Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Euphoria's Premiere Reflects on Loss and Challenges

4/13/2026

47 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Sam Levinson, the creator of Euphoria, spoke at the season three premiere in Los Angeles about four years of challenges, including the pandemic and strikes, and the emotional toll of Angus Cloud's July 2023 death.
Levinson said he deeply loved Angus Cloud and found it hard to rework the season.
The premiere served as a farewell to Eric Dane (actor), who completed filming before his death from ALS in February 2026.

History

Historical Context

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the entertainment industry in 2020, delaying productions like HBO's *Euphoria*, which faced challenges from strikes by the Screen Actors Guild. Created by Sam Levinson, the series explores themes of addiction and trauma, and the recent deaths of cast members Angus Cloud and Eric Dane from ALS underscore the emotional toll on the show's community.

1 of 2

Story summary

Sam Levinson, the creator of Euphoria, spoke at the season three premiere in Los Angeles about four years of challenges, including the pandemic and strikes, and the emotional toll of Angus Cloud's July 2023 death.
Levinson said he deeply loved Angus Cloud and found it hard to rework the season.
The premiere served as a farewell to Eric Dane (actor), who completed filming before his death from ALS in February 2026.

1 / 2