AceShowbiz - Ben Sherlock, a Tomatometer-approved film and TV critic, known for his YouTube channel I Got Touched at the Cinema, highlights what could be HBO’s biggest show in 2026. While House of the Dragon is expected to be a major success when it returns this summer, it’s actually the third season of Euphoria that is poised to become HBO’s defining hit of the year.

House of the Dragon is scheduled to return for its third season in June 2026, and fans anticipate the show will finally dive into the all-out conflict teased at the end of its first season. The renewed excitement for the Game of Thrones universe, fueled by the excellent reception of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, bodes well for the series. Despite this, HBO has a potentially bigger cultural phenomenon arriving earlier in the year with Euphoria.

The third season of Euphoria is set to premiere on April 12, 2026, marking a return after more than four years since the second season ended in February 2022. Created by Sam Levinson, this teen drama has captivated audiences with its raw storytelling and complex characters. Season 3 will introduce a time jump that moves the characters beyond their high school years and into the real world, signaling a major shift in the show’s narrative landscape.

In this new season, the characters find themselves in drastically different situations: Rue is fleeing from Laurie in Mexico; Maddy works at a Hollywood talent agency; Lexi has become the assistant to a showrunner; Jules attends art school; and Nate and Cassie are engaged and living suburban lives. The show’s ability to evolve its characters so dramatically has fans eager for what’s next.

When Euphoria aired its first two seasons in 2019 and 2022, it was one of the biggest television events of those years. Since then, the show has continued to grow its fanbase, with many new viewers discovering it over the four-year gap. This momentum suggests that season 3 could surpass the previous seasons in popularity and cultural impact.

The cast of Euphoria has also become significantly more famous since the show’s inception. At the start, ZendayaZendaya was already a household name, but her rising profile has been bolstered by starring roles in major films like Challengers, Dune: Part Two, and the upcoming Shrek 5. Meanwhile, several co-stars who were relatively unknown when the show debuted have ascended to stardom.

Jacob ElordiJacob Elordi is a prime example. Initially recognized for his role in The Kissing Booth, Elordi has since become an A-list actor. His critically acclaimed performances include portraying Elvis in Priscilla, starring in Saltburn, and receiving an Oscar nomination for his role as the monster in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein.

Sydney SweeneySydney Sweeney has also proven her box office appeal with films like The Housemaid and Anyone But You. She ventured into the superhero genre with Madame Web, a film that, despite mixed reviews, remains widely known, and earned recognition as a scream queen with Immaculate. Other cast members, including Austin AbramsAustin Abrams and Maude ApatowMaude Apatow, have made significant strides, with Abrams breaking out in Weapons and Apatow moving into directing.

Despite the excitement, Euphoria season 3 has not been without controversy. Even before its official announcement, the show faced skepticism due to its extended delay and mixed reactions to leaked plot details. Rumors ranged from false reports, like Rue becoming a private investigator, to true developments such as Nate and Cassie’s engagement.

Between seasons 2 and 3, Levinson created The Idol, a series set in the same fictional universe. However, The Idol was widely criticized for its gratuitous sexual content, problematic portrayals of women, and uneven storytelling, lacking the qualities that made Euphoria successful. This raised concerns about whether Levinson still had the same creative spark for Euphoria.

The polarizing plot choices, the long hiatus enforcing a time jump that alters the show’s premise, and fears that season 3 might share more with The Idol than previous seasons have made this new chapter a hotbed of controversy before it even airs.

Questions also loom about the future of Euphoria beyond season 3. Given that the cast’s careers are rapidly advancing—particularly Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and Jacob Elordi—there is speculation about whether the series will continue. Balancing a TV show with a busy film schedule is challenging, especially when multiple studios and directors are vying for their time.

However, HBO’s chief executive, Casey Bloys, has indicated that a fourth season remains a possibility. According to Bloys, Levinson’s primary focus is completing season 3, but once that is done, he and the creator will “have a conversation” about the show’s future. This suggests that while season 4 is not guaranteed, it is still on the table, potentially arriving after another extended wait.

In summary, despite the anticipation surrounding House of the Dragon, Euphoria season 3 is shaping up to be HBO’s most significant television event of 2026. With its bold narrative shifts, wildly successful cast, and a built-in fanbase eager for more, the show is poised to capture attention and dominate discussions well before the summer’s fantasy epic returns.