Title: Euphoria
Network: HBO
Production Company: A24
Creator/Writer: Sam Levinson
Original Air Date: June 16, 2019
Age Rating: TV-MA
Genre: Drama
Format: Television Show
Reading Level/Interest Level: N/A
Awards or Honors:
People's Choice Award Winner: Drama TV Star of the Year - Zendaya (2019)
Emmy Award Winner: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Drama Series - Zendaya (2020)
Emmy Award Winner: Outstanding Contemporary Makeup (2020)
Emmy Award Winner: Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics (2020)
Plot Summary
Rue is a 17-year-old drug addict who has just completed rehab and is returning to her regular life. Unfortunately, this regular life means that she is back to consuming drugs as she did before rehab, with no plan to stop. With an ensemble of school mates including Jules, the new trans girl in town; Nathan, the jock with anger issues; Cassie, the girl with a sexual history; Chris, a new college student who is having trouble moving on from high school; and Kat, the virgin looking to experiment with her sexuality, Rue navigates her new normal.
Creator Background
Sam Levinson is an American writer, producer, and director who is best known for his work on Euphoria. Additional writer/director credits include Another Happy Day (2011), Assasination Nation (2018), and Malcolm & Marie (2021). He is a co-creator of the show The Idol, which is currently filming, starring The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp (IMDB, n.d.)
Critical Evaluation
As you can probably tell by her Emmy and People’s Choice Award wins, Zendaya is absolutely incredible in this show. The acting all around is outstanding, but she really stands out in this ensemble cast. In the first episode, I did feel like her character was being a little overdramatic about her situation and I didn’t really understand why she became a drug addict, but as I went on and got deeper into the show, I began to really feel for Rue. She’s absolutely stuck in this need for drugs to keep herself grounded and feel something. I also really loved the character Jules, who is new to town and trying to figure out where she fits in. I found myself so worried about her and what she might be getting into but also rooting for her.
Euphoria is dark and to be honest, shocking at times. I’m not sure if my high school experience was just sheltered, or if the show is trying to portray a kind of “worst-case scenario” for each character, but a lot of the situations here are incredibly unsettling. Despite that, it’s definitely an interesting show with a unique take on the teen experience and how each character deals with their situation.
Creative Use for a Library Program
Invite a community expert to host a makeup workshop at the library with Euphoria-inspired looks.
Speed-Round Book Talk
A group of teens with every problem you could imagine makes up this ensemble cast of lovable misfits. A dark, gritty look at drug addiction, sex, and violence will have you wondering how these teens will cope and what’s in store for them. For fans of Skins and Degrassi comes a modern, American take on the high school drama.
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation
There are no challenges to this material, but drug abuse, sex, violence, nudity, and language are some big red flags. With a TV-MA rating, this show is suited for an older range of teens. In defense of these issues, I would view this show as a cautionary tale of what could happen if teens got mixed up with the wrong end of these situations.
Reason for Inclusion
Despite how dark this show is, I think it’s still valuable for teens to view. As I was watching it, I kept asking myself if it was appropriate for teens but came to realize that of course, it isn’t up to adults to decide what teens should be watching. A good story with relatable and diverse characters from all backgrounds is always something to recommend, and I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed this show.
References
Bee. [@bumbleberriess]. (2020, December 16). Aaaahhh I'm so scared to post this but I rlly like it so I'mma do it anyway... the color scheme [Image]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/CI3Eq5HHZnK/
IMDB. (n.d.). Sam Levinson. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0506094/?ref_=tt_ov_wr
IMDB. (2019). Euphoria [Poster Image]. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8772296/?ref_=tt_mv_close
Malanova, V. (n.d.). Euphoria [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.artstation.com/artwork/4b2PBl
Perez, I. (n.d.). Euphoria [Image]. Tumblr. https://ine8s.tumblr.com/
Śliwińska, M. (n.d.). I’m in love with this Zendaya Euphoria fanart [Image]. Pinterest. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/350928995975667657/
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