The highly anticipated third season of “Euphoria” premiered over the weekend, sparking major discussion on social media. While the HBO drama series has always been controversial, many viewers have raised questions about the storyline involving Cassie.
In case you’re unfamiliar with the show, “Euphoria” follows a group of troubled high school students as they deal with issues involving love, sex, drugs and addiction. The third season premiered on 12th April 2026 (Sunday) and sees a time jump, with the main cast now all adults. In the latest season, Cassie, played by Sydney Sweeney, becomes an OnlyFans creator to bolster her and her partner Nate’s income.
Unfortunately, this storyline didn’t sit well with the viewers, even after two seasons of controversial plots. The backlash only grew after a scene from the first episode went viral, depicting Cassie posing provocatively in a dog outfit while being chained to a leash. Some fans even accused show creator Sam Levinson of promoting misogyny and degrading the female characters. However, the filmmaker has defended his choice for the show in a recent interview.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Sam said that it was an intentional choice to have Cassie do a sexy dog photoshoot, explaining that it provided contrast to the scene and its setting. Cinematographer Marcell Rév notes that the scene takes place in Cassie and Nate’s tacky and outdated mid-century home. As such, creating OnlyFans content in that gaudy environment offers an interesting disparity.
Sam then adds, “(Cassie) has got her dog house and her little dog ears and the nose, and that has its own humour, but what makes the scene is the fact that her housekeeper is the one filming it.” He continues, “What we wanted to always find is the other layer of absurdity that we’re able to tie into it so that we’re not too inside of her fantasy or illusion — the gag is to jump out, to break the wall.”
With only the first episode out, and more to come in the following weeks, it’s unclear whether the audience’s opinion of the storyline would change. Regardless, it’s safe to say that the third season of “Euphoria” has gotten people talking.
Sources: E!News, The Hollywood Reporter
