Euphoria is all over the internet these days. It's hard not to get intrigued with the many fan edits, memes, and cast interviews like Jacob Elordi's Tonight Show appearance where he talked about prosthetic penises. That's not even the most shocking thing about the HBO show. The Drug Abuse Resistance Education program (D.A.R.E.) has recently called it out for its depiction of drugs, sex, and violence. We all know that only makes it more interesting. But apparently, even fans have turned on the show. They've reduced it to "guilty pleasure" after discovering problematic elements in the series aside from its many NSFW scenes. Here's what they really feel about it.
What D.A.R.E Has Said About 'Euphoria'
D.A.R.E said in a statement: "Rather than further each parent’s desire to keep their children safe from the potentially horrific consequences of drug abuse and other high-risk behavior, HBO's television drama, Euphoria, chooses to misguidedly glorify and erroneously depict high school student drug use, addiction, anonymous sex, violence, and other destructive behaviors as common and widespread in today's world." It really is weird that Euphoria has tons of mature content despite it being about underage teens.
The organization added that they would like to discuss matters with the show's producers. "It is unfortunate that HBO, social media, television program reviewers, and paid advertising have chosen to refer to the show as 'groundbreaking,' rather than recognizing the potential negative consequences on school age children who today face unparalleled risks and mental health challenges," the statement continued."
Ahead of season 2, Zendaya herself posted a trigger warning on Instagram. "I know I've said this before, but I do want to reiterate to everyone that Euphoria is for mature audiences," she wrote. "This season, maybe even more so than the last, is deeply emotional and deals with subject matter that can be triggering and difficult to watch." She urged viewers to "only watch it if you feel comfortable." But as it turned out, that's the least of the show's concerns these days.
Fans Are Mocking 'Euphoria' On Twitter And Reddit
The Daily Beast recently published an article called "Why Have Fans Turned on HBO’s Euphoria?" There, writer Kyndall Cunningham claimed that the show "has earned the ire of its online fanbase for its messy storylines and MIA characters." She also cited Vulture film critic Alison Willmore's take on the teenage drama — "I don't watch EUPHORIA but I love EUPHORIA Twitter because it’s so hard to tell who's hate watching and who’s watching the show because they actually like it," Willmore tweeted.
"Euphoria has become the target of intense Twitter mockery and memes halfway into its sophomore season," Cunningham wrote of the fans' negative response to the show. "From its abandonment of certain character arcs to creator Sam Levinson's clunky dialogue to its bombastic social commentary, the teen drama has given its viewers plenty to be confused and borderline upset about." Disappointed viewers have also taken to Reddit to attack the HBO hit.
"How is the show entertaining? Like how is people being depressed and where everyone is f*cked up and makes some stupid ass decisions entertaining? I don't get it," wrote a Redditor. Many fans agreed. When one fan replied to defend the show, saying it's "actually representative of teen life," another Redditor shook them out of their "fantasy" and said: "What dystopian young adult novel mixed with hardcore porn life are you living where you think Euphoria is in any way representative of teen life…"
Why Fans Keep Watching 'Euphoria' Despite It Being 'Cringe-Worthy'
The Euphoria hype is truly a phenomenon. "A lot of people think it's pandering, edgy, shock-value trash. Consistently panned by critics," a Redditor tried making sense of it. "All flash and zero substance. All the people who 'love' the show can't tell you legitimately why. It's a pure example of common belief fallacy. I hear people love the show, I want to be in that club with them." It's like the guilty pleasure of watching the hit Netflix series Emily in Paris — also known for its unrealistic storylines.
But Cunningham noted that "in 2022, it's well established that television doesn't need to be good in order to sustain our attention." That is the psychology behind it. "The 'guilty pleasure' of consuming reality television and soap operas has proved as much," she explained. "Plus, with the experience of live-tweeting and meme-sharing, it's never been more fun to bond over abhorrent writing, spot errors in continuity, and roast annoying characters."
If you're thinking of entering the Euphoria universe, Cunningham said "the series is easier to digest when consumed as a comedy or even a reality show rather than a 'prestige' drama."
