HBO Max has recently released Season 2 of ‘Euphoria’, and the response has been immense. But while the show continues to thrive in ratings, does its portrayal of drugs have harmful ramifications to impressionable teenage minds across the world?

 

‘Euphoria’ tells the story of 17 year old Rue, a drug addict who narrates the show throughout. It has been hugely successful and has seen an increase of nearly 100% in viewership since Season 1 was released in 2019, with controversies and theories surrounding the plot becoming a hot topic for many viewers. It deals with themes such as addiction, toxic relationships and violence, reflective of many of the issues Gen-Z deals with today. 

 

Despite the age restrictions stating that ‘Euphoria’ is intended for mature audiences, it is available on many websites and therefore is easily accessible. Many parents have expressed concerns about their children watching this show, particularly for younger viewers as many of the characters are idolised in their fashion choices and catchphrases - parents hope this admiration will not extend to their dangerous actions being emulated. Early in Season 1, the depiction of the main character intoxicated, with climactic music and glitter makeup, paired with her famous quote ‘drugs are kinda cool’ concerned many. They argued this portrayal was dangerous and romanticised the use of drugs to its predominantly teen viewers. Whilst some parents on online forums claimed that the show was ‘toxic for young minds’ and urged parents to ‘be careful’, others debated that this was the ‘reality of many teens’ and that ‘they know a lot more than you think they do’.  

 

A 16 year old viewer from Teddington argued that the reason for the show’s success on an international scale was the relatable nature of the characters: ‘they have all had something bad happen to them and have experienced a broad range of issues so we can all empathise with at least one of them’. She went on to add that ‘the show doesn’t glamourise drugs because it also shows all the negative consequences that come with drug-taking, such as withdrawal and debt’. However, another avid fan of the show claimed that these sensitive themes were touched on for a ‘good plot’ and that it wasn’t the show’s responsibility if viewers ‘took it the wrong way - age restrictions are there for a reason’. She went on to discuss the danger of the edits posted by fans on social media platforms such as Tiktok, saying they explicitly romanticised drug-taking through compiling various clips of characters intoxicated at parties across episodes and putting upbeat music and effects over the top, emphasising that these were the reason for the show’s controversial reputation amongst non-viewers. 

 

Despite the controversy and discussion the show has sparked, ‘Euphoria’ will no doubt be just as popular when back on our screens upon its Season 3 return in 2024.