HBO's critically acclaimed drama series Euphoria has made its long-awaited return to television screens after a four-year hiatus, with its season three premiere airing on Sunday, 12 April 2026. The gritty show, created by Sam Levinson, delivered a poignant and emotional start to its new season by paying tribute to key members of its cast and crew who tragically passed away before its release.
In Memoriam Tributes for Lost Stars
The episode concluded with a solemn black screen displaying an "In Memoriam" message, honouring three individuals: actors Angus Cloud and Eric Dane, along with executive producer Kevin Turen. This heartfelt tribute underscored the profound loss felt by the Euphoria production team and its dedicated fanbase.
Remembering Angus Cloud
Angus Cloud, who portrayed the beloved and complex character Fezco, the show's loveable drug dealer, in the first two seasons, died in July 2023 at the age of 25. His death was attributed to an accidental overdose, sending shockwaves through the entertainment industry and among viewers who had grown attached to his performance.
Eric Dane's Final Role
Eric Dane, best known for his role in Grey's Anatomy, played Cal Jacobs, the father of antagonist Nate, on Euphoria. Dane passed away in February 2026 from respiratory failure, following a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also referred to as motor neuron disease, the previous year. Fortunately, he had already completed filming his scenes for the new season prior to his death, allowing his character to appear in this latest instalment.
Honouring Producer Kevin Turen
The tribute also extended to Kevin Turen, an executive producer on Euphoria whose notable credits include the 2018 film Assassination Nation, the 2020 drama Pieces of a Woman, the slasher film series X, and the upcoming David Oyelowo project Newborn. Turen died in November 2023 at age 44 due to multiple heart-related health issues.
Fezco's Fate Revealed After Season 2 Cliffhanger
While Eric Dane's character Cal returns in season three, Angus Cloud's untimely death meant he could not reprise his role as Fezco. However, showrunner Sam Levinson made the creative decision to keep the character alive within the narrative, rather than writing him out of the story.
The season three premiere, set five years after the dramatic events of the season two finale, finally addressed the cliffhanger surrounding Fezco's survival. In the previous season, viewers last saw Fezco as his home was raided by a SWAT team, culminating in a tense shoot-out with armed officers.
In the new episode, Zendaya's character Rue advises Fezco's ex-girlfriend Lexi, played by Maude Apatow, to reach out to him. When Lexi protests that their schedules don't align, Rue reveals, "Just pick up the phone and call him. It's not like he's going anywhere. He's in prison for 30 years." This dialogue confirms that Fezco survived the shoot-out but received a lengthy prison sentence.
Levinson's Emotional Motivation
Sam Levinson explained his decision to preserve Fezco's character in the storyline as a way to honour Angus Cloud's memory. In an interview with Variety earlier in April, Levinson expressed, "Losing Angus was really hard for us as a production. I loved him very deeply. I wanted to deal with that. I wanted to deal with questions about faith, about a power greater than ourselves."
Availability and Viewing Details
Euphoria season three is currently airing on HBO in the United States. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the series is accessible through Sky and the streaming service NOW, ensuring that international audiences can follow the latest developments in this compelling drama.
The premiere episode not only advanced the complex narratives of its central characters but also served as a touching memorial, blending storytelling with real-world grief in a manner that resonates deeply with its audience.
