Everything You Need to Remember Before Watching 'Euphoria' Season 3

The third season of Euphoria finally premieres on HBO on April 12, and it has been a full four years since the second season.

During this time, Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, and Sydney Sweeney have become superstars, and their characters have matured – the new season takes place five years after the events of Season 2.

To help you catch up, we're recapping previous seasons and special episodes.

What Was 'Euphoria' Season 1 About?

The school year in East Highland begins with rumors about the death of 17-year-old Rue. The rumors turn out to be exaggerated – after overdosing, Rue spent the summer in rehab and must now return to her hated studies.

At a party, she meets Jules, a newcomer to town, and a powerful connection blossoms between them. However, they each have secrets: Rue continues to use drugs despite her doctor's orders, and Jules meets older men on a sex dating app.

One such encounter is with Cal Jacobs, the father of her classmate, Nate. Cal records their sexual encounter, unaware that Jules is underage. Nate finds the recording, creates a fake account, and begins corresponding with Jules to gather incriminating evidence.

Meanwhile, Kat becomes a webcam model, Cassie has an abortion, and Nate nearly strangles his girlfriend, Maddy, in a fit of rage.

In the season finale, Rue relapses after three months sober, and Jules leaves town alone.

What Was Special Episode "Trouble Don't Last Always" About?

The special episode revolves entirely around a conversation that takes place in a half-empty diner on Christmas Eve. Rue meets with her mentor, Ali, and tries to blame her relapse on Jules.

However, Ali is firm in his belief that the responsibility for addiction lies with the individual. An elderly waitress advises Rue to first understand herself. The conversation turns to topics such as protests, the pandemic, and suicidal thoughts.

Ali shares the story of his struggle with addiction and how religion proved to be his salvation. By the end of the evening, he offers Rue one piece of advice: learn to forgive herself. Meanwhile, Jules texts Rue that she misses her.

What Was Special Episode "F*ck Anyone Who's Not a Sea Blob" About?

In the second special, we see Jules' first visit to a therapist. She opens up, jumping from topic to topic: from meeting Rue to sexting with Nate, her best sexual experience.

Family details are revealed: Jules' mother is also a drug addict who recently relapsed. This explains why Jules is so angry at Rue for blaming her for the relapse.

A central topic is the understanding of one's own identity – Jules wants to stop taking hormones because she's tired of defining herself by her attractiveness to men.

What Was Season 2 About?

The second season begins with a New Year's Eve party. Nate has sex with Cassie and Rue takes drugs with her new friend, Elliot, nearly dying in the process. Jules returns, and the two have their first heart-to-heart.

Fezco meets Lexi, but then he attacks Nate in retaliation for leaking information. Cal finds the culprit, but Fezco and his brother intimidate him. Rue gets into debt with a dangerous dealer and relapses.

In the finale, Lexi stages a school play based on a true story, which leads to a fight. The police raid Fezco's house, and his brother, Ashtray, is killed in the shootout. Fezco himself is seriously wounded.