The neon-soaked world of Sam Levinson's Euphoria is back in the headlines, but perhaps not for the reasons HBO was hoping for. Ahead of its official premiere, the third season has debuted on Rotten Tomatoes with a surprisingly modest 57% Tomatometer score.
Based on early reviews from critics who were granted advance access, the score suggests that the show's "Final Chapter" might be its most divisive yet.
Critics Divided Over the Time Jump
While the series isn't yet available to the general public, early critical consensus indicates a shift in tone. Many reviewers have noted that the highly anticipated time jump - moving the characters out of East Highland High and into the "real world"-has stripped away some of the atmospheric magic that made the first two seasons a cultural reset. While Zendaya's performance as Rue is still being hailed as award-worthy, critics seem split on whether the narrative can sustain its intensity without the high school backdrop.
The 57% rating quickly went viral on X , sparking a wave of concern among the show's dedicated fanbase. For a series that has historically enjoyed critica acclaim, falling into the "Rotten" territory (below 60%) is a shock. However, many fans are pushing back, arguing that Euphoria has always been an "experience-first" show that critics often struggle to categorize.
"The score doesn't matter; the aesthetics and the acting will always be 100%," one fan commented. Others are more wary, wondering if the long production delays and behind-the-scenes transitions have finally caught up with the show's quality.
With the series premiere just days away on April 12, 2026, all eyes are on how the "Popcornmeter" (the audience score) will respond. If history has taught us anything, it's that Euphoria thrives on controversy. Whether this 57% is a warning sign or just a case of critics being "out of touch" with Gen Z's favorite drama will be decided once the global audience finally tunes in.