HBO Max revives ‘Euphoria’ after chaos and delays, is this the final season?

Euphoria is back on HBO Max, but almost everything around it has changed.

When the HBO drama first premiered in 2019, it became an instant cultural moment. Rising stars like Sydney Sweeneyand Jacob Elordi were still relatively unknown, while Zendaya drew attention for taking on a darker role after her time in Marvel’s Spider-Man films. Even Drake being attached as an executive producer sparked early buzz.

The series went on to win nine Primetime Emmy Awards across its first two seasons, including two for Zendaya’s performance as Rue Bennett, with its raw portrayal of addiction, trauma and adolescence resonating with audiences.

A comeback years in the making

Now, after more than four years, Euphoria returns following a turbulent production period.

The third season was delayed by the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes, alongside reported rewrites and creative differences. As the Sam Levinson-created drama finally returns, it does so with what is widely expected to be its final chapter.

The new season jumps forward five years, with the characters now in their twenties. Rue, Nate and Cassie are navigating adulthood, faith and redemption, with Rue also entangled in a dangerous situation involving a drug dealer, according to the official synopsis.

The cast includes Colman Domingo, Alexa Demie, Hunter Schafer and Maude Apatow.

When and where to watch

Euphoria season three premiered on April 12 on HBO and is available to stream on HBO Max, with new episodes released weekly.

The eight-episode schedule is as follows:

• Episode 1: April 12
• Episode 2: April 19
• Episode 3: April 26
• Episode 4: May 3
• Episode 5: May 10
• Episode 6: May 17
• Episode 7: May 24
• Episode 8: May 31

Episodes air at 9 pm ET/PT on HBO before becoming available for streaming.

The cast is no longer “new”

One of the biggest shifts may be what happened off screen.

Since season two, the show’s breakout stars have become major Hollywood names. Elordi has gained top-tier recognition, while Sweeney has surged into the mainstream with roles in The White Lotus, Anyone But You and The Housemaid. Zendaya, meanwhile, has cemented her place as one of the industry’s most bankable stars, with projects across the Dune franchise and upcoming titles including The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

That level of fame raises a lingering question about whether the show can still feel as raw and intimate as it once did.

A major creative shift

Season three also introduces a noticeable change behind the scenes.

Legendary composer Hans Zimmer has scored the premiere episode, replacing Labrinth, whose music helped define the show’s signature sound in earlier seasons.

The tonal shift reflects the show’s move into more mature territory.

The new season also arrives in the shadow of real-life loss.

Angus Cloud, who played fan-favourite Fezco, died in 2023 at the age of 25. Eric Dane, known for his role as Cal Jacobs, also died earlier this year after battling ALS, having filmed scenes for the final season.

Despite Cloud’s death, his character remains part of the story, with references to him being in prison. Levinson has said the new season serves as a tribute to Cloud and others who “weren’t offered a second chance”.

Is this really the end?

While HBO Max has not confirmed a fourth season, Levinson has suggested this could be the final chapter. Zendaya has also indicated the story is heading towards closure.

With a long delay, a time jump and a cast that has outgrown its origins, Euphoria returns facing its biggest test yet.