Euphoria isn’t your average teen show—it’s intense, raw, and impossible to look away from. If you’re reading this, you’re probably already hooked.
Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and Hunter Schafer lead a talented cast, bringing to life the messy lives of a group of high schoolers dealing with everything from love and addiction to the pressures of social media. The gripping show doesn’t shy away from taboo topics, giving a brutally honest look at the highs and lows of growing up.
Season 1 of Euphoria starts with Rue (Zendaya) who is fresh out of rehab but still battling addiction, and she’s pulled into a complicated relationship with Jules (Hunter Schafer).
Meanwhile, Nate (Jacob Elordi) and Maddy (Alexa Demie) are stuck in a toxic cycle, and Kat (Barbie Ferreira) starts exploring her confidence through camming after a leaked video. The season ends at a chaotic winter formal, with Rue deciding to stay behind as Jules heads to LA, leaving us with a cliffhanger that sets the stage for more drama.
Season 2 ended with intense moments. Cassie disrupted Lexi’s school play and clashed with Maddy. The police raided Fez’s home, leading to Ashtray’s death and Fez’s arrest. Nate handed his father, Cal, over to the police. Rue ended the season clean and cautiously hopeful about her future.
The series features an ensemble cast including Zendaya, Maude Apatow, Angus Cloud, Eric Dane, Alexa Demie, Jacob Elordi, Barbie Ferreira, Nika King, Storm Reid, Hunter Schafer, Algee Smith, Sydney Sweeney, Colman Domingo, Javon “Wanna” Walton, Austin Abrams, and Dominic Fike in key roles. The story centers on Rue Bennett (Zendaya).
Here are some interesting facts about the show!
What Inspired Rue’s Addiction Storyline?
You might be surprised to know that show creator Sam Levinson used his own experiences as a teenager battling addiction to shape Rue’s drug addiction storyline.
Zendaya’s Incredible Accomplishments
Zendaya won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2020, becoming the youngest actress to win the award at just 24 years old.
What Inspired the Euphoria’s Episode Titles?
The first season of Euphoria names every episode after a rap song, except for episodes 7 and 8. The first episode, “Pilot,” shares its name with a 50 Cent song, though this was likely coincidental.
Both Hunter Schafer (Jules) and Barbie Ferreira (Kat) drew from their personal experiences to help creator Sam Levinson develop their characters’ storylines.
Season 2 Shot on 35mm Film
Creator Sam Levinson opted to shoot the second season on 35mm film stock, seeking a different visual style than the first season.
Brian “Astro” Bradley’s Exit and Recasting
While filming the pilot, actor Brian “Astro” Bradley, a former The X Factor USA contestant, wanted to leave the show due to discomfort with certain scenes. After negotiations, producers replaced him with Algee Smith and reshot his scenes, including an intense sex scene with Sydney Sweeney.
Rue’s iconic hallucination scene, where she climbs walls and ceilings, features a classic film effect first seen in the 1951 movie Royal Wedding. Filmmakers achieved the effect by rotating the set while keeping the camera fixed.
What’s the backstory behind Euphoria?
The series is based on the 2012 Israeli series of the same name, created by Ron Leshem and Daphna Levin, both of whom are involved in the American version.
Nude Scene Controversy
Kelly revealed that creator Sam Levinson initially wrote a scene for her character where she would remove her dress and stand nude by a pool. When she expressed discomfort with the idea, Levinson respected her boundaries and rewrote the scene.
Meanwhile, Sydney shared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show that while her family supports her acting career, her father and grandfather were uncomfortable watching her first nude scene and refused to watch her performances anymore. However, her grandmother praised her looks, calling her the “best tits in Hollywood.”
What Was the Age Difference With the Cast on Set?
Despite playing sisters on-screen, the pair are only two months apart in age. Additionally, their on-screen father, Nick Blood, is only 15 years older than both of them.
Over 50 Actresses Were Considered for The Role of Rue
More than 50 actresses were considered for the role of Rue Bennett before Zendaya was cast, with her landing the role after an extensive search.
Another interesting fact is that Euphoria is executively produced by Canadian rapper Drake.
Talks About Nudity on Set
Sydney opened up about the challenges actors face regarding nudity in the industry, saying that while she has no issues with her scenes, she wishes there were more open discussions about how actors are perceived based on their roles.
Dominic Fike’s Real-Life Struggles with Addiction
Throughout season 2, Dominic plays a character who struggles with drug use, which mirrors his past. The actor has since overcome addiction, speaking candidly about his recovery in his 2023 album Sunburn.
Zendaya on Playing Rue
Zendaya has previously been open about how much she cares for her Euphoria character and the responsibility that comes with playing someone struggling with addiction and all that it represents. The actress hopes viewers will continue to see Rue as a person “worthy of love,” despite all her flaws and challenges with addiction.
“I think that that’s what’s good about Euphoria is it makes other people feel less alone in their experiences,” she said in an interview with Teen Vogue. Adding: “I guess I have softened a little bit. I’m more emotionally connected. I’ve learned more about people, empathy, and understanding by playing her.” The actress has also discussed the emotional toll of playing Rue, particularly in season two, where the character is pushed “to the brink.”
Here’s a clip of Zendaya speaking about her role in the hit series.