Euphoria Season 3 premiere backlash

After a four-year hiatus, the gritty HBO drama returned with a five-year time jump, but the premiere has quickly divided its audience.

Critics and fans online have slammed the show's continued focus on explicit and unsettling content, suggesting the series has devolved into "fan fiction." Despite the backlash, Zendaya's performance as Rue continues to receive praise as her character navigates a dangerous new arc involving drug smuggling.

The episode's "In Memoriam" segment honored the cast and crew members lost since Season 2, including a poignant reveal of Fezco's fate.