GCSU students are reacting to the release of the new season of “Euphoria,” which premiered this spring on HBO, with excitement and varied opinions about how the show has changed.
The series, which first gained popularity in 2019 for its bold visuals and intense portrayal of addiction, identity and relationships, returns after a long gap between seasons two and three. That time away has shaped the direction of the show and the perspectives of its audience, many of whom first watched it as teenagers and are now experiencing it as college students.
For some, that shift has made the show feel less like entertainment and more like something to analyze. Caroline Polosky, a sophomore elementary education major, said her understanding of the series has grown as she has matured.
“Between seasons, I feel like I’ve matured a lot and view the characters differently now,” Polosky said. “I notice more of the deeper themes like addiction, mental health and relationships instead of just the drama. I also feel like I can relate to certain struggles more than I did before. I was a bit too young to fully understand the themes of the show.”
Polosky’s experience reflects how many students now view the show. Scenes that once seemed shocking or overly dramatic now feel more grounded in real-life issues that are easier to recognize and relate to.
Brianna Carias, a freshman criminal justice and psychology major, said her transition into college has influenced how she connects with the characters and their choices.
“Since I last watched the show, about 2023, I was still in high school and was a lot more introverted and didn’t come out of my shell,” Carias said. “Now I’m finishing my freshman year of college and definitely put myself out there more.”
That personal growth mirrors the shift within the show itself. The characters are no longer navigating high school, and their decisions now carry longer-term consequences, something students say adds a different level of seriousness to the storyline.
“From what I’ve seen from the new season, it seems a lot more mature, of course since they are no longer in high school,” Carias said. “Everything they do is so much more permanent. Some of the things the characters have done also felt so corny and the makeup seems more simple in my opinion.”
Along with the narrative changes, students have also noticed a difference in the show’s visual identity. Earlier seasons were known for bold makeup, dramatic lighting and stylized scenes, while the new season appears more restrained.
Lindsey Henson, a sophomore nursing major, said the return of the series does not feel as new or as impactful as it once did.
“It feels like it’s not as fresh of a topic anymore,” Henson said. “They’re kind of just revisiting it because they originally had plans to continue it, but it just feels drawn out now.”
The weekly release schedule has also become part of the conversation on campus. In an era where many shows are released all at once, “Euphoria” has returned to a slower rollout, encouraging viewers to watch and discuss each episode as it airs on Sunday nights.
“I love the weekly release schedule, it gives me something to look forward to every week and keeps me hooked,” Carias said.
For students like Carias, the schedule creates a routine and builds anticipation. It also allows time for discussion, whether in person or on social media, which has become a key part of how younger audiences engage with television.
Others, however, prefer a more flexible viewing experience. Henson said she plans to wait until the full season is available before watching.
“I like the weekly releases, but I just know that I’m the type that will wait till they’re all released and then I’ll just go watch them all at once,” Henson said.
The new season takes on additional emotional weight following the deaths of cast members since the previous release, such as Angus Cloud, who played Fezco, and Eric Dane, who portrayed Cal Jacobs. Many viewers say this context makes certain scenes feel heavier and more reflective.
“It was really sad and honestly changed the way I watch the show,” Polosky said. “Knowing that some cast members have passed away adds a more emotional layer, and it makes certain scenes feel more meaningful and heavy.”
Despite differing reactions to the show’s evolution, its core themes continue to resonate with students navigating similar stages of life. Many point to its willingness to address difficult topics that are often present, but not always openly discussed.
“I think the show interests students because it feels so real,” Carias said. “Of course not everyone goes through what the characters do, but we all at least know of someone that struggles with substance abuse because it’s so normalized in college.”
Polosky said the show connects with viewers because of the topics it covers and the way those stories are portrayed.
“‘Euphoria’ portrays real-life issues that people our age actually deal with,” Polosky said. “Even though it’s dramatized, it still feels relatable.”
As the new season of “Euphoria” continues, GCSU students are keeping up with the story while also noticing how their own experiences shape the way they watch and respond to the show.