Student reactions to “Euphoria”

The hit show “Euphoria” recently released its second season. Many people expected Sam Levinson, the show’s director, to deliver a second season that one-ups the first, but does it? 

“Euphoria” follows the main character, Rue’s, journey through finding her identity, sobriety, and teenage relationships. The audience also gets backgrounds on the supporting characters through episodes narrated by Rue.

While it is a good show, senior Alister Sanchez-Lapitan notes that it “can be a little draining to watch.” 

The show tackles topics of addiction which, in some cases, can be very triggering.

Season two consists of eight episodes which average around 48 minutes; it dives more into Rue’s story now that the characters have been thoroughly introduced. 

“The second season was all over the place,” said senior Alexzandra McDaniel. “I think it was that way to build the plot up more for Rue’s development.” 

McDaniel also noted that it was better than the first season because the action made it “exciting to sit down and watch every Sunday night.” 

The show has been questioned by parents and students alike for being too vulgar for high schoolers and containing inaccurate subject matter.

“Many teens around the world are either going through a problem depicted in the show or recovering from one,” said junior Kerie Batiancila. 

Seeing a depiction of real world problems may be therapeutic for some viewers, but others argue that the questionable subject matter is overdone just for shock value. 

The show has been criticized over its writing. Some of the story lines are forgotten about or glossed over. 

Levinson “regressed some characters this season,” said junior Abigail Potter-James. Potter-James also notes that vital characters in season like Kat and McKay lack speaking lines and any development that they were set up for in season one. 

Parents have been concerned about the subject matter of the show and whether it is effectively warning of the dangers of substance abuse or trying to normalize it. It is definitely not for everyone, but millions are watching it. According to Variety “season 2 episodes are now averaging 16.3 million viewers, which is the best performance for any season of an HBO series over the past 18 years, other than ‘Game of Thrones.’” 

“It’s a great show that informs and educates you about mental health and drugs,” said Batiancila. “High Schoolers could finally say that they have a show that they can relate to in different ways.”