characters.
Controversies Beyond the Screen
Euphoria has been embroiled in off-screen controversies, including allegations of cast feuds and walkouts on set. Sydney Sweeney faced backlash in 2022 for sharing photos from her mother's birthday party featuring guests in MAGA-inspired hats. She later clarified that the event was not politically motivated. In 2025, she was criticized for an American Eagle jeans campaign that some compared to 'Nazi propaganda.'
The Show's Legacy
Despite the controversies, Euphoria has been a critical and commercial success, earning nine Emmy Awards and catapulting stars like Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and Jacob Elordi to superstardom. The show's third season marks a shift in tone, focusing on the characters' struggles in their 20s, a departure from its earlier high school setting.