Euphoria’s third season launches after a nearly four-year hiatus, delivering closure to key arcs involving Rue Bennett, Nate Jacobs, Cassie Howard, and others. Created by Sam Levinson, the HBO hit debuted in 2019, followed by season two in 2022. Now, the likely final chapter arrives amid profound losses, including producer Kevin Turen and actor Angus Cloud in 2023, and Eric Dane in February 2026.
Tributes to the Fallen
Eric Dane passed away on February 19 at age 53, shortly after revealing his ALS diagnosis. The series pays tribute to him, Angus Cloud, and Kevin Turen. At the season premiere on April 7 at the TCL Chinese Theatre, Sam Levinson addressed the crowd: “Some people ask why it took so long between seasons two and three. There were obvious factors — the strikes, trying to make a schedule work with our very in-demand cast, but the real time was in trying to figure out how to find a way to pay respect to those who we lost.”
Levinson reflected on his efforts to support Angus Cloud’s sobriety journey. Cloud died in July 2023 at age 25 from an accidental overdose involving fentanyl. “You can’t be arrogant about existence,” Levinson stated. “You’re forced to reckon with the fact that life itself is a wonder, a gift, a profound blessing.” He confirmed the season’s dedication to Angus, Kevin—who succumbed at 44 to acute cardiac dysfunction—and Eric.
Eric Dane’s Last Performance as Cal Jacobs
Dane completed his scenes as Cal Jacobs, Nate’s father played by Jacob Elordi, before his passing. He confided his ALS diagnosis to Levinson early. Levinson recalled noticing Dane’s slightly slurred speech on set: “He was a bit self-conscious, and I said, ‘This works perfectly. We’re gonna put five beer bottles in front of you, and you’re about to say all of the [expletive] you would never say if you were sober.’ And we just had a blast shooting.”
Levinson praised Dane’s professionalism during a wedding scene with 28 cast members: “He just showed up with such grace and dignity. He’s a consummate professional all the way through, and I miss him.”
Streaming Euphoria Season 3
Season three premieres April 12 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO, streaming on Max. New episodes drop weekly for a total of eight, wrapping May 31 and potentially marking the series finale.
