‘Euphoria’ Creator Sam Levinson Talks Tragedy, the Internet and the End of the Show

Ahead of the highly anticipated Season 3 premiere of HBO's 'Euphoria' on Sunday, the show's creator and showrunner, Sam Levinson, gave a revealing interview in which he discussed navigating the show's immense cultural impact, his own controversial reputation, and the profound impact of the tragic death of cast member Angus Cloud. The conversation, conducted in Los Angeles, served as a reflective moment for Levinson, who has faced intense scrutiny over the show's dark themes and production challenges, prompting a period of significant personal and creative soul-searching. The interview delved into the complex legacy of 'Euphoria,' a show celebrated for its raw, stylized portrayal of teenage trauma, addiction, and identity, while also criticized for its graphic content. Levinson addressed the polarized reception head-on, acknowledging the weight of audience expectations and the often-toxic discourse surrounding the series on social media. He spoke candidly about the isolating nature of being a public figure in the internet age, where creator intent is frequently dissected and debated online, separate from the collaborative reality of television production. A central and somber theme of the discussion was the passing of Angus Cloud, the beloved actor who played Fezco. Levinson described Cloud's death in July 2023 as a devastating loss that forced a major reckoning, both for the close-knit cast and crew and for the narrative direction of the upcoming season. This tragedy prompted deep introspection about the show's purpose and the responsibility of portraying difficult subject matter. As 'Euphoria' prepares to conclude with its third season, Levinson framed this final chapter as an evolution, aiming to synthesize the show's visual audacity with a more mature, character-driven resolution, informed by the real-life grief and growth experienced by its ensemble.