LOS ANGELES — HBO’s long-awaited “Euphoria” Season 3 finally arrives Sunday, delivering a visually stunning but uneven evolution of its raw teen drama into a darker, more adult crime saga. Premiering April 12 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and streaming on Max, the eight-episode final season jumps five years forward, trading high school chaos for the messy realities of young adulthood, faith, redemption and evil. Zendaya once again anchors the series with a magnetic, layered performance as Rue Bennett, but creator Sam Levinson’s ambitious shift leaves some characters and plotlines feeling disjointed.
Euphoria Season 3
The season opens with Rue in an interrogation room, casually recounting her post-high school life south of the border in Mexico. Deep in debt to the menacing drug dealer Laurie (Martha Kelly, now a series regular), Rue has turned to smuggling as one of her “innovative ways” to settle scores. The trailer’s glimpse of this new direction sets a gritty, almost noir tone that permeates much of the early episodes, blending Levinson’s signature stylized visuals with crime-thriller elements reminiscent of “Fargo” or “Breaking Bad” filtered through a Gen-Z lens.
A major time jump allows the East Highland High School alumni to grapple with life beyond prom and parties. Cassie Howard (Sydney Sweeney) has pivoted to adult content creation, including an OnlyFans account, to fund an extravagant wedding to Nate Jacobs (Jacob Elordi), now an entrepreneur with his own ambitions and demons. Maddy Perez (Alexa Demie) navigates a Hollywood-adjacent lifestyle that feels both glamorous and hollow. Jules Vaughn (Hunter Schafer) explores art school and more complicated relationships, while Lexi Howard (Maude Apatow) continues observing the chaos from a safer distance.
The official logline — “A group of childhood friends wrestle with the virtue of faith, the possibility of redemption, and the problem of evil” — signals Levinson’s intent to deepen the show’s philosophical undercurrents. Religious imagery, moral dilemmas and consequences of past actions take center stage, moving away from the hormone-fueled intensity of Seasons 1 and 2. Colman Domingo returns as Ali, offering Rue moments of grounded wisdom, while Eric Dane’s Cal Jacobs marks his final appearances before his real-life passing earlier in 2026, adding an unintended layer of poignancy.
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New series regulars bolster the ensemble. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje and Toby Wallace bring fresh intensity, while a large supporting cast including Natasha Lyonne, Danielle Deadwyler and others expands the world into adult spheres of crime, Hollywood and personal reckoning. Martha Kelly and Chloe Cherry have been promoted to regulars, giving Laurie and Faye more narrative weight.
Visually, “Euphoria” remains unmatched. Cinematographer Marcell Rév’s work is hypnotic, with neon-drenched nights, dreamlike sequences and intimate close-ups that make every frame feel like a fashion editorial crossed with a fever dream. Labrinth’s score pulses with emotional weight, elevating even slower moments. Levinson’s direction leans into excess — long tracking shots, bold color palettes and unfiltered nudity or violence — but the style sometimes overshadows substance in the season’s more meandering stretches.
Zendaya delivers what many critics call her career-best work as Rue. Now in her early 20s, the character carries the scars of addiction and loss with a jittery vulnerability that feels lived-in. Her scenes in Mexico crackle with tension, blending quiet desperation and dark humor. Sweeney and Elordi bring commitment to their roles, with Cassie’s cam-girl storyline and Nate’s evolution providing provocative if polarizing material. Schafer’s Jules remains a highlight of emotional authenticity amid the ensemble’s larger-than-life arcs.
Yet the season struggles with cohesion. Early episodes juggle multiple storylines — drug smuggling, adult content entrepreneurship, fractured friendships and budding criminal enterprises — sometimes at the expense of deeper character development. Some reviewers describe it as “entertaining but disjointed fan fiction,” with tonal shifts that veer from poignant to absurd. The move away from high school allows for maturity, but the show occasionally feels like it’s chasing relevance in a post-pandemic cultural landscape where its once-shocking elements have become more normalized.
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Critics are divided. Early reviews give the season mixed scores, with some praising the bold evolution and Zendaya’s anchoring presence while others call it indulgent or unhinged. One outlet labeled it an “unhinged disaster” that sacrifices depth for absurdity, while others hail the noir pivot as a refreshing reset that lets characters confront real adult stakes. Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic scores reflect the polarization, hovering in the mixed-to-positive range after initial critic screenings.
The four-year gap since Season 2’s February 2022 finale tested fan patience but allowed real-world aging that benefits the story. The cast, now in their mid-to-late 20s, convincingly portray characters navigating quarter-life crises rather than teenage rebellion. Production delays, creative shifts and Levinson’s meticulous process contributed to the wait, but the result feels like a deliberate maturation rather than a rushed cash-in.
Themes of redemption resonate strongly. Rue’s journey toward accountability, however halting, carries emotional heft, especially in scenes with Ali or when confronting the consequences of her actions. The show continues tackling mental health, addiction, sexuality and toxic relationships with unflinching honesty, though some storylines risk veering into exploitation territory. Levinson’s writing remains provocative, sparking conversations about consent, ambition and the blurred lines between performance and reality in the social media age.
For longtime viewers, familiar Easter eggs and callbacks provide satisfaction, while newcomers may struggle with the dense backstory. The season’s eight-episode run keeps pacing brisk, with weekly Sunday drops building anticipation through May 31. A Coachella screening of the premiere added to the cultural buzz, echoing the show’s history of intersecting with music and fashion moments.
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“Euphoria” Season 3 may not recapture the lightning-in-a-bottle shock of its debut, but it offers something more ambitious: a meditation on growing up when the stakes are no longer detention but real-world ruin or redemption. Zendaya’s performance alone makes it essential viewing, carrying the series through its uneven patches with quiet power.
Whether the season sticks the landing in its later episodes remains to be seen as critics and audiences watch weekly. For now, the return of HBO’s stylish, controversial drama reminds viewers why it became a cultural phenomenon — flawed, excessive and undeniably compelling.
As Rue asks in voiceover what she’s been up to since high school, the answer unfolds in neon-soaked moral gray areas that feel both timeless and very much of this moment. “Euphoria” may have aged, but its ability to provoke and mesmerize endures.
A Career Built on Discipline and VisionRon Yeffet’s story begins in Jerusalem, Israel, where he was born in 1966. His early years were shaped by structure and responsibility. At 18, he entered the Israeli Defense Forces and served for 37 months as a Major Sergeant in the Artillery and Bomb Squad Unit.That experience left a lasting mark.“Discipline is not something you turn on later,” Yeffet says. “It becomes part of how you think and act every day.”After completing his service, he made a defining move. He traveled to the United States to begin his career as an entrepreneur. It was a step that would eventually lead to projects across four continents.
How Ron Yeffet Built a Global Real Estate Career
Yeffet’s early work in New York City real estate laid the foundation for everything that followed. Over the next 25 years, he would own and manage the development of multiple projects across the U.S., Israel, Europe, and Africa.His work is not limited to one type of project. It spans concrete superstructures, energy supply systems, power plants, and major roadways.“I never wanted to stay in one lane,” he explains. “Every project teaches you something new, and that knowledge compounds over time.”This broad scope helped him stand out in a competitive industry. While many developers focus on one region or niche, Yeffet built a portfolio that crosses borders and sectors.His approach is rooted in planning and execution. He emphasizes details and teamwork at every stage.“If the plan is weak, the outcome will be weak,” he says. “Strong planning allows the team to execute with confidence.”
Leadership Style: Planning, Precision, and Execution
One of the defining traits of Yeffet’s career is consistency. Across different countries and industries, his methods remain the same.He focuses on preparation, discipline, and collaboration.“Great projects are never done alone,” he says. “You need the right people, and you need to trust them.”This mindset has helped him manage large-scale developments, including infrastructure projects in Africa. These projects often involve complex coordination with governments, partners, and local communities.His ability to navigate these challenges has led to long-term relationships with government bodies around the world.“Relationships are built on trust and results,” Yeffet explains. “If you deliver consistently, people want to work with you again.”
Expanding Beyond Real Estate into Infrastructure
While many know Yeffet for real estate, his work in infrastructure is just as significant. His projects include energy supply systems and power plants, as well as roadways that support growing cities.These projects require a different level of planning. They often impact entire regions, not just individual properties.“You have to think about the bigger picture,” he says. “It’s not just about building something. It’s about how that project will serve people over time.”This perspective has shaped his reputation as a leader who looks beyond short-term results. His projects are designed to create lasting impact in the communities they serve.
Ron Yeffet’s Role in Global Community Development
Yeffet’s influence extends beyond business. He has played a key role in developing Jewish communal life in the Balkans.Before 2010, organized Jewish life in parts of the region was limited. Yeffet helped establish Or Itzhak communities in Albania and Thessaloniki, creating spaces for cultural and religious connection.“When you build a community, you are building something that lasts beyond you,” he says.These efforts were not one-time initiatives. They grew into sustainable, community-driven institutions that continue to evolve.His work in this area reflects a broader philosophy.“Success is not just about projects,” Yeffet explains. “It’s about the people those projects serve.”
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International Recognition and Government Partnerships
Over time, Yeffet’s work has gained global recognition. His experience across multiple regions has led to partnerships with government bodies and organizations.One of the most notable acknowledgments of his work is his role as Honorary Council for Senegal in Israel.This position highlights his involvement in strengthening social, economic, and civic ties between regions.“Opportunities often come from relationships,” he says. “When you invest in people and partnerships, doors open.”
What Drives Ron Yeffet Today
Today, Yeffet continues to lead with the same principles that shaped his early career. He focuses on growth, execution, and long-term impact.His philosophy remains simple.“Stay disciplined. Stay focused. And always think about the bigger picture,” he says.Looking back, his journey shows how consistent values can scale across industries and borders. From his early days in Jerusalem to large-scale projects around the world, Yeffet has built a career defined by structure, adaptability, and vision.And while the scope of his work has grown, his approach has stayed the same.“At the end of the day, it’s about doing the work the right way,” he says. “Everything else follows from that.”
UK’s third largest steelworks moves closer to sale after Official Receiver agrees exclusivity period with preferred bidder for former Liberty Steel business
Henry Saker-Clark Press Association Deputy Business Editor
14:54, 15 Apr 2026
Specialist Steel’s site in Rotherham(Image: Getty Images)
Britain’s third largest steelworks has edged closer to a sale following Government intervention after it went into liquidation last year.
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Last August, the state’s Official Receiver assumed control of Speciality Steel – formerly part of Sanjeev Gupta’s Liberty Steel empire – after it was forced to liquidate by the High Court.
On Wednesday, the Official Receiver, an arm of the Insolvency Service, confirmed it has entered into an exclusivity agreement with a “preferred bidder” for Speciality Steel UK (SSUK). The identity of the bidder has not been disclosed.
The Official Receiver stated that the process, designed to secure a formal sale, is anticipated to take approximately five weeks as the preferred bidder advances with their offer.
Output at the business, which operates sites across Stocksbridge and Rotherham in South Yorkshire, and Wednesbury in the West Midlands, has been suspended in recent months.
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Speciality Steel employs around 1,300 workers, a significant number of whom have been placed on furlough with reduced wages.
Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of the Community union, said: “This is an important moment, and we hope that this milestone – following on from the Government’s intervention last autumn – will help end the long period of uncertainty which our members at SSUK have endured.
“We look forward to meeting with the preferred bidder as soon as possible to hear more about their plans for securing jobs and investing in the business.
“SSUK’s sites are vital strategic assets, and with the right plan in place the business can have a bright future.”
An extraordinary general meeting is scheduled for next month to approve the multimillion-pound deal
Matt Hardy www.cityam.com
16:01, 15 Apr 2026
Exeter Chiefs are set for US investment as Prem Rugby interest ramps up
Exeter Chiefs are poised to become the latest in a wave of Premiership Rugby clubs to secure fresh investment, with American backing anticipated at Sandy Park.
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An extraordinary general meeting is scheduled for next month to vote on proposals that would see an unnamed US backer make a multimillion-pound investment in the Devon club.
The Guardian reports that members will be encouraged to back the motion. The club’s chairman, Tony Rowe, who has financially supported Exeter Chiefs’ rise from the second tier to European champions, has acknowledged he can no longer sustain the club’s funding in the long term, having previously explored and abandoned plans to float on the stock market.
“The proposal is for the members to accept,” Rowe told the Guardian. “At the moment I can’t discuss what that proposal is in any shape or form, other than it is an American investor. They want to get involved in English rugby.”
Should the new investment receive the green light, it would follow energy drinks giant Red Bull’s entry into England’s top-flight Premiership Rugby with Newcastle and the multimillion-pound investment from billionaire Sir James Dyson into defending champions Bath.
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Exeter Chiefs’ West Country rivals Gloucester Rugby also appear to be pursuing investment from across the Atlantic, with owner Martin St Quinton stating in promotional material for a fan-focused crowdfunding campaign that the absence of relegation makes the league considerably more appealing to American investors.
The Devon-based club, whose squad boasts the likes of England international Henry Slade and former Wales captain Dafydd Jenkins, recorded losses of £10.3m in their most recent accounts, amid a wave of negative returns across the Premiership, as reported by City AM
Investing in England’s top tier guarantees a portion of the central revenue, 27 per cent of which is channelled to private equity giant CVC Capital Partners, which has recently consolidated its varied sports assets into the umbrella organisation Global Sports Group.
Global Sports Group encompasses CVC Capital Partners’ Premiership Rugby investment alongside shareholdings in the Guinness Six Nations and the multi-national United Rugby Championship.
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A review of Premiership Rugby carried out by Big Four firm Deloitte and merchant bank Raine Group concluded that the top flight should transition to a franchise model before the end of the decade, with plans to expand to as many as 20 teams by 2040.
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British SMEs with transatlantic trade links have been warned they face a prolonged and uncertain wait before recovering tariffs wrongly collected by the United States, after Washington confirmed that its long-awaited online refund portal will handle only a fraction of outstanding claims when it goes live next week.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is due to switch on its Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries system, known as CAPE, on 20 April. The first phase of the portal is expected to cope with roughly 63 per cent of refund requests. The remaining 37 per cent, however, have been left without so much as a provisional timetable, raising fresh concerns for cash-strapped importers that have been out of pocket for the best part of two years.
John Havard, a consultant at audit, tax and business advisory firm Blick Rothenberg, said the scale of the backlog was “extraordinary” and that the uncertainty surrounding the more complex tranche of claims would do little to reassure small and mid-sized businesses that had counted on a swift resolution once the US Supreme Court struck down the tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
“Many of these remaining cases are classed as final tariffs because the goods concerned will have entered the US more than a year before the refund claim is filed,” Havard said. “In such instances the claims procedure is going to be considerably more involved. We are unlikely to hear anything further until government officials next appear before the Court of International Trade to deliver their next mandated progress report.”
The numbers involved are eye-watering. Blick Rothenberg estimates that around 53 million unlawful tariff collection transactions were processed during the period in question, with the total refund bill potentially reaching $166 billion (£132 billion). More than 26,000 importers, collectively responsible for some $120 billion of IEEPA tariffs, have already registered with CBP to receive their money back electronically, following a White House directive requiring all federal payments to be made by electronic transfer.
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The rules governing who can actually lodge a claim are tightly drawn. Only the official importer-of-record, or that party’s nominated US customs broker, will be entitled to submit a refund request. Businesses must also hold an active account with CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment before they can receive any money. Havard said there had been “considerable activity” in new account registrations since the Supreme Court’s ruling, suggesting that many firms had been caught flat-footed by the decision.
For those still waiting, there is at least one sliver of good news. In a previous statement to the US trade court, a government official confirmed that interest would be paid on all refunded amounts, offering modest compensation for what is shaping up to be a lengthy delay before cheques actually land.
For British exporters and importers with exposure to the US market, the practical advice is straightforward: ensure ACE registration is in order, confirm which party holds importer-of-record status on historic shipments, and brace for a drawn-out administrative process. The fundamentals of the refund entitlement are no longer in doubt; the mechanics of getting the money back, it seems, very much are.
Police have decided not to pursue the assets of tech billionaire Laurence Escalante, who is facing drugs and assault charges brought against him in January.
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