Why Euphoria Isn T The Progressive Flex You Think It Is

Okay, let’s talk about Euphoria. The show. You know the one. The one everyone on the internet suddenly loves to dissect. The one that’s all glitter eyeshadow and existential dread. It’s visually stunning, I’ll give it that. The fashion is… a lot. And the cinematography? Chef’s kiss, truly. It feels like a fever dream you can watch on a Tuesday.

But here’s my little, slightly unpopular, maybe even shameful thought: Is Euphoria really the progressive flex we all pretend it is? Are we all just nodding along, posting our Euphoria-inspired makeup looks, thinking we’re on the cutting edge of societal commentary? Because sometimes, it feels more like a stylishly shot lookbook for teenage trauma.

Let’s break it down. We’ve got characters grappling with addiction, trauma, identity, mental health struggles. Big stuff. Important stuff. And the show doesn’t shy away from it. It dives headfirst into the messy, dark corners of adolescent life. That’s where the "progressive" argument usually kicks in, right? “See! We’re talking about things! We’re showing the reality of being young today!”

And yeah, it is talking about things. But how is it talking about them? Sometimes it feels like it's less about exploring these complex issues with nuance and more about presenting them as edgy plot devices. Like, “Oh, this character is struggling with substance abuse? Let’s give them a dramatic scene with neon lights and a killer soundtrack.” It’s visually arresting, but is it always insightful?

Think about Jules. She’s a trans character. That’s huge. Representation matters, absolutely. But her storyline often feels centered around her relationship with Rue, or her journey of self-discovery that’s framed through the eyes of others. Does she get to just be Jules, a complex human being, without her transness being the primary narrative driver or a source of external conflict? It’s like, “Here’s a trans character! Now let’s see how everyone else reacts to her!” It’s a start, sure. But is it the finish line of progressive storytelling?

And Rue. Bless her heart. Zendaya is incredible, obviously. Her performance is raw and powerful. But Rue’s addiction storyline, while undeniably compelling, can sometimes feel like it’s teetering on the edge of glorification. The moments of escape, the creative highs, the sheer aesthetic of her drug use – it’s presented with such artistry. Is it making us feel for her, or is it making her struggle look… cool?

Let’s not forget the sheer amount of trauma. Every single character on Euphoria seems to have a trunk full of it. Abuse, neglect, mental illness, sexual assault. It’s a veritable smorgasbord of adolescent suffering. And while these are real issues that many young people face, the show’s relentless focus on it can feel overwhelming. It’s like, after a while, you start wondering if the writers just have a bingo card of every possible teenage hardship and are systematically ticking them off.

"Is it exploring the depths of despair, or just using despair as a cool aesthetic?"

And the "progressiveness" often feels superficial. It’s in the fabulous outfits. It’s in the bold makeup. It’s in the fact that they mention things like gender identity and addiction. But does it actually change the way we think about these issues? Or does it just make us feel like we’re watching something edgy and important while simultaneously scrolling through TikTok?

The show is a masterclass in aesthetics. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that’s dressed in designer clothes. It’s provocative, it’s visually arresting, and it generates a ton of conversation. And that’s not nothing. It gets people talking about difficult topics. But sometimes, I worry that the conversation is about how the show talks about these things, rather than what the show is actually saying.

Maybe being "progressive" isn’t just about showing the dark stuff. Maybe it’s about showing the healing. The resilience. The mundane realities of life, not just the dramatic explosions. Maybe it’s about showing characters who are more than just their trauma or their identity. Maybe it’s about showing progress within the characters, not just as a flashy plot point.

So, while I’ll still tune in for the stunning visuals and the undeniable talent on display, I’m going to keep my little question mark about Euphoria’s progressive credentials. It’s entertaining, it’s thought-provoking, and it’s definitely a vibe. But is it the pinnacle of progressive storytelling? I’m not entirely convinced. And that’s okay. We can like things that aren’t perfect, right? We can appreciate the artistry without necessarily agreeing with the entire message. It’s complicated. Just like the characters themselves. And maybe, just maybe, that’s the most progressive thing of all.