It’s been almost four years since the second season of Euphoria made its debut on our screens. Since then, fans have been eagerly awaiting the third and final season of this high-school drama that has captured the hearts of many. Now, after years of waiting, the much-anticipated season is finally here. However, this time around, things are different — the characters we once knew as teenagers are no longer in their teenage years.
In a December 2025 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, creator Sam Levinson revealed that Euphoria’s third season would take a five-year time jump to continue the story. This shift means that Rue (Zendaya) and her friends are no longer in “the safety net of school” but navigating the complexities of adulthood.
“The one thing we all agreed on is we can’t go back to high school — although many, many shows have had 30-year-old high school students, we’re not,” he said.
“Five years felt like a natural place [to jump] because if they had gone to college they’d be out of college at that time.”
Sydney Sweeney, who plays Cassie, teased in May 2025 during an interview with Empire magazine that the third season will be the most “unhinged” yet. She described the experience of working with Levinson as exhilarating, saying, “It’s so much fun to play a character that is as crazy as she is. Sam is such a brilliant filmmaker to work with, because I’ll read something, then I’ll call him, and I’m like, ‘Let’s go crazier.’ And he’s like, ‘I’m all in.’”
“This season is unhinged.”
So, what can fans expect from this new chapter? Below, we explore everything you need to know about Euphoria season three.
What are critics saying about Euphoria season three so far?
While fans are buzzing with excitement for the new season, critics have been less enthusiastic. Some have already seen the first three episodes, and their reactions have been mixed. Despite the show’s previous success, with complex characters, stunning cinematography, and emotionally powerful storytelling, some critics feel that the third season lacks depth.
Judy Berman from Time Magazine pointed out that the characters in the time-jumped season seem to lack introspection, which might have developed over five years away from high school. Meanwhile, The Telegraph’s Eleanor Halls criticized the series for being “a sex-obsessed fantasy” and accused Levinson of perpetuating misogynistic portrayals of female characters.
“Once beloved by Gen Z, Levinson’s ultra-stylised aesthetic now feels tired and dated, while an attempt at Breaking Bad-lite violence borders on parody,” Halls wrote.
“Euphoria may still have the gloss, budget and star power of prestige TV, but it’s no longer enough to disguise what increasingly feels like the misogynistic fantasies of a creepy old man.”
As for the audience, it’s too early to tell what their reactions will be. Many fans have grown up alongside these characters, and it remains to be seen whether the world created by Levinson will still resonate with them.
What is the plot for Euphoria season three?
Season three takes us far from East Highland High School. Rue (Zendaya), still struggling with addiction, is trying to find her way. However, her dangerous habits return in full force when she travels to Mexico to settle a debt with her drug dealer Laurie (Martha Kelly). According to Levinson, she is exploring “very innovative ways to pay it off.”
Meanwhile, Cassie (Sydney Sweeney) and Nate (Jacob Elordi) are now engaged, living a suburban life, and preparing for marriage throughout the season. However, Cassie can’t help but follow her former classmates on social media, feeling envious of their seemingly successful lives.
Jules (Hunter Shafer) is studying art in New York and also works as a sugar baby. Maddie (Alexa Demie) is now a talent manager in Hollywood, while Lexi (Maude Apatow) is working as an assistant to a showrunner. The characters have come a long way, but their journeys are far from over.
Is there a trailer for Euphoria season three? Yes, there is! You can check it out below to get a sense of where the characters are five years later.
Who is in Euphoria season three cast?
The main cast from previous seasons is returning, including Zendaya, Alexa Demie, Sydney Sweeney, Hunter Schafer, Jacob Elordi, and Maude Apatow. Additional returning actors include Eric Dane, Martha Kelly, Chloe Cherry, Colman Domingo, and Dominic Fike.
Unfortunately, Angus Cloud, who played Fezco, passed away in July 2023. Barbie Ferreira will not reprise her role as Kat, as the character arc was deemed no longer suitable. New cast members include Sharon Stone, Rosalia, Marshawn Lynch, Kadeem Hardison, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Toby Wallace, Darrell Britt-Gibson, Priscilla Delgado, James Landry Hebert, and Anna Van Patten.
When does Euphoria season three premiere?
The third season is set to premiere on April 12, 2026. Production began in January 2025, and the release was delayed due to the 2023 Hollywood strikes, rewrites, scheduling conflicts, and the passing of Angus Cloud.
Where to watch Euphoria season three in Australia:
The first and second seasons are available on HBO Max in Australia. They were previously available on Binge, but HBO launched its own streaming platform in March 2025.
How did Euphoria season two end?
The season two finale was a dramatic climax filled with tension and betrayal. After a series of lies and betrayals, Maddy finally confronts Cassie, leading to a powerful showdown. The episode ended with gunfire, leaving fans wondering about the fates of several characters.
You can watch seasons one and two of Euphoria on HBO Max.
