I came to late euphoria. I didn’t see the first season when it premiered in 2019 and didn’t catch up until winter 2021 as I was looking for something to fill my long hiatus.
But as Season 2 drew closer, it felt like there was no escaping it euphoria Content on Social Media. On Twitter, TikTok and Instagram, many fans had something to share, be it Looking forward to a new episode, theories, memesor general reactions to the show. euphoriaThe prevalence of online caused it to oscillate between the first and second Variety’s Trending TV Chart, which tracks Twitter engagement around TV shows. Now more people are watching euphoria than ever. Season 2 viewership increased by almost 100% over Season 1; 13.1 million viewers tuned in to the premiere. While some of this is due to Zendaya’s popularity, it is reflects greater social media engagement with the show in general – opening up the fanbase to people who might not even be keeping up with the episodes in real time.
Days before the new season’s debut, videos anticipating the release – some with more than 17.9 million views — showed up on my TikTok For You page. I was fascinated not only by the show but also by the reactions on the internet. euphoria dominated social media and I honestly didn’t want to be left out. So on January 9th, I tuned into the first episode as it aired. Social media was flooded the next day euphoria Contents. People recreated every episode on TikTok, reenact scenes with very little context – basically a replay of notable moments in comedic shorthand. Some of the the most beloved has been viewed over 6 million times, and some Content creators have dedicated their entire accounts to euphoria recaps.
Those who watched the episode like me could easily understand these TikToks and other social media posts. But they also functioned as recaps for those who hadn’t. The content creators even attracted fans who had never watched euphoria but could get a glimpse of the show without having to pay for an HBO Max subscription. Some jokingly remarked that her Twitter feed after each episode of the week was enough to catch up, even if some of it was incredible out of context.
At the same time, euphoria Stars also added to the excitement on social media. Actors cast as extras in the season premiere dished about her euphoria experience. Angus Cloud, who plays drug dealer Fez, posted a video on Instagram of himself beating guy euphoria Star Jacob Elordi with a bottle on his head – behind-the-scenes footage of a scene that appeared in this first episode.
I started to work euphoria into my weekly schedule and try to watch as close to airtime as possible to avoid being spoiled by social media. Like clockwork, social media came alive at the end of—or sometimes even during—each episode. On TikTok, users poked fun at the absurdity euphoria‘s East Highland by pretending to go to Euphoria High School. In the trend, a TikToker will step into the picture with a “normal” outfit. An audio clip of Squidward asking SpongeBob, “And why aren’t you in a uniform?” will prompt them to re-enter the frame in an outrageous outfit like the one worn by euphoria Characters that would surely break the dress code of any other high school.
The number of trends has only continued to grow. In a recent one, users note how unrealistic euphoria and then give a plot about “her high school”. After reading a few lines, it becomes clear that the details about “her high school” are references to another TV show. Often these are other popular teen dramas such as joy, The Secret Life of the American Teenagerand Pretty little liars. Some have also posted videos of the show being recast with one all black cast, former Disney Channel Starsand even a popular influencer Trisha Paytas.
Audio coming directly from euphoria has also exploded on TikTok. As you scroll through the app, you’ll likely hear Labrinth songs from the show, like “Forever,” “Formula,” “Still Don’t Know My Name,” or “All for Us.” These tracks were part of the first season soundtrack and have hundreds of thousands of streams on Spotify. Audio from certain scenes is also available on non-euphoria-related content. A soundbite from the scene of Cal and Fez in Episode 4 (“I’m extremely confused/You’re confused, I’m fucking confused bro“) can be seen in almost 250,000 videos, and Maddy’s reaction to Lexi’s game in the episode 7 promo (“Wait, is this damn play about us?”) is used in more than 60,000 at the time of writing. While this is common on TikTok — audio from TV shows is often used in unrelated videos — it shows just how ubiquitous it is euphoria is in the app.
euphoria is certainly not the first or last social media fascination. almost a year ago WandaVision saw a similar explosion that inspired countless TikToks and memes about its characters, especially Jimmy Woo. Before the new season of euphoriapeople flocked Yellow jackets with analysis and fan theories galore.
Online platforms have become a popular medium for viewers to process film and television in general. but euphoriaThe stunning aesthetic and complex storylines of have made it a natural fit for social media. The fact that audiences have to wait a week before seeing a new episode only builds anticipation and draws people in. As one TikToker pointed out: “It’s like an HBO-sponsored book club and our obsession with toxic hot people.”
Didn’t interest me at first euphoria, but the show has grown on me over the past few weeks — thanks to the wild outfits, hilarious synopses, and never-ending stream of labrinth music on my For You page. I look forward to seeing what creator Sam Levinson has in store for the season finale. And I’m even more excited to see the memes it inspires.