Season 3« Euphoria »" concluded with a finale that highlights the series' signature intensity, combining emotional upheaval and intense drama. As the finale approached, tensions between the characters reached a fever pitch, leading to an unsettling farewell that remained true to the series' tone.
The creator of the series Sam Levinson confirmed that Euphoria will end with a third season and revealed how he purposefully wrapped up the characters' storylines.
Warning: This article contains spoilers for final episode of the series «"Euphoria".
The series "Euphoria" ends with multiple deaths.
On May 31st, the eighth episode of Euphoria's third season, "In God We Trust," premiered, marking the end of the popular series. The show ended with the deaths of several characters, including Rue (Zendaya), making for a heartbreaking finale.
Laurie (Martha Kelly), a schoolteacher turned drug lord, finds herself trapped when DEA agents raid her home. Unwilling to face the consequences of her actions, she commits suicide.
Rue tragically died from an overdose of painkillers laced with fentanyl, provided to her by the season's main antagonist, Alamo Brown (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje).
As a result, Roux's sponsor, Ali (Colman Domingo), seeks revenge. In a dramatic Western-style shootout, Ali kills Alamo at the Silver Stripper strip club. Alamo's right-hand man, G (Marshawn Lynch), also dies at Ali's hands.
The cast of the series "Euphoria" discuss the finale.
In an interview with the publication The Hollywood Reporter Akinnuoye-Agbaje described his character's actions, saying, "He enjoys playing chess. When he realizes Rue is a snitch and a traitor, he's already decided how to deal with her, one that benefits him but also suits his sadistic nature.".
Akinnuoye-Agbaje noted that while he considered Alamo a "wonderful character" for a film adaptation, he was glad to say goodbye to him. "I'm happy to leave him in the arms of his devoted fans," he added.
Kelly, on the other hand, said Lori's death had a profound impact on her when she learned of it. While she admitted it was "unsettling," she also enjoyed performing stunts. "I never do anything dangerous. I'm no Tom Cruise, but I love doing stunts," she said, adding that she'll never forget the experience.
Sam Levinson had other plans.
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In an interview with the newspaper's "Popcast" podcast New Euphoria creator Sam Levinson told the York Times that he had planned a different ending when writing the third season in 2023. However, he changed the script after the death of Angus Cloud, who played drug dealer Fezco "Fez" O'Neil. Cloud died of an accidental overdose in July 2023 at the age of just 25.
«"After his death, I had to rethink the script, and I thought: it's impossible to tell a story about drug addiction today without real-life consequences. Most people don't get a second chance," Levinson explained, adding that while he loved Roo, he also wanted viewers to feel "like a family member who's lost a loved one.".
The Euphoria showrunner added that the series finale was a way to honor Cloud's memory.
Showrunner on the romanticization of addiction
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In another segment of the podcast, Levinson was asked about the possibility that some Euphoria viewers romanticize drug use and addiction. The showrunner admitted he'd considered this, and while the series depicts "the lure of these illegal activities," it also shows their consequences.
While many praised Euphoria for its portrayal of the reality of drug abuse, some, including the anti-drug program DARE, criticized the show for romanticizing drug use and violence.
«"I think there's always a fine line. Did we get it 100 percent right? I don't know. But I think we've shown the psychological, physical, and spiritual consequences of addiction in all its forms better than almost anything else," Levinson explained, adding that it "helps him sleep soundly at night.".
The third season of Euphoria marks the end of the series.
Both HBO and Levinson confirmed that the third season will be Euphoria's last. The first season premiered in 2019, and the second almost two years later. The four-year gap between the second and third seasons was caused by personal tragedies, industry strikes, and scheduling conflicts among the main cast.
While Zendaya was already a well-known figure when she joined Euphoria, several of her co-stars, including Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi, and Hunter Schafer, saw their careers skyrocket after their time on the show.
Regarding the series, Levinson said the third season concludes the story. "In terms of the story we wanted to tell, which is about addiction and its consequences, I feel like this is the end.".
The series "Euphoria" bids farewell to viewers with a dark and explosive finale (the first article was published on the website The Blast).