Euphoria Season 3 Premiere Draws Record Ratings Despite Divisive Reviews

The long-awaited return of HBO's hit drama series sees viewership soar, even as critics pan the new season.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:40pm

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An abstract close-up image featuring shattered glass and glittering sequins, conveying the high-stakes glamour and gritty realism of the Euphoria television series.The divisive new season of HBO's hit drama Euphoria continues to captivate audiences with its raw, uncompromising exploration of youth culture.Princeton Today

After a four-year gap between seasons, the highly anticipated third season of HBO's Euphoria premiered to massive viewership numbers, drawing 8.5 million viewers across all platforms in its first three days. However, the new season has received a lukewarm critical reception, with reviewers describing it as a 'disjointed cavalcade of forced narratives' that leaves the talented cast 'stranded in the wind'.

Why it matters

Euphoria has become one of HBO's biggest hits, with the second season averaging over 16 million viewers per episode. The strong premiere ratings for Season 3 suggest the show's popularity has only grown during the long hiatus, despite the mixed reviews, indicating the enduring appeal of the series' gritty exploration of teenage life.

The details

The Season 3 premiere, titled 'Ándale', picks up five years after the events of the previous season, with Rue (Zendaya) now 23 and working as a drug mule to pay off a massive debt. Meanwhile, Cassie and Nate are still in a toxic relationship, planning an extravagant wedding that Cassie plans to fund through OnlyFans, while Lexi and Maddy are leading more typical lives, with Lexi working as a production assistant and Maddy as a talent manager.

  • Euphoria Season 3 premiered on April 12, 2026.
  • The Season 3 premiere drew 8.5 million viewers across all platforms in its first three days.

The players

Euphoria

HBO's hit drama series that follows the lives of a group of high school students, with a focus on Rue, a troubled teenage drug addict.

Zendaya

The lead actress of Euphoria, who plays the role of Rue Bennett.

Sam Levinson

The creator and showrunner of Euphoria.

Martha Kelly

An actress who plays the role of Laurie, a character who is a drug dealer that Rue works for.

Sydney Sweeney

An actress who plays the role of Cassie, one of Rue's friends.

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What’s next

Euphoria Season 3 is expected to wrap up next month, with fans eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the series.

The takeaway

Despite the mixed critical reception, the strong premiere ratings for Euphoria Season 3 demonstrate the enduring popularity of the show and HBO's ability to draw large audiences for its most high-profile dramas, even after lengthy hiatuses.