Dark Side of Gen Z
Controversy With Euphoria's Sex, Drugs, Violence
HBO’s Zendaya-led series, Euphoria, is already being hailed as the most explicit teen drama to date. Why is that, you ask? Because of drugs, violence and 30 images of a penis. And that’s just in the first episode.Now, for full disclosure, all of the main cast is in its 20s. The talented young actors and actresses are just portraying teenagers. But the drama surrounding the series comes from the fact the male organ (which is a prosthetic) belongs to Eric Dane’s character. In the show, Dane’s character commits statutory rape with a 17-year-old transgender girl (played by newcomer Hunter Schafer).
The controversies don’t stop there, though. Zendaya’s character is a recovering addict, and she experiences and overdose in the first episode. That’s not likely to go over well with parents. There is also a scene where teenagers participate in sexual choking practices.
The series is bound to make some parents mad, but its creator, Sam Levinson, and HBO are out to bring relatable teenage stories to the forefront rather than sanitized, monotonous renditions of the same story.
HBO programming president Casey Bloys told The Hollywood Reporter: “We’re not trying to put out a Gossip Girl.”
All in all, Euphoria is about a group of teenagers trying to navigate their totally messed up lives. The drama is there, but in a very 21st century feel. It’s more true to what actually happens versus what primetime television is allowed to show. HBO is pushing the limits. And one thing is for certain: Euphoria sure is getting a lot of buzz.
