Euphoria has been hailed as one of the most groundbreaking and poignant shows in recent years. With its raw depiction of teenage struggles and stellar performances from the Euphoria cast, it’s no surprise that this HBO hit series has taken the world by storm. If you’re a fan or just curious about all the fuss, we’ve got you covered with our top 8 must-watch episodes of Euphoria. Get ready to dive deep into the complexities of adolescence and witness some truly unforgettable moments on screen!
Episode 1:
In the pilot episode of Euphoria, we’re immediately introduced to Rue Bennett, played by Zendaya. She’s a troubled teenager fresh out of rehab who struggles with addiction and mental illness. Through her eyes, we see the world of high school parties, drug use, and social media that dominates modern teenage life.
The first episode sets up the main characters and their struggles while showcasing impressive cinematography. The show’s bold visual style is on full display here, using vibrant colors and dreamlike sequences.
One standout moment in this episode is when Rue attends a party where she meets Jules Vaughn (Hunter Schafer), a new girl in town who quickly becomes one of her closest friends. Their connection feels genuine and refreshing as they navigate their shared experiences as LGBTQ+ teenagers.
Episode 1 lays a solid foundation for what’s to come in the rest of the series – it’s gritty yet stunningly beautiful all at once.
Episode 2:
In episode 2 of Euphoria, titled “Stuntin’ Like My Daddy,” we see Rue struggling with her addiction and attempting to stay clean. She attends a party with Jules, meeting Fezco’s supplier Ali. As the night progresses, Rue becomes more tempted by drugs despite trying to resist.
Meanwhile, Kat begins exploring her sexuality online and discovers a new sense of confidence in herself. We also look closely at Nate’s toxic relationship with his father and how it affects his behavior toward others.
The episode is expertly crafted, blending the individual storylines seamlessly while allowing each character to develop uniquely. The acting performances are phenomenal, as always, particularly from Zendaya, who conveys Rue’s struggles with addiction in a nuanced and realistic way.
Episode 2 is another standout installment in Euphoria that continues to push boundaries and steadfastly explore complex themes.
Episode 3:
Episode 3 of Euphoria, aptly titled “Made You Look,” is a visually stunning episode that showcases the show’s impressive cinematography. The episode primarily focuses on Kat (Barbie Ferreira) and her journey to embrace her sexuality after discovering the world of online camming.
Throughout the episode, Kat becomes more confident as she gains more followers and explores different facets of her identity. However, this newfound confidence also comes with challenges as she navigates through judgment from others and her internal doubts.
In addition to Kat’s storyline, we glimpse Jules’ (Hunter Schafer) past through some beautifully crafted dream sequences. These scenes provide insight into Jules’ innermost thoughts and fears.
Episode 3 stands out for its bold storytelling choices and incredible visuals that elevate the viewing experience.
Episode 4:
Episode 4 of Euphoria is titled “Shook One Pt. II,” it’s a powerful and thought-provoking episode that delves deep into the various issues the show’s main characters face. The episode mainly focuses on Rue, who struggles with her drug addiction, and Jules, who meets emotional turmoil after being outed.
One of the most impactful scenes in this episode is when Rue attends her Narcotics Anonymous meeting for the first time. Through this scene, we get an insight into how difficult it can be for someone struggling with addiction to admit their problem and seek help.
We also see Nate dealing with his own problems as he continues to grapple with his sexuality and toxic masculinity. This conflict leads him down a dark path, resulting in violence toward others.
Episode 4 highlights important issues such as mental health struggles, LGBTQ+ identity conflicts, and societal pressures on young adults. It emphasizes how complex these matters are and how they can have severe consequences if left unaddressed or untreated.
Episode 5:
Episode 5 of Euphoria is titled “03 Bonnie and Clyde,” it’s a pivotal episode for several characters. Rue, struggling with sobriety, falls back into old habits after Jules leaves town. Meanwhile, Kat explores her sexuality further through online interactions.
One of the standout moments in this episode is when Maddy confronts Nate about his abusive behavior toward her. It’s a powerful scene that sheds light on the complexity of toxic relationships.
Another notable aspect of this episode is the fashion. The costume design team outdid themselves with Maddy’s iconic rhinestone lingerie set and Rue’s oversized red hoodie.
Overall, “03 Bonnie and Clyde” packs an emotional punch while showcasing stunning visuals. It’s a must-watch episode for fans of the show or anyone interested in exploring themes like addiction and abuse in a raw and unflinching way.
Episode 6:
Episode 6 of Euphoria, titled “The Next Episode,” takes a unique approach by having Rue narrate her story in the second person. The episode concerns Rue’s relationship with Jules and their first major fight.
As we delve into Rue’s inner thoughts and emotions, we see how her addiction affects her and those around her. Her insecurities and fears are laid bare as she struggles to understand where she stands with Jules.
One of the standout moments of the episode is when Rue imagines what their future could be like if they stay together. It’s a beautiful yet heartbreaking sequence that showcases Zendaya’s acting ability.
We also get further insight into Jules’ backstory, particularly her relationship with Nate. The tension between them continues to build, laying the groundwork for later episodes.
Episode 6 offers a deeper exploration of Rue as a character while setting up important plot points for future episodes.
Episode 7:
Episode 7 of Euphoria is a turning point for the series, as Rue’s drug addiction reaches a new level. This episode focuses on her relationship with Jules and how it evolves throughout their time together.
One of the most striking aspects of this episode is its use of music. The soundtrack perfectly captures the emotional intensity of each scene and adds an extra layer to the storytelling. From Lizzo’s empowering “Truth Hurts” to Labrinth’s haunting original score, every song choice feels deliberate and impactful.
In addition to exploring Rue and Jules’ dynamic, Episode 7 also delves into themes of toxic masculinity through Nate’s storyline. We see him grappling with his identity while simultaneously trying to control those around him.
Episode 7 showcases some incredible performances from the cast and takes risks with its storytelling that pay off in emotionally resonant ways. It’s one to attend for show fans or anyone interested in complex character studies.
Episode 8:
In Episode 8, titled “And Salt the Earth Behind You,” Euphoria brings the first season to a close. This episode is truly jaw-dropping and features some of the most intense scenes in the series.
The cast gives their all in this finale, bringing depth and complexity to their characters as they face their darkest moments. It’s impossible not to be moved by Rue’s journey throughout this series, and her final moments will leave you speechless.
Euphoria is a must-watch for fans of drama, coming-of-age stories, and incredible acting performances. The talented cast brings each character to life with authenticity and vulnerability that will stay with you long after watching.
If you still need to watch Euphoria, start with these ten episodes! And if you have already seen it – rewatch them all over again because this show has endless layers waiting to be discovered.
