It’s a Sunday night, April 19 specifically, and HBO Max is suddenly flooded with viewers. Fans are filled with anticipation and excitement before clicking “watch” on episode one, season three of Euphoria. However, after the trailer was released, fans find the show somewhat pointless due to a five-year time jump from the previous season.

Intended to represent issues such as drug and alcohol addiction, body dysmorphia, friendship problems, and self-harm, this change disappointed viewers, as the show was initially meant to mirror the lives of teenagers, not adults.

The main character of the show, Rue Bennett, experiences heartbreak, addiction, and family deaths throughout the first two seasons. In the first episode of season three, instead of going through a drug addiction, she was a drug smuggler. 

Then, over time, Rue realized that drug dealing wasn’t meant for her, instead turning to God to seek a better life. This character development sparked conversation among many, as they personally relate to doing so. 

“I feel like Rue trusting God and being on a walk of faith with him relates directly to many people who are religious,” notes junior Jordyne Jones. He continues, “I feel like her new status of working for Alamo is not going to be good for her, as it seems like something she should not be doing.”

On a more memorable note, actor Eric Dane, who plays Cal Jacobs, passed away in November of 2025 from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), around four months after he finished filming his part in season three. This sudden event struck surprise and sadness within fans, who now may view the show differently. In honor of his legacy, most episodes include a memoir before each opening scene. 

Shifting to a controversial topic, fans have taken to social media platforms such as TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram to express their thoughts on a troubling Cassie Howard, played by Sydney Sweeney. With this season’s plot being heavily focused on her storyline and relationships, it appears as if Cassie has become the main character of the show.

Additionally, many people think that Cassie wanted to physically and mentally be her ex-best friend, Maddy Perez. Thus, many fans believe that Cassie’s relationship with Nate only exists out of jealousy and infatuation with Maddy’s life. 

Before the release of the first few episodes, there were many speculations and predictions for this season. A popular theory includes Nate and Cassie’s potential divorce, leading to the revival of Maddy and Nate’s relationship. This is backed by moments in the previous seasons, when many characters mentioned this scenario several times. 

So far, three episodes have been released; in the first episode, Laurie found Rue, demanding money that was lost from the drug suitcase. This turns Rue into a drug mule with Faye, as she is unable to pay the fee. Sooner or later, Rue manages to get out of the situation and work for Alamo, the owner of the Silver Spoon club. 

Another fan speculation arising from the Silver Spoon club revolves around Angel, a worker at the club, who was sent to rehab following the sudden death of her best friend and coworker, Tish. 

However, after Rue dropped Angel off at the center, there were zero traditional legal medical procedures, such as paperwork, that took place. Instead, an ambulance pulled up, leading fans to predict that Angel will be a victim of trafficking or sold for her organs.

“The [first] episodes of this season are better than anticipated since it has been so long since season two,” comments senior Ava Abello. She continues, “Obviously, some [plot points] are missing, but as for Angel, I don’t think we will be seeing her again because the rehab center was super shady. I think that may affect Rue a lot since she seemed hesitant to drop Angel off to begin with.”