Euphoria Season 3 Teaser Sparks Breaking Bad Comparisons Among Fans
HBO Max has unveiled the first five minutes of the highly anticipated third season of Euphoria, sending shockwaves through its fanbase with a dramatic tonal shift that many are likening to the iconic drug drama Breaking Bad. The clip, released on Friday ahead of the Sunday premiere, features Zendaya's character Rue in a gripping desert sequence that has left viewers stunned.
Desert Drama Evokes Breaking Bad Vibes
In the teaser, Rue is seen speeding through Mexico's Chihuahuan Desert in a dusty SUV, heading towards the U.S. border. In a tense moment, she pays a motorcyclist to set up a makeshift platform for her vehicle to cross. However, after driving up, the car becomes stuck at the top. Rue attempts to reverse and shift the weight to free it, but both efforts fail, forcing her to abandon the vehicle and continue her journey on foot.
This brief but impactful scene has ignited a frenzy on social media, with fans expressing their astonishment at the show's new direction. Many noted that it feels like a completely different programme, drawing direct parallels to the Bryan Cranston-led AMC series Breaking Bad.
Fan Reactions Flood Social Media
The response from eager viewers has been overwhelmingly vocal. One Instagram user commented, "From Euphoria to Breaking Bad real quick," while another questioned, "Is this Breaking Bad now?" A third shared a meme of Walter White, Cranston's character from the acclaimed series, highlighting the unexpected similarity.
Further reactions included:
- "I'm crying, this is an entirely different show," one fan wrote.
- "What in the Tarantino is going on here," another quipped, referencing the cinematic style.
- "We are so back to the chaos, lets go Sunday," hailed a supporter, eagerly anticipating the premiere.
Amid the comparisons, some fans focused on Rue's enduring black high-top Converse sneakers, which she has worn since high school. "In the end, it's those converse that have been with her through her roughest times," one joked, while another noted, "Those converse sneakers have been thru a lot." Others expressed confusion, with one wondering, "My question is how did we get here!? I don't remember anything happening that would lead us here."
Time Jump and Expanded Narrative
Euphoria season three will feature a five-year time jump from the season two storyline, which concluded with the main characters still in high school. Zendaya previously explained to Entertainment Weekly that this shift is crucial, stating, "It's important because there's only so much high school drama you can deal with." She added, "It will be fascinating to see and understand these characters outside of the context of high school and how all the stuff that we saw when they were kids affects the adulthood they have."
Alongside Zendaya, the core cast returning includes Hunter Schafer, Maude Apatow, Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi, and Alexa Demie, reprising their roles as the ensemble navigates this new chapter.
Critical Reception and Release Details
The new season has already sparked divided opinions among critics. Some have argued it feels like "disjointed fan fiction," while The Independent's Nick Hilton praised it as a "generation-defining show" in a four-star review. Season three of Euphoria premieres on Sunday on HBO Max, with weekly episodes leading up to the finale on May 31, promising a fresh and controversial take on the beloved series.
