Euphoria Season 3: Your Ultimate Guide to the Highly Anticipated Return

After a long wait, Hbo's hit drama Euphoria is finally gearing up for its third season! We've got all the juicy details on the release, who's in and who's out, and what to expect from the darker, time-jumped storyline.

TL;DR: Quick Facts About Euphoria Season 3

• Season 3 is officially targeting a Spring 2026 release on HBO and Max, with filming well underway since early 2025.
• Expect a major time jump out of high school, a darker tone, and new storylines described as "liberating" and "cinematic."
• Key cast members like Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Jacob Elordi, and Sydney Sweeney are back, but some familiar faces like Kat (Barbie Ferreira), Fezco (Angus Cloud), and Ashtray (Javon Walton) will be absent.

The Long-Awaited Return: Euphoria Season 3 Arrives in Spring 2026

Get ready, Euphoria fans, because after what feels like forever, Season 3 is officially headed our way in Spring 2026! It's been a whopping four years since we last left the students of East Highland, and trust us, a lot has changed both on and off screen.

Production for the third season kicked off on February 10, 2025, with filming happening across Los Angeles. Sydney Sweeney (our beloved Cassie Howard) recently shared that she was wrapping up her scenes in late October 2025, which means things are moving along nicely. The season is set to be a full-sized offering, with eight episodes confirmed by HBO and Max Content CEO Casey Bloys back in July 2024. So, we'll have plenty of drama to sink our teeth into!

Why the Extended Hiatus Between Euphoria Seasons?

You might be wondering, "Why did we have to wait so long?" Good question! The gap between Season 2 and 3 has been a significant talking point. The delay stems from a combination of factors, including industry strikes, scheduling conflicts with the now A-list cast (think Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi, and Hunter Schafer, who are all super busy with other projects), and creator Sam Levinson's work on his other series, The Idol.

On top of that, the show is known for its high production value and complex sets. Plus, with the decision to implement a major time jump and move the characters beyond high school, the scripts required extensive rewrites. It sounds like a lot, but hopefully, it means the team is taking their time to deliver something truly special.

Who's Returning and Who's Saying Goodbye to East Highland

The cast list for Euphoria Season 3 is a mix of familiar favorites and exciting new additions, though we also have to say goodbye to some key players.

Familiar Faces Back in the Drama

We're thrilled to confirm that many of our beloved stars are returning to reprise their roles:

• Zendaya as Rue Bennett
• Hunter Schafer as Jules Vaughn
• Jacob Elordi as Nate Jacobs
• Sydney Sweeney as Cassie Howard
• Eric Dane
• Alexa Demie
• Maude Apatow

Additionally, Colman Domingo will return as a guest star, and Chloe Cherry along with Martha Kelly have been upped to series regulars. We’ll also see more of Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje and Toby Wallace, who have joined as series regulars. Other familiar faces from the original cast making a comeback include Alanna Ubach, Daeg Faerch, Dominic Fike, Melvin Bonez Estes, Paula Marshall, Sophia Rose Wilson, and Zak Steine.

Notable Departures from the Euphoria Universe

Unfortunately, not everyone will be joining the next chapter. Some absences are due to character storylines, while others are more heartbreaking:

• Barbie Ferreira, who played Kat Hernandez, confirmed her exit due to creative differences. So, no more Kat.
• Angus Cloud, who portrayed the beloved Fezco, tragically passed away in July 2023 at just 25. His character's fate was uncertain after Season 2, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt deeply. Sydney Sweeney expressed the emotional impact of filming without him, calling him an "incredibly special individual."
• Javon "Wanna" Walton's character Ashtray died in the Season 2 finale, so he won't be returning.
• Sources indicate that Storm Reid (Gia Bennett), Algee Smith, and Austin Abrams (Ethan Daley) also will not be returning for Season 3.
• There is conflicting information about Nika King's return, with some reports suggesting she won't be back, despite being listed as original cast in a broader context. We will await official confirmation on her status.

"It was certainly a very emotional moment to return to a set and not have him there with you. He was an incredibly special individual, and his life was cut short far too soon. I'm thankful to have my castmates to share and process everything with."

— Sydney Sweeney on filming Season 3 without Angus Cloud (via Zoom TV Digital)

A Slew of Exciting New Faces Joining the Ensemble Cast

With some characters leaving, new ones are stepping in to shake things up. Season 3 is bringing in a host of exciting fresh talent, including some major names you might recognize!

Newly revealed additions to the cast include:

• Musician Rosalía
• Super Bowl champion Marshawn Lynch
• Actor Kadeem Hardison
• Darrell Britt-Gibson (She Taught Love)
• Priscilla Delgado (Julieta)
• James Landry Hébert (1883)
• Anna Van Patten (Gossip Girl)
• Sharon Stone is also set to make an appearance.

And if that wasn't enough, we're also welcoming:

• Bella Podaras
• Bill Bodner
• Cailyn Rice
• Colleen Camp
• Danielle Deadwyler
• Eli Roth
• Gideon Adlon
• Hemky Madera
• Homer Gere
• Jack Topalian
• Jessica Blair Herman
• Kwame Patterson
• Madison Thompson
• Matthew Willig
• Natasha Lyonne
• Rebecca Pidgeon
• Sam Trammell
• Trisha Paytas

That's a massive influx of talent, and we can't wait to see how they integrate into the complex world of Euphoria!

Plot Twists and Time Jumps: What to Expect from Season 3's Storyline

Season 3 is going to feel very different, largely thanks to a significant time jump. The characters will be out of high school, diving into the complexities of early adulthood. This shift allows the narrative to explore new themes and challenges, moving beyond the familiar halls of East Highland.

Jacob Elordi, who plays Nate Jacobs, hinted at this fresh direction, calling his role "incredibly liberating." He mentioned that creator Sam Levinson has crafted something "clever and cinematic," suggesting a more mature and perhaps darker tone. Elordi even described the scripts as being like "FBI files" due to the high secrecy around individual storylines, hinting that Nate's journey might be quite distinct from the others.

HBO's head of drama, Francesca Orsi, promises that viewers will be "very satisfied with this season, and how we bring each of the characters’ whole narrative." It sounds like a season designed to provide resolution, even if it's bittersweet.

Behind the Scenes: The Creative Minds Driving Euphoria Forward

The visionary behind Euphoria, Sam Levinson, returns as creator, writer, director, and executive producer. He's joined by a strong team of executive producers, including Kevin Turen, Ravi Nandan, Drake, Adel "Future" Nur, and Emmy-winner Zendaya herself. The series is based on an Israeli show created by Ron Leshem and Daphna Levin, who also serve as executive producers.

Many key crew members are back, ensuring the show's signature aesthetic: Julio C. Perez, IV (supervising editor), Marcell Rév (director of photography for all episodes), Doniella Davy (makeup department head), Ryan Heffington (choreographer), and Kim Kimble (hair department head). Exciting new additions to the crew include Colleen Atwood (Co-Producer), Natasha Newman-Thomas (costume designer), and Francois Audouy (production designer).

In a thrilling musical development, legendary composer Hans Zimmer (known for scores like Interstellar) has joined Labrinth to score Season 3. Levinson specifically cited Zimmer's work on Interstellar and True Romance as inspirations, so prepare for an even more epic sonic landscape!

Is This Truly the End? The Future Beyond Euphoria Season 3

While the focus is firmly on Season 3, there's a lot of chatter about whether this will be the final chapter for Euphoria. HBO's Francesca Orsi has suggested it's "been discussed that this is the end," while also adding the caveat, "I don’t think anything is over until it’s over."

When Sydney Sweeney was asked about a potential Season 4, she remained tight-lipped, saying, "I can't disclose any information! [laughs]" However, she did express her personal desire to continue playing Cassie if there are more stories to tell within the characters' world. So, while it's heavily hinted that Season 3 will provide a satisfying conclusion, the door might just be cracked open a tiny bit for the future. We'll just have to wait and see!

FAQs About Euphoria Season 3

When is Euphoria Season 3 officially premiering on HBO?

Euphoria Season 3 is currently targeting a Spring 2026 premiere on HBO and will also be available for streaming on Max. An exact release date hasn't been announced yet, but production is well underway.

Will Euphoria Season 3 feature a time jump?

Yes, absolutely! Season 3 will include a significant time jump that moves the characters out of high school and into their early adult lives, exploring new challenges and narratives.

How many episodes will be in the new Euphoria season?

Get ready for eight new episodes! HBO confirmed that Season 3 will be a full-sized season, giving us plenty of screen time with our favorite (and most chaotic) characters.

Where can I watch previous seasons of Euphoria?

You can currently stream the first two seasons of Euphoria on Max in the U.S. and on Sky Atlantic/NowTV in the UK. This is a great way to catch up before the new season drops!

Sources:

• ScreenRant: Euphoria's Future Addressed By Sydney Sweeney Ahead Of Season 3 (Oct 26, 2025)
• Deadline: Production Has Begun On 'Euphoria' Season 3 (Oct 20, 2025)
• Capital XTRA: Where to watch Euphoria ahead of new season dropping (Oct 24, 2025)
• TheGWW.com: Euphoria Season 3: Jacob Elordi Teases Darker HBO Series Shift (Oct 25, 2025)
• Zoom TV Digital: Sydney Sweeney Reflects on 'Special' Euphoria Co-Star Angus Cloud as She Concludes Season 3 This Week (Oct 28, 2025)
• Daily Express: Sydney Sweeney: I've grown up with the Euphoria cast (Oct 26, 2025)
• FilmiBeat: Sydney Sweeney’s Response on Euphoria Sparks Talk About Season 4 (Oct 27, 2025)
• Devdiscourse: Sydney Sweeney Reflects on Returning to 'Euphoria': A Heartfelt Reunion (Oct 27, 2025)
• The Express Tribune: Sydney Sweeney wraps ‘Euphoria’ season 3, teases Kim Novak biopic next (Oct 27, 2025)