Colman Domingo isn’t backing down as criticism around “Euphoria” Season 3 continues to build.
The actor pushed back on the growing backlash, suggesting viewers are reacting to the show’s signature unpredictability, a trait he says has been there since day one. But not everyone agrees, with some fans insisting the Sam Levinson-led series has strayed far beyond its original direction.
Domingo is standing firm behind “Euphoria” despite the growing backlash surrounding the HBO drama’s third season. During a recent appearance on “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” the actor addressed the criticism directly.
The actor revealed that many fans have actually reached out to say they’re “happy” the show is back after its four-year hiatus, even if the wait left them frustrated at the time.
At the same time, Domingo acknowledged that not everyone is on board with how the story is unfolding. Calling the reaction “complicated,” he pointed to the show’s nature as a “wild, crazy, and beautiful show,” suggesting that the very unpredictability now drawing criticism has always been central to its identity.
Colman Domingo Claps Back At ‘Euphoria’ Critics
Seth Meyers pointed out that fans originally embraced “Euphoria” for its uniqueness and unpredictability, making the current backlash over those same qualities feel “funny.” While the show continues to lean into that unpredictability, some viewers have pushed back, arguing that this season’s direction isn’t landing the same way.
Domingo, however, had a clear response. Explaining the show’s creative core, he noted that everything is anchored in Zendaya’s character struggling with addiction.
“Well, at the center of the show is an addict, so it has the personality of an addict, it will constantly change,” Domingo said. “It won’t be reliable.”
Fans Say Colman Domingo Is ‘Missing The Point’
The conversation didn’t stop there, as viewers quickly took to social media to push back on Domingo’s defense of “Euphoria,” with many arguing that the issue is execution.
“Love a good straw man argument. I don’t think people are disappointed because it’s not predictable. They are disappointed it’s gone off the rails completely,” one Reddit user wrote.
Others echoed that sentiment, suggesting the show’s shifting direction feels disconnected rather than intentionally chaotic.
“Yeah, and I love him, but even the other actors were confused about their new storylines. It’s still interesting, but it’s odd — the acting is what’s saving it, not the plot lol,” another user shared.
A third added, “God, they are so off. It’s not the unpredictability. It’s the constant shifts in narrative that don’t match what we were previously given.”
‘Euphoria’ Season 3 Faces Mounting Backlash
Season 3 has quickly become one of the most criticized releases online, with viewers and critics arguing that Levinson leaned too heavily into shock-driven storytelling, including repeated themes of humiliation and graphic scenes.
The new installment introduces a major five-year time jump, following Zendaya’s Rue Bennett as she tries to settle a dangerous debt owed to her dealer, Laurie, while on the run. Elsewhere, Sydney Sweeney’s Cassie is raising eyebrows with an OnlyFans storyline, while Jacob Elordi’s Nate has drawn criticism for feeling disconnected and underdeveloped compared to previous seasons.
Sam Levinson Explains ‘Euphoria’ Season 3 Delay
Levinson has shed light on why “Euphoria” took so long to return.
Speaking at the premiere, the director explained that multiple setbacks slowed production, including industry-wide strikes and the loss of key figures tied to the show. He specifically revealed that the death of Angus Cloud forced him to completely scrap an earlier version of the script and rethink the story moving forward.
“The fact that we’re actually here and we’re able to pull this season off, that’s nothing short of a miracle,” he said, per Vanity Fair.
He added that while scheduling challenges with the show’s in-demand cast played a role, the real delay came from trying to honor those who had passed.
“Some people asked why it took so long between seasons two and three,” Levinson added. “There were obvious factors… But the real time was in trying to figure out how to find a way to pay respect to those who we lost.”
