“Euphoria” is finally set to return to HBO and HBO Max after a four-year hiatus and multiple cast changes. Now, following the Los Angeles premiere of the Sam Levinson-created, written, and directed show, early reviews say it’s not nearly as polished as it was in its first two seasons. Reviews are so bad for the Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and Jacob Elordi-led show that it’s “certified rotten” on RottenTomatoes.
Critics Say ‘Euphoria’ Season Three Is a Letdown
The Los Angeles premiere for “Euphoria” season three took place on April 7 at the TCL Chinese Theater. The following day, the review embargo was lifted for critics who had seen the first three episodes early.
Currently, the show sits at an unimpressive 56% from critics, as mentioned, missing the coveted “certified fresh” distinction on Rotten Tomatoes. Notably, the show debuted with a 57% rating.
In one section of a review, Lauren Sarner from the New York Post said, “If you want narrative coherence and character consistency, season 3 leaves you wanting.” Another critic, Ben Travers from IndiWire, wrote, “Levinson’s series was never this spiritually hollow, and it was always more active, insistent, and ambitious.”
Lyvie Scott from TV Guide said of “Euphoria” season three, “Watching this fractured friend group reassemble, you’re left wondering what, if anything, there is left for them to say to each other.”
Brian Tallerico from Rogerebert.com stated, “There are individual beats, scenes, and performances in these three episodes that spark with that energy that the show found at its best, but 2026 ‘Euphoria’ feels more uncertain of what it’s doing or saying than ever before.”
It’s Not All Bad For ‘Euphoria’ Season Three
As the Rotten Tomatoes score indicates, there is overall more acceptance for season three of “Euphoria” than hate. In a somewhat positive review of the first three episodes, Milo Pope from Metro.co.uk praised Zendaya.
They wrote, “Zendaya’s performance revealing Rue’s struggles is a shining light in this disappointing return. Meghan O’Keefe from Decider noted, “After watching the first three episodes of Euphoria Season 3, it’s unclear whether there’s hope for Rue and her friends, but there’s definitely a chance this polarizing HBO show might end its run on an incandescent high note.”
Nick Hilton from The Independent reviewed “Euphoria,” saying, “Euphoria owns its contradictions, and, in this final season, shows it’s mastered them.”
Lastly, Taylor Gates from Collider said of the show, “Most of the characters haven’t learned anything, and neither has ‘Euphoria,’ still retaining the same strengths and weaknesses as its first two installments.”
Some ‘Euphoria’ Fans Remain Hopeful While Others Aren’t Shocked
There has long been disdain among fans of “Euphoria.” First, many felt that while good, season two failed to live up to the first. After that, the years-long break and rumors of tension between Levinson and cast members like Zendaya soured fractions of the audience.
Partly because of the growing strife, many wondered whether season three would ever arrive and, if it did, whether it would live up to expectations. Now that the reviews are coming out, one person on X reacted, saying, “Uhhhhh noooooo …. looks like Sam Levinson just keeps being a failure ever since ‘The Idol.’”
Someone else said, “This isn’t just a bad score, it’s a brand devaluation. HBO is leveraging the name to drive subscriptions for the April 12 premiere.”
Another person stated, “57%? Did they hand the scripts to a new writer halfway through or what?” Still, many fans defended “Euphoria.” One X user wrote, “I’m not gonna judge a season before it even comes out because of some dumb-ss tomatoes.”
Sam Levinson Opened Up About Eric Dane & Angus Cloud
The “Euphoria” cast has suffered two tragic losses. First, Angus Cloud passed away in July 2023, reportedly after an accidental overdose. More recently, Eric Dane passed away in February 2026 after a short battle with ALS.
At the Los Angeles premiere, Levinson spoke with Variety about the two actors’ passing. Regarding Dane, the “Euphoria” creator recalled telling him, “there’s no pressure” to resume filming the show. He said the “Grey’s Anatomy” star responded, “I want to do this.”
Regarding how he was on set, Levison remembered, “When he showed up, I noticed that his speech was a little slurred. He was a bit self-conscious, and I said, ‘This works perfectly. We’re gonna put five beer bottles in front of you, and you’re about to say all of the shit you would never say if you were sober.’”
Levinson said they had a “blast” filming “Euphoria” season three. Regarding Cloud, Levinson revealed that the show will honor him and that some characters will even have phone calls with his character. According to him, it’s a way to “keep him alive” through storytelling.
Season Three Could Be The End
Season three of “Euphoria” premieres on August 12 on HBO and HBO Max. Ahead of the premiere, Zendaya appeared on “The Drew Barrymore Show,” saying she thinks the show will end with season three.
Variety asked Levinson about this at the show’s premiere on April 7. He stated that he writes “every season like it’s the last season.” Levinson also shared that he currently has “no plans” for a third season.