5 Reasons Why Euphoria's Second Season Is Even Better Than The First One

New Characters Appear

The second season of Euphoria introduces several new charismatic characters, while some of the old ones fade into the background. For example, in the second season's episode one, we meet Elliot, a high school student who has some things in common with Rue, including drug abuse.

Elliot is portrayed by the aspiring American rapper Dominic Fike, who debuted in Euphoria. Despite little acting experience, Fike's performance as a troubled teenager is organic and believable. The show's new season also features Demetrius Flenory Jr. and Minka Kelly as new characters. Both are related to Maddy, who has to struggle through not-so-bright times in the new Euphoria episodes.

Old Characters Spotlighted

Some of the characters from season one get their own arcs, revealing a new side to their personalities. In episode two, for example, the action temporarily moves to the 1980s to show the backstory of Nate's father, Cal Jacobs, when he was the age of his son. Through the flashback, we gain a better understanding of the motives behind Jacobs Sr.'s actions and learn that he wasn't always as strict and demanding as he is now.

Another example is Lexi Howard, who also gets the spotlight she deserves.

Maude Apatow's character, like all the other teens on the show, is desperate to be seen and heard — and she's granted this opportunity in the series' second season.

Important Issues Raised

Euphoria's first season raised many important issues that are relevant to both teenagers and adults of today — drug addiction being the most prominent of them. Some of the other problems addressed by the series are toxic relationships, self-esteem, sexual identity, and representation of LGBTQ people.

The new season goes a little further, tackling the issues of identity crisis, auto-aggressive behavior, and self-destruction.

Rue Bennett remains the key character voicing most of the series' "pain point" — though other characters also get to speak out occasionally.

Stylish Visuals

In terms of cinematography, Euphoria's second season is even more striking than the first one: the scenes are soaked in rays of glamorous neon, sunset glow, and streetlight glares. It is remarkable that most of the show's footage was shot on film: in our increasingly digital world, this was a bold and commendable creative decision.

Analog film imbues the typical suburban landscapes with much beauty and poetry, and the visual language of Euphoria proves to be one of the series' most notable merits.

Outstanding Soundtrack

Euphoria offers a great opportunity to update your playlist — after all, the show is executive produced by Drake, one of the most iconic rappers of today.

Drake has largely defined the concept of Euphoria as a trend-setting show, including musically. Watching the first season, many viewers discovered Labrinth — an infinitely talented electronic musician who has long been in the underground niche. The show's second season presents even more unexpected musical finds, such as the Canada-based country musician Orville Peck.

The third episode also features a new song by Lana Del Rey.