‘Euphoria’ had a special treat for fans in 2020. The first of 2 special episodes premiered Dec. 4. From the second special episode to the status of season 2, here are the latest updates about all things ‘Euphoria.’
Euphoria season 2 is on the way, so don’t you worry. HBO has already renewed the hit teen drama for a second season. It’s definitely happening, but the timing is still up in the air due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the delay, Euphoria was able to gift us with special episodes in 2020. The first, featuring Zendaya and Colman Domingo, debuted Dec. 4. HollywoodLife is breaking down the first special episode, what’s next, and the key updates about season 2.
The New Episodes
The first special episode — titled “Trouble Don’t Last Always” — dropped early on Dec. 4. The Christmas episode began with a dream where Rue and Jules were living happily together and had no problems to worry about. However, Rue found herself back in reality very quickly. She met up with Ali at a diner to discuss her relapse. Rue and Ali didn’t hold back with each other during their emotional conversation.
At one point, Ali even asked Rue if she wanted to get clean, and Rue said she didn’t. Ali stressed to Rue, “The longer you use drugs, the more you’re going to lose.” Ali opened up about his family and what he’s lost due to his addiction struggles. Rue confessed to Ali in the most devastating moment of their entire conversation, “I just don’t really plan on being here that long.” At the end of the episode, Ali drove Rue home.
Euphoria’s creator and writer, Sam Levinson, noted that Rue’s episode showed Rue’s “unreliability as a narrator” because she’s “not always accurate in her retelling of things.” The second episode will explore the “other side to the story,” which is Jules’ perspective. The second episode’s premiere date has not been confirmed.
Premiere Date
Back in March 2020, Euphoria’s official social media accounts shared a photo from the first official season 2 table read. Filming was expected to begin, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed most TV productions. Following the 2020 Emmys, HBO president Casey Bloys told our sister site Deadline that Euphoria will likely begin filming season 2 in “early 2021.”
With season 2 production not starting until early 2021, that means it will likely be late 2021 or early 2022 before Euphoria season 2 premieres on HBO. The wait is going to be a long one, but it will be worth it.
The Cast
Zendaya, who won the 2020 Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, will return as Rue in season 2. Members of the ensemble cast expected to return include Maude Apatow, Angus Cloud, Eric Dane, Alexa Demie, Jacob Elordi, Barbie Ferreira, Nika King, Storm Reid, Hunter Schafer, Algee Smith, and Sydney Sweeney.
When Euphoria’s social media account revealed a look at the season 2 table read, Zendaya and Angus were pictured together. In addition to Rue, fan-favorite Fezco will for sure be back in the second season.
New Additions
Season 2 is expected to add some new faces to the mix. One actor that we know for sure is joining season 2 is Kelvin Harrison Jr., who notably starred in the critically-acclaimed film Waves. He revealed that he actually wanted to join the cast back in season 1.
“It was something that we had talked about for a while because I wanted to be on season 1 and things didn’t really go that way,” he told our sister site Variety. “Suddenly, all the stars aligned and I got to be there. We did our first couple table reads and they were amazing.”
The End Of Season 1
Season 1 ended on a heartbreaking note with Rue relapsing after Jules left on the train. Rue decided to back out of running away with Jules, who begged Rue to come with her. Meanwhile, Kat and Ethan finally admitted their feelings for each other and got together at the winter formal.
Cassie got an abortion after getting pregnant with McKay’s baby. Meanwhile, Maddy decided to steal a DVD from Nate’s room, and that DVD could potentially expose Nate’s dad. Remember, Nate’s dad has a personal porn collection that Nate discovered as a child. What’s on the DVD was never shown, but Maddy watched it and looked shocked at what she witnessed. At the school dance, Maddy and Nate broke up.
The Show’s Future
Don’t expect to see the Euphoria stars playing high school students for 5 seasons. “Well, [the characters] are in high school, so there are only so many seasons it can go,” Bloys told our sister site TVLine. “There’s a time limit.” He added: “There is no set plan. But I don’t think you want 30-year-olds playing [high school students].”