This show is visually.. unbelievable. The acting is outstanding. Every character plays an insanely difficult role to uphold their character. This show is very hard to watch at times - and raises the question of "why?" often. Most negative reviews are coming from those who cannot acquire a taste for the vulgarity of this - which is understandable. This show is not for everyone. But it's undeniable that this show is flawlessly directed - and the actors are so impressive. This is not one of the best shows i've seen in terms of story line, but in terms of cinematography and acting this show is superb. Gotta give it up to Zendaya, too. Wow.
1,117 Reviews
it gets a LOT better
ethansmith200010 July 2019
I'm gonna try to keep it brief.
in the beginning, it seemed like the show was dark just for the sake of being dark.
everything seemed clichéd, and there was a vast degree of exaggerated negativity.
mix that with a slow beginning, and you've turned off most of your potential viewers.
however, during the fourth episode, i began to witness the story take a definite direction. it seemed to me that the relationships among the characters increased in complexity.
i would agree that this show isn't for everyone, but please give time for the story to develop before plaguing it with the 1-star reviews.
for me, Jules' backstory in the beginning of episode 4, along with the perfect music accompanying it, is the reason for my high rating. i don't think i've ever been moved this much by a tv show.
in the beginning, it seemed like the show was dark just for the sake of being dark.
everything seemed clichéd, and there was a vast degree of exaggerated negativity.
mix that with a slow beginning, and you've turned off most of your potential viewers.
however, during the fourth episode, i began to witness the story take a definite direction. it seemed to me that the relationships among the characters increased in complexity.
i would agree that this show isn't for everyone, but please give time for the story to develop before plaguing it with the 1-star reviews.
for me, Jules' backstory in the beginning of episode 4, along with the perfect music accompanying it, is the reason for my high rating. i don't think i've ever been moved this much by a tv show.
Should be written for the college age
taaffeo23 July 2019
I'm loving this show and the issues it explores, however, I do not believe the content jibes with a high school age cast of characters. I believe it would have better and more realistically been explored in a college setting... Nevertheless, I give the show a 9 because it is very well done and crosses a lot of boundaries in TV making. Thanks to HBO
Hard to Watch
malx-friends13 July 2019
As the father of a teenage girl, I find this very hard to watch, but essential. I have to have several sessions to get through to the end of each episode. These situations ARE real, but maybe don't all occur at the same place and in the same period of time, as they have been put together here for dramatic effect.
Other reviews here are written from the point-of-view of "is it entertaining". I'm writing this with the view of it as docufiction, and I don't apologise for giving 10/10 as such, not as entertainment.
Other reviews here are written from the point-of-view of "is it entertaining". I'm writing this with the view of it as docufiction, and I don't apologise for giving 10/10 as such, not as entertainment.
Don't believe the 1/10 OR 10/10 reviews
anneconem19 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I'm so sick of seeing people give shows and movies 1/10 if they don't like it or 10/10 if they like it. So here is my short, messy and jumbled, but NUANCED review. This show is pretty great so far! It's not a masterpiece 10/10 and it's certainly not a 1/10. The first episode takes us through the life of the main character and just begins to introduce the supporting characters. The cinematography, writing, acting and pacing are all fantastic. It is a sad, depressing, shocking, and disturbing show. It's not for everyone. But it grabbed my attention immediately and held it through the whole episode. There were parts where I almost teared up, and one part where I literally had my jaw hanging open! (And not because of any of the nudity, drug use, or violence that many people have been clutching their pearls over.) My biggest criticism would be that there are two characters who aren't fleshed out at ALL so far. They're flat, one dimensional and not likeable. In fact, one of them is absolutely terrible with 0 redeeming qualities. However, since this is only the first episode and i assume the show will flesh all the characters out throughout the rest of the 8 episode run, it's kind of unfair to criticize on this point too much. Thankfully, I do care about all the other characters for the most part. The show also happens to have one of the few, and most realistic on screen depictions of OCD and mental illness/disorders I've seen in my life. I say this as someone with OCD, though not the same type and perhaps not as severe as is depicted.
Anyway, the first episode overall is a great pilot. It starts strong, keeps you intrigued, and ends with a little twist. I am definitely going to tune in in the weeks to come.
SIDE NOTE: one of the biggest criticisms I've been hearing of the show so far is that it's "not realistic." "Teens don't do THIS many drugs." "Teens don't have THIS much sex, or party THIS hard." Etc. In response I'd say this: speak for your damn self. As a teen, my experience certainly wasn't like this at all. But just because my experience wasn't like this and your experience may not have been like this, doesn't mean it wasn't like this for anyone else. The creator, Sam Levinson has stated he took inspiration for Euphoria from his struggles with addiction as a teen. Many teens struggle with drugs, violence, sex, partying, social pressures, social media, bullying etc.... and most teens will find at least some stuff in the show relatable. For me, it was the OCD depiction. Also, even if it's not realistic to you, who cares? If it's entertaining and high quality (which it is) then you'll probably enjoy it.
Anyway, the first episode overall is a great pilot. It starts strong, keeps you intrigued, and ends with a little twist. I am definitely going to tune in in the weeks to come.
SIDE NOTE: one of the biggest criticisms I've been hearing of the show so far is that it's "not realistic." "Teens don't do THIS many drugs." "Teens don't have THIS much sex, or party THIS hard." Etc. In response I'd say this: speak for your damn self. As a teen, my experience certainly wasn't like this at all. But just because my experience wasn't like this and your experience may not have been like this, doesn't mean it wasn't like this for anyone else. The creator, Sam Levinson has stated he took inspiration for Euphoria from his struggles with addiction as a teen. Many teens struggle with drugs, violence, sex, partying, social pressures, social media, bullying etc.... and most teens will find at least some stuff in the show relatable. For me, it was the OCD depiction. Also, even if it's not realistic to you, who cares? If it's entertaining and high quality (which it is) then you'll probably enjoy it.
About teens but not for teens
phd_travel16 November 2019
Sex drugs and more in high school. First a warning. Although this is a show about high school teenagers it's too much for teens to watch. Much more so than "13 reasons Why". There are parts when the scenes are much more explicit than necessary for the story. There isn't a boundary this show doesn't try to push for TV. Having said all that there are some fascinating and bizarre characters that keep things morbidly watchable for 8 episodes. A biracial lesbian drug addict, a transgender girl who is her bestie, a jock with demons, his closeted statutory rapist dad, the list goes on. It's hard to keep track of the different characters and plot twists some tunes. Even if you don't agree with the suitability of the content here the acting is better than it has to be. Zendaya is convincing as an addict very natural acting. Jacob Elordi does the mean jock well.
Hate to say it but do want to see what happens in season 2.
Hate to say it but do want to see what happens in season 2.
I like it but I don't understand the point of it.
sloncarvuca7 August 2020
First things first, cinematography is beautiful. Actors did really good job and overall it makes a decent show. But I don't understand if it's trying to spread awareness or trying to encourage young people to do this type of behaviour. I also saw one review that said how this show is showing "the truth" about teens today and I personally think they are wrong. In my opinion this show is overly dramatised (I understand that it's a tv show, it's suppost to be dramatic). I'm currently in my late teenage years and I haven't seen anyone going through what these people are going through in this show. But I would still recommend it to people.
Wow, I hope this isn't realistic
Siddhartha1425 March 2022
If today's teenagers are really this vapid, shallow, self-involved and absurd, the world is in deep, deep trouble. Obviously, these teenagers are incredibly affluent. How could an "average" teenager begin to afford the disgusting outfits these girls wear? You know not everything is about sex in high school, right? Depressing AF.
a series where life is as terrible and overwrought as every teen thinks their life is
cherold31 January 2020
This stylishly-filmed angst-fest follows a variety of morose high-schoolers as they deal with addiction, self-esteem issues, and the local neighborhood psychopath. The first season is reminiscent of the UK series Skin's first, best, season.
Hormones make teenagers feel like everything in their life is huge and dramatic and intolerable; this series is about people who really are coping with all sorts of soul-crushing things.
It's also a very glamorized version of teen angst. Everyone is beautiful, the cinematography is sometimes stunning, the girls apparently spend twelve hours a day watching youtube make-up tutorials, and everyone is having lots of sex (trivia: something like 20% of teens are having 90% of teen sex; none of the other 80% are in this series). Zendaya is terrific as the head angster, as is Barbie Ferreira as the token not-skinny girl, who has perhaps the most interesting and unlikely story arc.
It's a really fun series, and for all it's over-the-top ridiculousness, it also captures a lot of the sadness, confusion, and isolation of being a teenager. I'd recommend checking it out.
Hormones make teenagers feel like everything in their life is huge and dramatic and intolerable; this series is about people who really are coping with all sorts of soul-crushing things.
It's also a very glamorized version of teen angst. Everyone is beautiful, the cinematography is sometimes stunning, the girls apparently spend twelve hours a day watching youtube make-up tutorials, and everyone is having lots of sex (trivia: something like 20% of teens are having 90% of teen sex; none of the other 80% are in this series). Zendaya is terrific as the head angster, as is Barbie Ferreira as the token not-skinny girl, who has perhaps the most interesting and unlikely story arc.
It's a really fun series, and for all it's over-the-top ridiculousness, it also captures a lot of the sadness, confusion, and isolation of being a teenager. I'd recommend checking it out.
it's good but it's bad
idoshevah10 March 2022
I'll make this review short:
excellent acting, excellent directing, excellent visuals.
The only thing that is really bad is that it's soooo out of reality. They created a fake world of teenagers being always on the edge, too much drugs, too much sex. 17 year old students played by much older actors it just creates an unrealistic image of life and i hope no actual teens taking notes from it.
The only thing that is really bad is that it's soooo out of reality. They created a fake world of teenagers being always on the edge, too much drugs, too much sex. 17 year old students played by much older actors it just creates an unrealistic image of life and i hope no actual teens taking notes from it.
Poor representation of teens
rubyabdulaziz3928 October 2019
It's way too over dramatic. The lives of each teen seems so unrealistic. I see that they're trying to cover real problems but it just doesn't make much sense for high school students. I feel as though it would be much better if the characters were college students.
Some of the stuff in this show is so extreme for 16/17 year olds. I'm 16 years old and it felt like I was watching a bunch of "teenagers" acting way too old for their age. I don't necessarily know to explain it but it just seemed like the teenagers weren't around the same age as me. I often forgot they were teens and it made it very hard to relate to them.
Some of the stuff in this show is so extreme for 16/17 year olds. I'm 16 years old and it felt like I was watching a bunch of "teenagers" acting way too old for their age. I don't necessarily know to explain it but it just seemed like the teenagers weren't around the same age as me. I often forgot they were teens and it made it very hard to relate to them.
I don't know man
djurrepower30 January 2022
I just get 13RW vibes from this show. And instead of being about mental health it goes more about the sexual development and relationships. But I just can't help but think 'is this supposed to be relateble?'. I get that it's all fiction and exaggerated, but still. Is this really how things are in todays american highschools? Because I find that hard to believe. So all in all, good show about more modern topics and settings. But in the end a over the top teen drama.
6/10: eh.
6/10: eh.
Creative cinematography and editing, but completely unrealistic as a teen drama.
fciocca12 August 2021
From a technical perspective "Euphoria" is untouchable and definitely brings novelty to the genre. I really enjoyed the cinematography style, some camera movements are particularly creative and the editing is out of this world. The visual representation is dreamy, the lights are vivid and colorful. The aesthetic of the show is what pushed me to finish the first season, including the two specials that deserve their own small paragraph.
I cannot say that I was really impressed by the plot, which I found very unrealistic. In this narrative universe having a dysfunctional family or a sick brain is just normal. No one has a regular life with everyday problems. All the teens have extreme sex, drink until blacking out or use drugs. Most of the girls are depicted as hookers, and parents apparently do not exist. I wish mine were so permissive when I was a teenager. Is it possible that most of the moms and dads in this show either have problems with alcohol or they are completely deranged? Nate is just unbelievable as a character. What he does during the season is completely out of any logic. I could not stand Maddy. She could have been interesting, but she has very little development and she is annoying. Writers could have used her more, but she is flat and predictable on her actions. Zendaya is amazing and I think that we are going to see great stuff from her. I liked her in "Malcolm & Marie". I am really looking forward to "Dune". One of the most talented young actresses in the star system at the moment. Kudos to Hunter for playing her role pretty well, considering that this was her first acting experience ever.
The two special episodes released one year after the end of the first season are breathtaking. These are two long dialogue sequences about serious and deep topics such as drug abuse, the weight of emotions during the teenage years and the difficulty to express themselves towards other people. It hit me really hard, because it is so meaningful and you can see the pain and the discomfort that two young girls feel and how they perceive themselves after some rough experiences.
Creating a visually appealing show is not enough to make it good. I don't understand why creators needed to go so over the top and they did not decide to create something more realistic, while maintaining the whole dreamy aesthetic. This could have been easily one of my favourite shows, if only the quality of the script matched the one of the visuals.
I cannot say that I was really impressed by the plot, which I found very unrealistic. In this narrative universe having a dysfunctional family or a sick brain is just normal. No one has a regular life with everyday problems. All the teens have extreme sex, drink until blacking out or use drugs. Most of the girls are depicted as hookers, and parents apparently do not exist. I wish mine were so permissive when I was a teenager. Is it possible that most of the moms and dads in this show either have problems with alcohol or they are completely deranged? Nate is just unbelievable as a character. What he does during the season is completely out of any logic. I could not stand Maddy. She could have been interesting, but she has very little development and she is annoying. Writers could have used her more, but she is flat and predictable on her actions. Zendaya is amazing and I think that we are going to see great stuff from her. I liked her in "Malcolm & Marie". I am really looking forward to "Dune". One of the most talented young actresses in the star system at the moment. Kudos to Hunter for playing her role pretty well, considering that this was her first acting experience ever.
The two special episodes released one year after the end of the first season are breathtaking. These are two long dialogue sequences about serious and deep topics such as drug abuse, the weight of emotions during the teenage years and the difficulty to express themselves towards other people. It hit me really hard, because it is so meaningful and you can see the pain and the discomfort that two young girls feel and how they perceive themselves after some rough experiences.
Creating a visually appealing show is not enough to make it good. I don't understand why creators needed to go so over the top and they did not decide to create something more realistic, while maintaining the whole dreamy aesthetic. This could have been easily one of my favourite shows, if only the quality of the script matched the one of the visuals.
Stop lying. This is a good show.
pewlovediepie1 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Listen to me, this show is very good.
It's true that it has clichés but these characters, even if clichés, are well depicted and amazingly written. Everyone has a background that we get to know in every episode.
Honestly I don't get why people say that this show portrays drugs in a good way. Like, are we watching the same show or what? It shows what it's like to be an addict. At this point I'm wondering if you've ever met an addict because I did and the scenes where Rue describes how she feels after taking drugs are so freaking honest to the point I get goosebumps. This show it's not an hymn to drugs, it shows what's like to have an addiction.
I cried during episode 3 when Ali scolds Rue and tells her how having an addiction affects the people you love. Someone I deeply love is an addict and everything he said it's exactly how I feel.
So please, stop judging a tv show just for the fun of it. Be honest.
Raw and shocking
brassinpocket-472-1224303 July 2019
9 out of 10 only because it's almost obviously shocking for shock value. But don't kid yourself, this is very real. Kids are doing this these days. Want to find out for yourself? Befriend you teens friends. Let them chat while you pretend not to listen.
Moving on, Zendaya is fabulous. Beyond fabulous. So is her sister. It's a semi-unique story. Teenage angst will never end, it just becomes grittier.
Moving on, Zendaya is fabulous. Beyond fabulous. So is her sister. It's a semi-unique story. Teenage angst will never end, it just becomes grittier.
So addictive
teaqiuqiu29 July 2019
The show is truly addictive and intense in a way. The amzing cenimaphotgraphy and creative story telling are hard to beat. The impressive cast made it even more addictive, by watching Zendaya laughing and cry could be so entertaining and moving, She is on her way to the best actress for next Emmy award!
Another Win for HBO
grahamedmonds-1246117 June 2019
Real on so many levels
mikemaxson19 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I think most reviews totally missed the real intriguing aspect of Euphoria. It's a drug induced trip through 21st Century older teens.
Jules is definitely the biggest character. A trans teenager, played wonderfully by Hunter Schafer (Who's a trans Model and LGBT activist)
And I think it was so subtle that many people missed it; from her hooking up with an older man from Grindr who's in to domination of trans women and effeminate gay guys to her laying with Zendaya at the end with a bulge in her panties.
Clearly some bisexuality is going to be explored.
Add in the drug rehab culture, which I'm thinking people writing these reviews must not know much about it because Zendaya is dead on what it's like to be an addict.
Finally, you can tell people are full of it saying how it's rehashing of Kids and Skins, it's from an Israeli show called "Euphoria"
[9.3] Brutal, honest, shocking and eye-opening
cjonesas12 June 2020
Euphoria is a show that's hard to rate, let alone review.
That's not a series to review with hundreds words, making the feel of it dull and useless in the process. You give your honest, concise opinion and mine is a big positive one.
Watch it, live it and be drugged by it..
- It's an experience like no other for all age groups, especially if you're a teen, relating yourself to the characters on one or more stuffs so disturbing to you and one you struggle with
- Its depiction of issues is graphic, brutal and honest in a good way
- Its acting performance is mind-blowing, crystal clear and muddy at the same time in a so talented way
- Its storyline and characters developments deep and award worthy
- Its musical score and soundtracks wonderful, whiplashing and smooth as doves to the ears at the same time
- Its cinematography and shooting gorgeous and up to the point
That's not a series to review with hundreds words, making the feel of it dull and useless in the process. You give your honest, concise opinion and mine is a big positive one.
Watch it, live it and be drugged by it..
Pop culture in all its glory
alext-314-93831527 August 2020
A lesson in empathy
kate-911-9889922 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
What a beautiful piece of art. First of all, it perfectly captured the teen angst that I felt back in the day. I was born in 1984, but I feel like part of my personality will always be that rebellious teenage girl who knows BS when she sees it. I'm proud of that, too. This show made me remember how being a teenager FELT, and it gave me a lot of empathy.
Personally, I also like how they featured the trans girl Jules. I've never seen a character like her, and it really opened my mind up. I don't consider myself transphobic, but I think seeing Jules' character helped me see trans people as more than what the media talks about, if that makes sense. There's so much sensationalism and fake controversy that it was a revelation to just see Jules as a teenage girl going through the same exact crap I went through as a teenage girl. Sometimes we just need art to help our hearts open a little bit, and Euphoria helped me in that way.
Personally, I also like how they featured the trans girl Jules. I've never seen a character like her, and it really opened my mind up. I don't consider myself transphobic, but I think seeing Jules' character helped me see trans people as more than what the media talks about, if that makes sense. There's so much sensationalism and fake controversy that it was a revelation to just see Jules as a teenage girl going through the same exact crap I went through as a teenage girl. Sometimes we just need art to help our hearts open a little bit, and Euphoria helped me in that way.
Not non-american material
ondrejbelak28 January 2020
I would like to say this simply and honestly.
I am aware that in the US television, high school is always a big deal. And maybe the local audience can even relate to relationships and situations advertised in this kind of stories, but no, this is not non-american material.
The production is amazing. The work with set, scenes and performances is incredible. I would like to sum up the show as visually stunning.
However if you are looking for a deep story, realistic characters, tension or something new, you will not find it here. The story line is pure cliche, characters are stereotyped for easy-going story. Of course, the events that take place in the series are huge and influential in real life, but you cannot take them seriously enough if they are presented so trivially and childishly.
To sum up, I am not sure if I can explain how generally the US. audience is different from the rest, but I can see this as perfect series for them, and terrible for others. This is just another Riverdale BS.
I am aware that in the US television, high school is always a big deal. And maybe the local audience can even relate to relationships and situations advertised in this kind of stories, but no, this is not non-american material.
The production is amazing. The work with set, scenes and performances is incredible. I would like to sum up the show as visually stunning.
However if you are looking for a deep story, realistic characters, tension or something new, you will not find it here. The story line is pure cliche, characters are stereotyped for easy-going story. Of course, the events that take place in the series are huge and influential in real life, but you cannot take them seriously enough if they are presented so trivially and childishly.
To sum up, I am not sure if I can explain how generally the US. audience is different from the rest, but I can see this as perfect series for them, and terrible for others. This is just another Riverdale BS.
Completely Unnecessary and Disgusting
alexbr910 March 2022
Shows like these that create false realities are a major reason teen mental health is such an issue! Not saying that this kind of stuff doesn't ever happen, but it is far from the norm. It is unacceptable that pop culture is glorifying this unhealthy lifestyle through softcore porn. Would give 0 stars if I could.
RIP Angus Cloud
Joosh_1 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I was never a big fan of this show and zendaya, but the drug dealer was one of the most charismatic and relatable characters Such a shame such a good actor died so soon. I'm not praising him just because he died, his performance has been praised before
i was never a big fan of this show and zendaya, but the drug dealer was one of the most charismatic and relatable characters Such a shame such a good actor died so soon. I'm not praising him just because he died, his performance has been praised beforei was never a big fan of this show and zendaya, but the drug dealer was one of the most charismatic and relatable characters Such a shame such a good actor died so soon. I'm not praising him just because he died, his performance has been praised before.
One of the most graphic HBO shows yet one of the best
bigchrisdye-0246121 June 2019
Okay let's start by saying you need backbone to watch a show like this there's so much going on here nudity other adult subjects however the show is spectacular and the acting is fanominal there are really no good role models here they all have their demons however it's a good lesson for kids who are old enough to understand not to do these things
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