A star from the current season of Euphoria has defended the show against criticism, describing its content as 'uncomfortable truths' that some viewers choose to ignore. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, 58, who portrays menacing cowboy kingpin Alamo Brown in Sam Levinson's drama, addressed the controversy surrounding the series' graphic and sexual material.
Adewale's Defense of the Show
Best known for his roles in Lost and Get Rich or Die Tryin', Akinnuoye-Agbaje told Metro that creator Sam Levinson is 'tapping into reality' and 'bringing awareness to important issues.' He stated: 'The show seems to have become the voice of Gen Z and it talks about issues that they confront in their daily life. I think it's validated a lot of the experiences they have and sometimes experiences that as adults, we're not even too aware of.'
The actor highlighted the show's portrayal of mental health and fentanyl use, noting that the drug has claimed many lives, including that of cast member Angus Cloud, who died of an accidental overdose in 2023. 'It doesn't hold back. There's no tiptoeing around the issues. The veneer is taken off, and I think that's important, because it brings awareness in the medium of entertainment,' he added.
Responding to Critics
When asked about viewers who claim the show has 'gone too far,' Akinnuoye-Agbaje responded: 'Unfortunately, we live in a world that has elements to it that are very distasteful, and we can bury our heads in the sand and sit in our cosy houses, but these things are reality.' He cited real-world tragedies such as a young presenter whose mother was kidnapped, the public shooting of Charlie Kirk, and the approximately 70,000 fentanyl-related deaths annually. 'Sam Levison's done a lot of research.... [it's] not just created out of nowhere. So you are tapping into a reality that maybe is uncomfortable and people choose not to want to see or be aware of.'
The 58-year-old emphasized that when discussing life and death, 'you can never go too far in that regard.'
Season 3 Plot and Challenges
The third season picks up five years after the end of series two. Nate (Jacob Elordi) struggles with a construction business, while Cassie (Sydney Sweeney) explores becoming an OnlyFans star. Jules (Hunter Schafer) works as a high-profile escort, and Lexi (Maude Apatow) pursues a career in television. Rue (Zendaya) briefly works as a drug mule across the Mexican border before landing a job with strip club owner Alamo.
Describing his role, Akinnuoye-Agbaje said: 'Having to be this dark and kind of disturbingly disgusting, it was tough. The subject matter and the dark nature of the tone… can be uncomfortable.' This season has already featured disturbing scenes including dog humiliation rituals, Nazi symbols, and live burials, leaving many viewers 'sickened.'
Finale Tease
Ahead of the season finale, airing Sunday in the US and Monday in the UK, Akinnuoye-Agbaje hinted at what viewers can expect: 'Let's just put it this way, Alamo Brown is there to usher in a rude awakening for this younger generation of characters. They're no longer in high school and some of them have dabbled on the other side of the law, and when you do that, there are some very strict consequences. I think the audience can really expect things to accelerate in not such a pleasant way. The characters are going to have to face those consequences in the world of Mr Brown.'
The season finale of Euphoria premieres on HBO Max, Sky Atlantic, and NOW at 2am on Monday, 1 June 2026.
