The HBO television series, “Euphoria,” has recently grabbed the attention of parents and teens alike, for its unique and intense themes so unlike any other typical high-school TV show. So, what makes it so alluring and different?
Sam Levinson, the creator of the series, has never explicitly stated that the show was intended for teenagers. However, perhaps the reason why teens are so drawn to the drama series is because it covers countless themes, such as addiction, physical and emotional abuse, catfishing, mental health and more, and it shows the harsh realities of these topics that aren’t discussed nearly as often as they should be. For the same reason the show is so captivating to teens, many parents feel that it is too “mature.” However, this just further proves how we need to reduce the stigma surrounding these things that many people face themselves. Euphoria helps teens and young adults feel like they are not alone in their search to find themselves.
However, this is not to say that Euphoria is a realistic depiction of the lives of average high-schoolers, as many of the things the characters on the show face are exaggerated for cinematic effect, and are more realistic for young adults than teens. Nevertheless, the emotions portrayed on the show by each of the characters are so raw that the show feels like a reality, which was one of Levinson’s intentions when creating the show.