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Euphoria showrunner reveals why [spoiler] had to die - and why another key character appeared much less in season 3
Creator, writer, and director Sam Levinson speaks on the divisive final season.
- Lewis Knight
Published: Thursday, 4 June 2026 at 8:29 am
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**Spoiler warning for the series finale of Euphoria**
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Euphoria showrunner Sam Levinson has spoken out about the dramatic ending of the smash hit HBO drama series, particularly in relation to the decision to kill off key characters.
The series concluded last weekend and saw protagonist Rue Bennett (Zendaya) die following an overdose of fentanyl after being deliberately poisoned by crime boss Alamo Brown (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje).
The tragic end to the popular character has been a divisive choice with fans, but Levinson has been clear on his vision.
Speaking to The New York Times' podcast Popcast, Levinson said: "You can go through different phases of addiction where you’re using every single second of a day to feeling like you kind of have your life together. Maybe you smoke a little weed, you drink, but it’s not the most pressing issue. But that addictive personality is always underneath the surface.
"And in the end, she’s banged up and her hand got cut. I always thought of it as a window into whatever pain is going on in her psyche. And she feels, “OK, I’ll just take one.” And I always imagine it was the fentanyl that she had smuggled into the country in the first episode [of Season 3]."
Zendaya as Rue Bennett in Euphoria season 3 episode 8. YouTube/HBO
Viewers were treated, however, to Rue's beloved sponsor, Ali Muhammed (Colman Domingo), taking bloody revenge on Alamo in Rue's name, while Ali mourned her death and had a crisis in his mission.
The series ended on a prayer from Ali and a vision of the late Rue, seemingly at peace.
Elsewhere, Levinson has also described the finale as a tribute to the late Fezco actor Angus Cloud, who also died from an overdose before the filming of season 3.
Meanwhile, the writer also responded to the question of why some characters had more supporting roles in the third run after previously being much more central to the show's plot.
In addition to citing "tough" logistics surrounding the cast's various individual schedules, Levinson also spoke specifically about the smaller role for Nate Jacobs (Jacob Elordi).
Jacob Elordi as Nate Jacobs in Euphoria season 3. HBO
"So in terms of Nate’s role," he added, "all of the wheeling and dealing that he does is the engine for Cassie’s story, which becomes the bigger arc of the season, as opposed to each episode we’re going to delve into his specific struggles."
So, ultimately, Nate's journey in season 3 was to serve Cassie's storyline.
HBO confirmed, following the airing of the finale, that the show would not return for a potential fourth season, with this being our final visit to all of the characters.
Euphoria seasons 1 to 3 are available on HBO Max, Sky Atlantic and NOW.
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Authors
Lewis KnightNews and Trends Editor
Lewis is the news and trends editor at Radio Times and leads our approach to news, reactive content, and serving audience demands and interests. An obsessive fan of television and film, Lewis is a Nicole Kidman fanatic with a side of passion for science-fiction, art-house cinema and the latest HBO drama. Lewis has a degree in Psychology and a Masters in Film Studies. After working in advertising, Lewis worked at The Mirror for three years in community management and SEO, showbiz, film and television reporting.
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