Created by Sam Levinson.
Euphoria premiered on HBO on June 16, 2019, in the United States.
Distributed by HBO in the United States.
Series Review
Euphoria is an intense and visually captivating series that dives deep into the struggles of adolescence, addiction, and self-discovery.
Centered around Rue Bennett (Zendaya), a teenager battling drug addiction, the show is praised for its powerful performances, particularly Zendaya’s portrayal of Rue, which earned her an Emmy Award.
The series is lauded for its bold storytelling, exploring themes of love, identity, and mental health.
However, it also faces criticism for glamorizing drug use and explicit content, making it a polarizing show.
With stunning cinematography and an ensemble cast featuring Hunter Schafer, Jacob Elordi, and others, Euphoria has sparked widespread conversation about the challenges faced by today’s youth.
While not for everyone due to its mature themes, Euphoria is undeniably a groundbreaking work in modern television.
Ratings:
• IMDb: 8.3/10
• Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
• Google Audience Score: 90% liked this film.
Euphoria Actors
Zendaya as Rue Bennett
DOB: September 1, 1996
Bio: Born Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman in Oakland, California, she trained in dance and drama from age 8.
After starring on Disney’s Shake It Up, she built an award-winning résumé that spans film (Spider-Man trilogy), prestige TV (Euphoria), and music (her 2013 debut single).
A two-time Emmy winner by age 24, she’s also a UNICEF ambassador and launched her own fashion line, Daya by Zendaya.
Role in Euphoria: Rue, a recovering addict whose raw honesty and inner monologue guide us through the show’s emotional highs and lows.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–2 (16 episodes); confirmed for Season 3.
What to Expect: Intensely authentic explorations of relapse, romance with Jules, and Rue’s search for purpose.
Favorite Things: Curating Spotify playlists, choreographing private dance routines, and late-night tarot readings.
Notable Works: Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), Dune: Part Two (2024), Malcolm & Marie (2021).
Hunter Schafer as Jules Vaughn
DOB: December 31, 1998
Bio: Hunter Schafer hails from Raleigh, North Carolina.
Discovered at 14 by Elite Models, she walked Dior’s runway by 17 and became a Forbes “30 Under 30” honoree for her fashion activism.
Euphoria is her acting debut, immediately earning her critical praise and awards buzz.
Role in Euphoria: Jules, the transfeminine newcomer whose bond with Rue becomes the show’s tender, turbulent love story.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–2 (16 episodes); returns in Season 3.
What to Expect: Jules’ evolving self-expression through drag and art, and the emotional fallout of her choices.
Favorite Things: Mixing sprays in the art studio, thrift-shopping vintage silhouettes, and early-morning skate sessions.
Notable Works: Cuckoo 2024, Kinds of Kindness 2024.
Jacob Elordi as Nate Jacobs
DOB: June 26, 1997
Bio: Born in Brisbane, Australia, Elordi studied at St. Kevin’s College before moving to L.A. for acting.
He rose to teen-heartthrob status in Netflix’s The Kissing Booth (2018) and then shocked audiences with his ruthless turn as Nate—earning an AACTA nod.
Off-screen, he’s a vocal mental-health advocate and photographer whose portraits have appeared in Vogue.
Role in Euphoria: Nate, the volatile jock whose anger issues and family secrets escalate the series’ most harrowing moments.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–2 (16 episodes); confirmed for Season 3.
What to Expect: Nate’s psychological unraveling, power plays with Maddy, and the impact of his father’s abuse.
Favorite Things: Late-night poetry writing, cardio kickboxing, and analog film photography.
Notable Works: Saltburn (2023), Priscilla (2023).
Sydney Sweeney as Cassie Howard
DOB: September 12, 1997
Bio: Spokane native Sweeney started acting at age 10.
A neuroscience-minor-turned-actor, she booked major roles in Everything Sucks! and The White Lotus, earning Emmy nods.
She co-founded Fifty Seconds Productions to champion female creatives.
Role in Euphoria: Cassie, whose idealistic approach to love repeatedly collides with the darker realities of desire and betrayal.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–2 (16 episodes); confirmed for Season 3.
What to Expect: Cassie’s path toward self-respect as she confronts past hurt and redefines her own narrative.
Favorite Things: Journaling romantic monologues, beach volleyball, and cooking pasta with siblings.
Notable Works: The Voyeurs (2021), Reality (2023).
Maude Apatow as Lexi Howard
DOB: December 15, 1997
Bio: Daughter of filmmakers Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann, Maude got her start as a child extra before breaking out in The King of Staten Island.
A graduate of NYU’s Tisch School, she writes and performs one-woman shows in NYC—her self-made play in Euphoria Season 2 earned widespread acclaim.
She’s also an executive producer on indie shorts.
Role in Euphoria: Lexi, the thoughtful best friend whose journey from wallflower to playwright becomes one of the series’ most uplifting arcs.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–2 (16 episodes); appears in Season 3.
What to Expect: Lexi’s bold leap into leadership—she co-writes and stages the school play—revealing hidden wells of confidence.
Favorite Things: Scriptwriting in coffee shops, midnight rehearsals, and studying Greek tragedy.
Notable Works: The King of Staten Island (2020), Netflix’s Hollywood (2020).
Alexa Demie as Maddy Perez
DOB: December 11, 1990
Bio: Raised in Los Angeles, Demie studied theater at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School before landing her breakout role in Mid90s.
A painter and songwriter, she self-released “ATM Jam” and directs her own music videos.
Her fearless fashion choices have made her a street-style icon.
Role in Euphoria: Maddy, the glam counterpart to Jules—her fierce loyalty to Nate masks deep wounds that fuel her volatile decisions.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–2 (16 episodes); returning for Season 3.
What to Expect: Maddy’s fight for autonomy, a possible breakup-and-make-up rollercoaster, and stepping into the spotlight on her own terms.
Favorite Things: Remixing ‘90s R&B tracks, collecting vintage vinyl, and designing her own statement jewelry.
Notable Works: Mid90s (2018), Waves (2019), Mainstream (2020).
Barbie Ferreira as Kat Hernandez
DOB: December 14, 1996
Bio: A plus-size runway trailblazer, Ferreira started modeling at 15 and became an outspoken body-positivity advocate.
She studied creative writing at NYU before landing Kat, then wrote and directed the “So Cool” music video.
She’s a co-founder of the inclusive fashion line Caro Doro.
Role in Euphoria: Kat, who transforms from shy teen to commanding online persona, challenging norms of desire and self-worth.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–2 (16 episodes); appears in Season 3.
What to Expect: Kat’s rise as a content creator, her struggles with online scrutiny, and forging real intimacy.
Favorite Things: Fan-fiction marathons, crafting custom corsets, and poetry slams.
Notable Works: Unpregnant (2020), Nope (2022).
Algee Smith as Chris McKay
DOB: November 7, 1994
Bio: Born in Saginaw, Michigan, Smith began singing in church before starring in Detroit (2017).
A Berklee-trained musician, he released the EP Listen (2021) and co-wrote songs for Judas and the Black Messiah.
He’s also a dedicated youth mentor in his hometown.
Role in Euphoria: Chris, Rue’s ex who mirrors her temptations and anchors her toward accountability.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–2 (16 episodes); returns in Season 3.
What to Expect: Chris’s own battle with addiction, a heartfelt reconnection with Rue, and the costs of relapse.
Favorite Things: Neo-soul jam sessions, community basketball leagues, and crafting mixtapes.
Notable Works: The New Edition Story (2017), Judas and the Black Messiah (2021).
Angus Cloud as Fezco “Fez”
DOB: July 10, 1998
Bio: Oakland native Cloud was discovered while hairstyling in Bay Area salons.
He studied graphic design at Diablo Valley College before landing Fez, earning acclaim for his naturalistic performance.
A published photographer, his zines explore urban youth culture.
Role in Euphoria: Fez, Rue’s protector whose moral code clashes with his life as a low-level dealer.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–2 (16 episodes); appears in Season 3.
What to Expect: Fez’s fierce loyalty tested by threats to Rue—and the lengths he’ll go to keep her safe.
Favorite Things: Streetball tournaments, homemade soul-food cook-offs, and street photography.
Notable Works: The Line (2023), North Hollywood (2021).
Nika King as Leslie Bennett
DOB: N/A
Bio: A former public-school teacher turned actor, King holds a master’s in education from LSU.
She balances her role on Euphoria with advocacy for arts in schools—founding The Art of Healing, a program using drama for trauma recovery.
Role in Euphoria: Leslie, Rue’s unwavering mother and counselor, navigating the heartbreak of her daughter’s addiction.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–2 (16 episodes); confirmed for Season 3.
What to Expect: Leslie’s fierce advocacy for Rue, her own burnout, and the search for support networks.
Favorite Things: Family movie nights, morning yoga, and poetry workshops.
Notable Works: Greenleaf (2016), Best Friends Whenever (2015–2016).
Storm Reid as Gia Bennett
DOB: July 1, 2003
Bio: Born in Atlanta, Reid began acting at age 4 and won acclaim for A Wrinkle in Time (2018).
A self-taught coder and producer, she founded Gold Tree Productions at 16 to uplift young women of color behind the camera.
Role in Euphoria: Gia, Rue’s perceptive little sister whose childhood innocence is tested by Rue’s struggles.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–2 (16 episodes); appears in Season 3.
What to Expect: Gia’s evolving role from bystander to advocate for her sister’s recovery—and her own coming-of-age.
Favorite Things: Digital art creation, coding small apps, and choreographing sibling dance-offs.
Notable Works: A Wrinkle in Time (2018), The Invisible Man (2020).
Colman Domingo as Ali Muhammed
DOB: November 28, 1969
Bio: Philadelphia native Domingo earned an MFA from Brown University and co-founded City Stage.
A Tony-nominated playwright (Dot), he won a Drama League Award before joining Euphoria, where he earned an Emmy for his portrayal of Ali. Off-screen, he’s a mentor in the Hip Hop Theatre Festival.
Role in Euphoria: Ali, Rue’s sponsor whose tough love and hard-won wisdom guide her through the darkest moments of recovery.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–2 (16 episodes); confirmed for Season 3.
What to Expect: Deeper dives into Ali’s own backstory, the origins of his sobriety, and his evolving father-figure role.
Favorite Things: Writing short plays, jazz-club outings with friends, and mentoring emerging playwrights.
Notable Works: Fear the Walking Dead (2015–17), Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020).
More Actors
Season 1 (2019)
Eric Dane as Cal Jacobs
Season 2 (2022) New additions:
Dominic Fike as Elliot
Martha Kelly as Laurie
Chloe Cherry as Faye
Javon Walton as Ashtray
Austin Abrams as Ethan Daley
Season 3 (Upcoming) New addition:
Sharon Stone (role undisclosed)
Rosalía (role undisclosed)
Marshawn Lynch (role undisclosed)
Kadeem Hardison (role undisclosed)
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (role undisclosed)
FAQ – Euphoria
How many seasons and episodes are there?
As of now, Euphoria has two seasons comprising a total of 18 episodes.
Season 1 premiered on June 16, 2019, and Season 2 concluded on February 27, 2022.
Additionally, two special episodes were released between the two seasons.
Is there a Season 3?
Yes, HBO has confirmed that Euphoria has been renewed for a third season.
Production was delayed due to various factors, including industry strikes and the passing of actor Angus Cloud. Filming for Season 3 is scheduled to begin in January 2025. PEOPLE
Where can I watch Euphoria?
Euphoria is available for streaming on HBO and its platform, Max.
Has Euphoria received any awards?
Yes, Euphoria has garnered critical acclaim and several awards.
Notably, Zendaya won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Rue Bennett.
Where is Euphoria filmed?
The series is primarily filmed in California, with various locations used to depict the fictional town of East Highland.
Is Euphoria based on another show?
Yes, Euphoria is adapted from an Israeli miniseries of the same name created by Ron Leshem and Daphna Levin.
Conclusion
Euphoria is a bold and visually striking series that offers an unflinching look at the complexities of modern adolescence.
With its powerful performances, particularly from Zendaya, and its unapologetic portrayal of drug use, relationships, and identity, the show has sparked important conversations about mental health and youth culture.
While the mature themes and explicit content may not appeal to all audiences, Euphoria has undeniably made its mark on contemporary television, influencing fashion, social discourse, and the portrayal of teen struggles.
If you’re looking for a deep, often uncomfortable, but ultimately rewarding viewing experience, Euphoria is worth the watch.