Executives at HBO decided this week that hit teen drama “Euphoria” will be leaving their streaming platform and will be a product of Disney Plus moving forward. The agreement came after a pitch from Disney Plus to take over the show because of its “wholesome family content” that will gel excellently with the content that the Disney Channel has been known to offer. Viewers can now find “Euphoria” among the likes of other generation-defining cult classics like “Lab Rats” and “Bizaardvark.”
The shift in networks means that actor Zendaya, who plays the protagonist and teen drug fiend Rue, will be returning to her Disney Channel roots. “I’m so happy to be back in the Disney family,” Zendaya said. “It’s very full circle for me. I really want to continue Rue’s story through a new lens and I think this will widen the show’s audience to be more inclusive of young children.”
Now, toddlers can learn about addiction at the same time they are learning to walk. Showrunners and Disney executives believe that the show celebrates individualism, showcasing a vast array of characters from abusive boyfriend Nate Jacobs to kind motherly figure Laurie, who takes Rue into her home during her darkest period (though refuses to let her out). “It truly is an immersive show,” said “Euphoria” creator and writer Sam Levinson. “I’m so glad that people finally recognize how there’s a message for the whole family.”
“Euphoria,” at its core, encourages viewers to embrace who they are. A prime example of this heartfelt message is character Cal Jacobs’ monologue in episode four of season two, where he concludes with the sentiment “I am who I am” before abandoning his family. “I’m really proud of that scene’s message. Everyone should see it,” said actor Eric Dane.
However, the post-Disney Plus version of “Euphoria” has already garnered significant criticism, with fans complaining about “awkward gaps” and “blatantly obvious plot holes” as a result of the sidelining of characters like drug dealer Fezco, whose lines do not come without profanity. Episode runtimes went from around 59 minutes to 15 minutes with the creation of the necessary censored versions. However, fans shouldn’t stress, as the characteristic drawn-out scenes of Cassie crying and Maddy yelling while aggressively clapping her long nails will remain in full. “Is there a better way to portray a healthy relationship than through a Nate-Cassie-Maddie love triangle?” Levinson added.
Scenes have been added of the characters sitting in a classroom and learning subjects like physics or geometry, a completely new direction for the show despite revolving around a high school. However, actors will still be adorned with the classic glittery makeup and low-coverage latex outfits with the addition of CGI backpacks and textbooks to better fit the Disney Plus style of television.
Your “Euphoria” Sundays might have gotten a lot shorter, but the network has high hopes for the show’s transition. Now, the show will extend from its GenZ bubble and shape the next generation of drug addicts and emotional teens.
April fools!