Over the last 7 weeks, the only thing we can seem to see online as we scroll through TikTok, Instagram, or Twitter is the discourse over the latest episode of Euphoria. As the episodes come out on a weekly basis, it seems the conversation never ends. With the season nearing its end, I thought this would be a great time to look back and see how Euphoria has changed TV consumption.
With streaming services, the culture of watching TV has become centered around binge-watching and the ability to control when, where, and how much you watch. Typical of our current time period, popular Netflix Original shows such as Outer Banks and 13 Reasons Why are released in full seasons at a time, allowing viewers to watch the entire thing in one sitting if they please. Cliffhangers have become almost irrelevant with streaming services as they no longer “leave you hanging” but rather leave you wanting to watch the next episode immediately.
Euphoria has brought back weekly episodic releases that were classic to the early 2000s and 2010s with shows such as Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars. This structure keeps viewers talking and wanting more, explaining why our social media seem to never stop talking about Euphoria. Euphoria Sundays have become a part of people’s weekly routines, as people make sure they never miss an episode or fall behind. This allows viewers to be in the loop and understand the weekly banter about the episode without fear of it being spoiled for them. The structure seems to be working for HBO, with millions of viewers tuning in right at 9 pm ET every week when the show airs live.
HBO Max and its strategy with Euphoria may change the way other streaming services release their TV. Mindlessly watching multiple episodes of a new show as it releases may be a luxury, but it can take away from the viewing experience. Especially for a show that deals with hard topics such as addiction, abuse, and depression, Euphoria may be better off in small doses. Viewers are able to appreciate the unique cinematography and the intricate storyline that goes into each 8-episode season.