How did Euphoria become a cult show?

By Violaine Schütz.

Published on 17 January 2022. Updated on 27 April 2026.

Tackling the intricacies of teenage years, gender issues, and diversity of bodies and minds in a relevant way, is not an easy task. Yet, it is what has been done in one single season with Euphoria. The show created and written by Sam Levinson was a shock when it first came out on HBO in 2019. Everywhere since then, girls, boys, and everyone who does not identify with these narrow boxes, now mimics the main characters. They dress up and wear makeup in a similar way on TikTok, Instagram and in real life. This is how phenomenal the impact of the show, adapted from the Israeli miniseries of the same name, is on today’s pop culture.

The unexpected success of a cult teen show

On paper, nothing predestined Euphoria to be a universal show. Showing the extreme sensations felt by a group of troubled Californian teenagers, the series was designed to target that particular age group, as well as those filled with doubts. Following the path laid out by Skins and Kids, Euphoria draws the portraits of a lost generation. These young people try to feel alive no matter what, even at the risk of ending up in dangerous situations.

In this sweet, cruel, and poetic depiction of Gen Z, the audience meets the shy and neurasthenic Rue Bennett. Portrayed by the incredible Zendaya, the 17-year-old girl has just come out of rehab and wonders whether life has meaning. She falls for Jules Vaughn, played by Hunter Schafer, a very magnetic trans girl who has just moved nearby after her parents’ divorce. In this endearing universe, there are also Nate Jacobs (Jacob Elordi), an athlete with sexual complexes, the wild Kat Hernandez (Barbie Ferreira), proud of her curves enhanced by an SM wardrobe, or the gorgeous Maddy Perez (Alexa Demie), an assertive beauty who appears less superficial than she seems to be.

An aesthetic of contrasts

The oneiric beauty and emotional power of Euphoria lies in the way these teen adventures are portrayed. The audience witnesses them through the protagonists’ lens, without any taboos or stereotypes, and with a trashy and moving energy. Dysfunctional family, heartaches, getting wasted, persistent melancholia… The sequences are immersed in the blue lights of a hyped nightclub and meticulously shot, the music is mesmerizing, and the makeup looks shine. Amid difficult situations, a captivating aesthetic emerges. Although the characters struggle to find their way out of their respective identity crises, friendships and academic experiences, their faces are adorned with radiant glitter, and their bodies wear gleaming clothing. Just like stars in the dark night of their dramatic existence, stained with drugs and meaningless sex.

Taking us back to the glam rock era, the looks of these teenagers are enhanced by artifacts that make them as iconic as paintings. It is particularly true for one of the protagonists, Jules, played by Hunter Schafer. The transgender actress and model impresses with her radiant authenticity as a romantically clueless, yet bold young girl. Her Y2K, rave-like styles add to the depth of the character she portrays. With a great deal of nuance, her performance alone encompasses the subtlety of the first season of the show, which never gives in to bad taste, easy options, or shortcuts.

A long-awaited season 2

If the first season was a total success, season 2 followed that same energy. Following two breathtaking specials focusing on Rue and Jules, the new images were eagerly-awaited by critics and audiences alike.

The viewers can find the same gang from season 1 again, along with new charismatic characters. All of them have grown up. Yet, the complexity of each situation and the inventiveness of the music video-like direction remain intact. Regarding the plot, Rue still tries to defeat her demons and has to get over a difficult breakup. But a potential life-changing encounter may help her move on.

Just like this storyline, this new season contains a lot of violence. The Tarantino-like opening scene feels like an adrenaline shot, mixing sex, self-destruction, and drugs. Reminiscent of Bret Easton Ellis, Larry Clark, Gus Van Sant and Harmony Korine, the narrative seems rehashed, but the magic still happens. Season 2 is even darker than the previous one and begins with the same interrogation about identity. How far are we willing to go to know ourselves and get rid of our lack of self-esteem? A question that reaches a wider audience, beyond the teenagers who simply don’t know what “outfit of the day” to post on their TikTok story…

Season 2 of Euphoria (2022) by Sam Levinson is available on HBO.