Euphoria has aired what creator Sam Levinson has called its final episode “ever” — and the ending has triggered a fierce backlash, with many fans heartbroken after main character Rue’s death.
Series finales rarely satisfy everyone, and viewers often come away split on whether a show stuck the landing.
Sometimes the conclusion clashes with what audiences expected, and other times it can feel abrupt or lacking context — both of which tend to fuel strong reactions online.
That response has followed Euphoria, which concluded its run after seven years with a final episode that aired on HBO last night (May 31).
At the centre of the outrage is Rue (Zendaya), whose story ends tragically in the episode.
Levinson didn’t stop there, either, with multiple key characters written out in the finale.
In the season three closer — already being called by some viewers the show’s most harrowing instalment — three major figures are killed off.
Rue’s death coincides with the deaths of drug lord Laurie and strip club owner Alamo.
According to the episode, Rue — a recovering addict — unknowingly takes pills laced with fentanyl and later dies from an overdose.
In one of the episode’s most emotional scenes, her body is found by her sponsor and mentor, Ali.
However, a number of fans took issue with the choice, arguing it didn’t align with the way Rue’s sobriety had been portrayed across the series.
“What the hell is this show about ??? Rue has been sober since episode one how come she died from overdose in the last episode?” one wrote on X.
Another added: “I think it’s safe to say that this was the worst season of Euphoria.”
Others defended the ending, pointing to a different interpretation of what happened to Rue in her final moments.
“She was murdered. Rue was given pain pills that were unknowingly laced with fentanyl and took one.
Her boss was p***ed she was working with the DEA so he took her out. It’s sad but she’s been playing with fire all season and ultimately caught up to her.”
Levinson has also stood by the finale, saying he believed ending the story this way was the most truthful conclusion for the characters.
During a post-episode behind-the-scenes segment, Levinson said: “The honest ending is that people like Rue don’t make it.
“There’s no reason to sugarcoat it. I wanted to tell this story for Angus [Cloud] and for people who weren’t granted a second chance.”
Angus Cloud, who portrayed Fez, died in July 2023 at 25 after an accidental overdose.
Euphoria season three is available on HBO Max now.