10 Reasons I Hated Euphoria: A Millennial's Take on the Overhyped Show

Alright, I’m just going to say it: I hated Euphoria. I know, I know—everyone’s obsessed with it. The show has won awards, Zendaya’s a queen, and it’s the talk of every Gen Z group chat. But as a millennial who gave it an honest shot, I just couldn’t get on board. Here’s why:

1. The Over-the-Top Aesthetic 🎨

Let’s start with the obvious: the visuals. Euphoria’s aesthetic is undeniably striking, but it’s also completely over-the-top. The glitter, the neon lights, the slow-mo shots—it’s like the show is trying so hard to be edgy and artistic that it forgets to be real. It felt more like watching a music video or a high-fashion ad than a TV show about teenagers. The constant barrage of visual effects was more distracting than engaging, making it hard to connect with the story.

2. Unrealistic Depictions of High School 🏫

Okay, I get that TV shows often exaggerate things, but Euphoria took it to another level. The high school in this show is nothing like any high school I’ve ever known. The characters are living in this hyper-sexualized, drug-fueled world that just doesn’t resonate with reality. Sure, teens deal with serious issues, but the way Euphoria portrays it feels more like a fantasy than a reflection of real life. It made me feel completely disconnected from the characters and their experiences.

3. The Glamourization of Trauma 💔

This one really bothered me. Euphoria tackles heavy issues—addiction, abuse, mental illness—but it does so in a way that almost glamorizes them. The show’s slick production and stylized approach made it hard to take the trauma seriously. Instead of creating a meaningful dialogue about these issues, Euphoria seemed more interested in shocking viewers with its dark content. It’s like trauma was used as a plot device rather than being treated with the gravity it deserves.

4. The Lack of Consequences ⚖️

One thing that really stuck out to me was the lack of consequences for the characters’ actions. Rue, the protagonist, goes through some seriously dangerous situations, but there’s rarely any real fallout. It’s as if the show is saying that you can do whatever you want without facing any repercussions. As a millennial who grew up with shows where actions had consequences, this just didn’t sit right with me. It felt irresponsible and disconnected from reality.

5. The Overemphasis on Shock Value 😱

Euphoria seems to thrive on shock value. Whether it’s the graphic depictions of drug use, the intense sexual content, or the brutal violence, the show constantly pushes the boundaries of what’s acceptable on TV. But after a while, it starts to feel like shock for the sake of shock, rather than serving the story. The constant barrage of intense scenes left me feeling numb rather than engaged. It’s like the show was trying too hard to be edgy, and it ended up losing its impact.

6. The Unrealistic Portrayal of Addiction 🚬

As someone who’s seen the devastating effects of addiction in real life, Euphoria’s portrayal felt shallow and unrealistic. Rue’s struggles with addiction are central to the show, but the way it’s handled doesn’t feel authentic. There’s a lack of depth in how her addiction is portrayed—it’s all about the drama, without really exploring the complexities of recovery or the impact on her loved ones. It’s like the show wanted to highlight the chaos without delving into the real pain and challenges that come with addiction.

7. The Underdeveloped Characters 👥

For all its flashy visuals and dramatic storylines, Euphoria seriously lacks in character development. Many of the characters felt like one-dimensional stereotypes rather than fully realized people. There were glimpses of interesting backstories and motivations, but they were often overshadowed by the show’s need to shock and awe. I found it hard to care about the characters because they never felt fully fleshed out. They were more like props in the show’s aesthetic than actual people with depth and complexity.

8. The Toxic Relationships 💣

Toxic relationships are a major theme in Euphoria, but the way they’re portrayed is troubling. The show seems to revel in the dysfunction and drama without offering much in the way of resolution or growth. Characters engage in destructive behaviors over and over again, and there’s rarely any real progress or change. It’s like the show is stuck in a loop of toxicity, which can be exhausting to watch. There’s no sense of hope or redemption, just an endless cycle of pain and conflict.

9. The Misleading Marketing 🎭

When Euphoria first came out, it was marketed as a gritty, realistic look at the lives of modern teenagers. But what I got was a stylized, exaggerated version of reality that felt more like a fever dream than a true depiction of youth. The marketing set me up to expect something raw and honest, but the show delivered something entirely different. It’s not that I mind a bit of artistic flair, but when it overshadows the substance, it’s disappointing.

10. It's Just Not for Me 🤷♂️

At the end of the day, maybe Euphoria just isn’t for me. I’m a millennial who grew up with shows that, while also dramatic, felt more grounded in reality. I prefer narratives where the characters are relatable and the stories, while sometimes dark, are still rooted in real-life experiences. Euphoria felt more like an art project than a TV show I could connect with. I can see why Gen Z loves it—it’s bold, it’s visually stunning, and it’s unlike anything else on TV. But for me, it was just too much.

In the end, Euphoria might be a hit with Gen Z, but it left me feeling more disconnected than captivated. The show’s flashy style and exaggerated drama overshadowed the deeper narratives I crave. If you’re looking for TV that resonates on a real, relatable level, keep searching.

Stay tuned for more honest takes at Woke Waves Magazine.

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