We are living in a world in which teens are trying to find their way during the digital age where anything is accessible and unfiltered.

The debut of the first season of “Euphoria” in 2019 sparked conversation due to the overwhelming amount of drugs, sex and violence. This show is narrated from the perspective of Rue, who is played by Zendaya, a teenager recovering from drug addiction. Director Sam Levinson’s goal was to depict the challenges teens face growing up in a way where emotions are felt and not talked about. “Euphoria” evokes controversy because it is completely different from mainstream media. This show creates discomfort for its viewers through confronting topics that are not always talked about.

Levinson illustrates the plot of “Euphoria” in a way that has been criticized due to the lack of depth within the dialogue but his style intentionally utilizes other elements to immerse viewers into this colorful, whimsical story.

“We wanted to create a world that reflects what the characters wish the world looked like. The wardrobe, the hair, the makeup,” Levinson said.

Levinson has managed to create a phenomenal piece of artwork through his unspoken dialogue.

“I wanted to deal with how hard it is to articulate what you’re feeling [at that age],” said Levinson.

The younger generation is currently growing up in a culture full of toxicity that stems from technology—and he portrays this through an unfiltered, graphic and modern teenage experience.

After the buzz from the first season, “Euphoria” landed nine Emmy nominations and three Emmy awards in 2020. One Emmy was awarded to Zendaya for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Others were awarded to “Euphoria” for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics and Outstanding Contemporary Makeup.

Despite all these awards, some adults and critics view the overtly sexual and graphic images of partying, abuse and drugs shown to be provoking teens to indulge in this behavior. It has received slander for being too promiscuous and too raunchy as well as a show that glamorizes depression, violence and sex for aesthetic purposes for teens to admire. 

Before the original premiere of the first season, the Parents Television Council highly advocated for HBO to cancel the airing of the show. They believed that HBO has a responsibility to not market sexual deviance and profanity.

A review from the OBSERVER, questioned the appeal that the show and its plot has, describing it as “akin to the idea of watching a car crash as you witness teenagers fall deeper and deeper into danger.” Further emphasizing, “at a certain point, once you’ve built a tolerance, its attempts to titillate and devastate are so overt and frequent that it almost becomes boring.”

“Euphoria”…boring?

While I do recognize that “Euphoria” is most definitely not a show for everyone—as it showcases explicit content and storylines—it is the farthest thing from boring. Every song, line and action is completely intentional. Levinson utilizes every single element with the hope that these characters’ experiences give people something to relate and connect with.

In an interview with IndieWire, Levinson explained that he recognizes that the show does highlight controversial topics amongst the younger generations, but it comes with the understanding and the hope that his intended audience are not young teens. He hopes to spark conversation and give other generations insight to the experiences teenagers in this day and age undergo. 

Levinson aims to use his content to help viewers and non-viewers know they are not alone and hopes to bring awareness to the different struggles people experience as they navigate growing up. 

“I hope it creates a certain dialogue between parents and their kids. I don’t think this is a show for people under 17, but… If you have a feeling your kid is going to watch it anyway, then it might be good to have a conversation with them,” Levinson said. 

“Euphoria” is portraying a scary world that teens are living in, but I believe this show is not generating more fear or promoting sex. Instead, it authentically gives viewers a look into the roughness of growing up in the digital era. The episodes can be harsh and difficult to absorb at times, but so is life. This show mirrors experiences that Levinson has experienced, as well as the fellow actors and actresses.

Levinson spoke before the original Hollywood premiere that “Euphoria” is about “being seen and heard and known.”

From yesterday’s debut of Season 2 of “Euphoria,” I’m looking forward to witnessing the development of the character arcs of Rue, Jules, Cassie, Maddy, Nate and Kat. This teen drama is the farthest thing from a casual viewing experience, so be prepared to watch with an open mind and experience some discomfort. HBO will release the episodes weekly, giving us viewers an opportunity to reflect and discuss the content in each episode.