Euphoria season 3: Sydney Sweeney and Jacob Elordi in the spotlight amid criticism after premiere

After four years since the end of its second season in February 2022, Euphoria returned on Sunday, April 12 with the premiere of its third installment, marking one of the most anticipated returns in current television

The premiere not only reactivated the story of its characters, but also brought back to the table the type of series that Euphoria is and how it has changed the way it is viewed.

Since its first season, the production has been characterized by a direct portrayal of excess, nudity, complex relationships and a narrative that constantly pushes the boundaries of youth drama. However, as time has gone on and the five-year time jump within the story, the distance between the characters and the audience seems to have become more apparent.

Sydney and Jacob involved in complex and critical scenes

The first episode of this new stage showed this change from different directions.

In the case of Sydney Sweeney, her character, Cassie Howard, was once again at the center of the conversation after a scene that generated a reaction on social networks. The sequence, where the character appears dressed as a dog with a chain around her neck, to show that she is "submissive", was one of the most commented on and criticized of the premiere and opened again the debate about the narrative limits of the series.

In parallel, Jacob Elordi's character Nate Jacobs also stars in a moment within the episode where he takes the chain to Cassie, which further added to the conversation on social media about the tone this new season is taking.

To this is added another strong scene, where Cassie appears dressed as a baby, using a pacifier, with a pose that leaves part of her underwear exposed, a moment that fans called "disturbing" and was strongly criticized and rejected.

On social media, the reactions have been mixed: while some celebrate the return and evolution of the characters, others question the direction this new stage is taking and the way in which certain situations are represented within the story

With this start, Euphoria not only returns to the screen, but also returns to a point where it is no longer just the plot that is discussed, but the way in which the audience interprets and accepts it.