Euphoria is a teen drama series that follows the lives of a group of high school students who deal with various issues such as drug addiction, sexuality, violence, trauma, and identity. The series is based on an Israeli miniseries of the same name and is created by Sam Levinson for HBO. The main character is Rue Bennett (Zendaya), a recovering drug addict who forms a bond with Jules Vaughn (Hunter Schafer), a transgender girl who is new in town. The series also features other characters such as Nate Jacobs (Jacob Elordi), a jock with anger and insecurity issues; Cassie Howard (Sydney Sweeney), a girl with a troubled sexual history; Kat Hernandez (Barbie Ferreira), a body-conscious teen who explores her sexuality online; and Fezco (Angus Cloud), a drug dealer who cares for Rue.
Euphoria is a visually stunning and emotionally intense series that does not shy away from depicting the dark and gritty aspects of teenage life. The series has been praised for its cinematography, score, performances, and approach to its mature subject matter. Zendaya, in particular, has received acclaim for her portrayal of Rue, a complex and flawed protagonist who narrates the story with honesty and empathy. The series also showcases the talents of newcomer Hunter Schafer, who plays Jules with sensitivity and charisma. The series also features a diverse and talented cast of supporting actors who bring depth and nuance to their roles.
However, Euphoria is not without its flaws and controversies. The series has been criticized for its excessive nudity and sexual content, which some viewers found unrealistic and exploitative for a show about teenagers. The series has also been accused of glamorizing drug use and violence, and of being too pessimistic and nihilistic in its tone. Some viewers also found the series to be too melodramatic and sensationalized, lacking subtlety and realism in its storytelling. The series has also faced backlash from some parents and conservative groups who deemed it inappropriate and harmful for young audiences.
Overall, Euphoria is a bold and provocative series that offers a unique and challenging perspective on the modern teenage experience. The series is not for everyone, as it can be hard to watch at times due to its graphic and disturbing content. However, for those who can appreciate its artistic vision and its empathetic portrayal of its characters, Euphoria is one of the best TV series of the year.
