Bright, glossy hair is always in demand during the summer, but between heat, humidity, chlorine, and sun exposure, the season can also be one of the toughest times to maintain strong strands.

So, what does it take to achieve lustrous, hydrated, and polished hair while avoiding dryness, frizz, and oil? Luckily, celebrity hairstylist Travis Ogletree is sharing his golden rules with ET.

The hair expert, whose clients include Shay Mitchell, Lana Del Rey, Miranda Kerr, January Jones and more, is known for creating effortless California-inspired color that looks like it was earned after a long weekend at the beach. But according to Ogletree, maintaining that lived-in look takes more than just sunshine.

According to Ogletree, a clean scalp is the foundation of healthy hair, and the key to preventing greasy roots during the warmer months.

“Apply conditioner to your ends before you shampoo your hair. Then, make sure you count a full 100 when you massage your scalp. Most of the time, we think we’re washing our hair for a lot longer than we actually are. If you’re not getting that sudsing ingredient in the shampoo to work, you’re not removing excess oils.”

To stretch your wash day a little longer as temperatures rise, he suggests going in for a second round.

“To take it up a notch, do a double cleanse or use a detox shampoo like the K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo.”

Once you’ve eliminated any buildup, it’s equally important to replenish moisture, especially if you’re spending time in the pool or ocean.

“People want to go brighter for the summer, but are also swimming more, which can lead to extra dryness. You can combat that by using the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask because it’s made for all hair types, including fine hair. Put it on at least once a week while you’re showering or on freshly washed hair. You can even leave it on and do a chic look with a Sophie Buhai or Crown Affair clip,” he says.

Whether you’re embracing your natural texture or going for a sleek blowout, the goal is to secure radiance without weighing the hair down.

“I love the RŌZ Milk Hair Serum, the REHAB. Hair Milk Conditioning Heat Protection Spray, or the Davines OI All In One Hair Milk mixed with the Davines OI Hair Oil and Liquid Spell Reinforcing Bodifying Fluid. They’re all lightweight but hydrating and give a little bit of hold,” Ogletree notes.

And for an even smoother finish, he recommends reaching for the ghd Duet Blowdry Hair Dryer Brush.

“It’s especially great for summertime because it recirculates airflow instead of blowing out heat, which helps create incredible shine because there’s less friction on the hair.”

Then comes the final touch.

“After you’re done, spray the Cécred Flexible Hold Hairspray. It smells so good and makes me want to buy a candle with the same fragrance,” he shares.

But hair isn’t the only thing that deserves a little summer love.

“A good SPF is essential because although we may want to be bronzed, we can also be protected. To avoid getting your scalp sunburned, apply the Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Defense Sunscreen Stick on your part line and otherwise, wear a hat,” he notes.

For those looking to carry that sun-kissed effect beyond their tresses, Ogletree also loves the Dolce Glow Self-Tanning Mist and the Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash Bronze Water Tint.

The payoff? Silky locks paired with a natural-looking glow from head to toe, all without overdoing it in the sun.

Which means that by the time you’re sitting in Ogletree’s chair at his Treehouse Studio in Los Angeles, California this fall, your mane may need far less upkeep than you think.

“People are surprised that they just need a toner to go over their blonde, a Moroccanoil Color Calypso Gloss to get them to their desired shade, or a professional K18 treatment to rebuild the structure of the hair after it’s been compromised.”

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By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 16 seconds ago

In case the rise of everything from Stranger Things to synthwave didn’t tip you off, ‘80s kids are really having a moment right now. Every beloved childhood property just keeps coming back to the big screen, including Ghostbusters, Transformers, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. One franchise that just keeps getting revised is Masters of the Universe, whose heroic He-Man serves as the ultimate icon of masculinity and strength. The original show already had one animated spinoff and one anime-flavored reboot before Netflix brought the franchise back to life with two different cartoons. Now, He-Man’s latest live-action movie is about to premiere, and early buzz proves that this IP still has the power.

With the new movie about to hack and slash its way into theaters, now is the perfect time to revisit the original Masters of the Universe movie from 1987. It’s a film that gets a bad rap from genre fans because of some obvious flaws: there’s not enough action, not enough Eternia, and He-Man actor Dolph Lundgren’s heavily accented voice is hilariously bad. If you can look past that, though, this film has plenty to love, including amazing costume designs, fun dialogue, and a stunning performance from Skeletor actor Frank Langella. Throw in early roles for two of the biggest stars of the ‘90s, and you have plenty of reasons to revisit this underrated film.

When He Holds Aloft His Magic Sword

The plot of Masters of the Universe begins with Big Bad Skeletor finally winning: he captures Castle Grayskull and imprisons its guardian, the Sorceress. Once he fully drains her powers, he’ll be able to rule the entire universe. He-Man and his allies mount a desperate attack on the castle, but they are forced to flee to Earth thanks to their new buddy Gwildor’s invention: the cosmic key. Skeletor’s forces pursue them to Earth, eager to retrieve the cosmic key that threatens to foil their plans for universal domination. But with the help of some newfound allies, He-Man might just discover the secret to saving countless worlds from the forces of darkness.

When Masters of the Universe came out, it was considered a mixed bag by fans of the iconic ‘80s cartoon. That cartoon was set entirely on Eternia, so it was disappointing to see the movie set almost entirely on Earth. It was also weird to see strange new villains taking the place of familiar characters; instead of Mer-Man or Try-Klops, we get new baddies that include a robot lizard, a pirate with a sword obsession, and a generic monster man with hair straight out of The Righteous Gemstones. There were also plenty of deviations from the lore, including the fact that He-Man does not have his Prince Adam secret identity.

Beyond these foibles, though, there’s plenty to love, and Masters of the Universe is glorious ‘80s B-movie schlock in its purest form!

Teamwork Makes The Dream Work

What’s so good about this hated fantasy movie? For one thing, Dolph Lundgren. Yes, his accent is atrocious, but that lends the movie a superpowered dose of goofy charm. Like, you know how fun it is in Rocky IV when Lundgren goes, “If he dies, he dies?” Well, Masters of the Universe is filled with even stupider dialogue, and it becomes infinitely funnier coming out of Lundgren’s mouth. Plus, he certainly looks the part: He-Man was originally inspired by Conan the Barbarian, and Lundgren looks nearly as impressive here as Arnold Schwarzenegger did in the ‘80s Conan films. The combo of muscles and silly accent transforms this He-Man into something weirdly compelling: the ultimate himbo. 

Other performers are equally captivating. Like, it was sad that Orko didn’t make an appearance in here, but little man Billy Barty’s Gwildor is a suitable replacement, and his performance gives this movie some truly captivating campiness. Meg Foster is the perfect embodiment of Evil-Lyn, a powerful dommy mommy who can chill you to the bone with one stare from her abyssal eyes. James Tolkan is pitch-perfect as a high-strung cop, and if anything, he’s even more unhinged here than he ever was as the uptight principal in Back to the Future. Plus, while their performances aren’t great, it’s fun to see early appearances from two ‘90s icons: Friends’ Courtney Cox and Star Trek: Voyager’s Robert Duncan McNeil.

Spooky, Spooky Skeleton

However, nobody is performing at the same level as Skeletor actor Frank Langella. Instead of leaning into the campiness of the cartoon incarnation, he imbues Skeletor with a pathos and gravitas worthy of a Shakespeare character like King Lear. Basically, Langella didn’t get the memo that this was a schlocky cartoon movie, and he gives a confident and 100 percent locked-in performance whenever he is onscreen. Despite having his face caked over with distractingly weird makeup, Langella is fully committed to being the ultimate villain. In short, it’s wonderful to watch him transform a cackling cartoon villain into someone with the intensity of Alan Rickman in Die Hard.

Beyond the performances, Masters of the Universe also delivers some crowd-pleasing action. Admittedly, there’s not enough of it, and the film would have benefited from more slashing and less yapping. But it’s seriously cool seeing He-Man take on Skeletor’s foot soldiers, whose slick costumes are (thanks to designer William Stout) the coolest sci-fi design since the Stormtrooper. Plus, it’s undeniably awesome seeing He-Man fight with Skeletor onscreen. If you grew up absolutely mainlining the cartoon like I did, seeing your favorite action figures duking it out in live-action is an absolute dream come true.

Masters of the Universe is obviously not a perfect film, but it’s much, much better than its reputation suggests. Quirky performances, killer costume design, and so-bad-it ’s-good dialogue all make this movie worth watching. Just ask yourself: do you like swords and sorcery? Do you like cool villains and hot villainesses? Do you want to return to a time when sci-fi movies didn’t take themselves so seriously? You don’t need a cosmic key to blast to the past. Just hold your magic remote aloft, scream “I have the power,” and stream Masters of the Universe on Tubi. It’s free, leaving you with spare cash for one of the finer things in life: action figures, baby!

Mackenzie Phillips is lifting the lid on her time as a child actor.

Phillips, 66, recently claimed to Fox News that she and costar Valerie Bertinelli used cocaine on the set of One Day at a Time, the hit Norman Lear sitcom in which they played teenage sisters Julie and Barbara Cooper.

“So, this might surprise you that during lunch break, Valerie and I would drive to my house, get in the pool, drink wine and snort coke,” Phillips said in an interview published on Sunday, May 31.

“But Valerie talks about it openly, so it’s not like I’m pulling her covers or anything,” Phillips continued. “The thing was that … Valerie didn’t have the kind of addiction that I had; she didn’t have addiction.”

Related: Valerie Bertinelli’s Dating History Includes Famed Director and Music Icons

Valerie Bertinelli has experienced multiple loves in the public eye. The actress’ most famous romance was, perhaps, her marriage to late rocker Eddie Van Halen. Bertinelli was married to the musician for more than two decades before they called it quits in 2007. Bertinelli spoke candidly about her relationship with Van Halen after watching their […]

“And, you know, so we would do coke together in the dressing room and stuff,” she said. “I just happened to be the one that got caught. And thank God I got caught, you know?”

Us Weekly has reached out to Bertinelli’s reps for comment.

Phillips and Bertinelli starred on One Day at a Time, which aired on CBS, from 1975 to 1984. The sitcom lasted nine seasons and more than 200 episodes.

During her time on the show, Phillips struggled with substance abuse and addiction, resulting in her being fired twice.

Bertinelli, meanwhile, has candidly discussed her past drug use over the years.

In 2024, Bertinelli said she got into drugs after she “fell in love” with ex-husband Eddie Van Halen. She said the tumultuous relationship “rapidly declined into drugs, alcohol and infidelity. … Nothing that makes you feel loved, wanted and cared for. Nothing that screams ‘soulmate,’ that’s for sure.”

Bertinelli wed Van Halen in 1981. In her 2008 memoir, Losing It, the actress recalled cocaine being part of their nuptials.

“The priest we tapped to perform the ceremony gave us questionnaires so he could get to know us better and offer more personal words. As we filled out the forms at home, we each held a little vial of cocaine,” she wrote. “Now, if you ask me, those are not two people who should be making decisions about the rest of their lives.”

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Related: Valerie Bertinelli Shares She’s ‘A Bit Anxious’ to Return to Acting

Valerie Bertinelli is taking a huge — but scary — career step. Bertinelli, 65, revealed via Instagram on June 9 that she’s returning to acting in an upcoming Lifetime project. While the Food Network star didn’t share details about the project, she did admit that she’s “so grateful, if not a bit anxious.” “It’s an […]

Bertinelli and Van Halen divorced in 2007. The rocker died in 2020 at age 65. He is survived by his son with Bertinelli, Wolfgang Van Halen.

“I can’t believe I’m having to write this, but my father, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, has lost his long and arduous battle with cancer this morning,” Wolfgang confirmed news of his father’s death in an Instagram post at the time. “He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I’ve shared with him on and off stage was a gift. My heart is broken and I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from this loss.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). 

Tech companies play a dominant role in how news, personal data, and communication are managed, and there is shockingly little oversight of their decisions. Although Silicon Valley was once heralded as a place where innovative startups could change the future in positive ways, it has become associated with the rise of meteoric conglomerates that have increasingly discounted the human experience. The inner circle of these high-earning CEOs and their benefactors was ripe for satire, and The Audacity does for the tech business what Succession did for media empires, with former Succession writer Jonathan Glatzer creating another eerily realistic dark comedy that is ruthless and authentic in equal measure.

‘The Audacity’ Is a Scathing Takedown of Tech Companies

The Audacity is the story of the innovative data analytics company Hypergenosis, spearheaded by the eccentric CEO Duncan Park (Billy Magnussen). Duncan is temperamental, argumentative, and potentially a genius, and has managed to achieve a breakthrough in tracking individualized information that could attract the interest of significant clients. At the same time, Duncan confides in his therapist JoAnne Felder (Sarah Goldberg), who has a tormented private life of her own due to a strained relationship with her husband Gary (Paul Adelstein) and her socially awkward son Orson (Everett Blunck), who suffers from severe health issues. The Audacity is grounded in the idea that those who have power over technology are guided by luck, instinct, and emotion. It’s a notion that can be both terrifying and hilarious.

The Audacity is clear to point out the ethical grey zone that all of its characters are dealing with, as the series considers the dubious impact of mining personal data. There are intimate discussions about what the ramifications of Hypergenosis’ collection of information might have, but the characters are never concerned with the legitimate consequences for those who are analyzed; Duncan is waging a public relations war to appear stable, and he’s also forced to combat any legal concerns that could limit his capacity to grow the company. It’s both a blessing and a curse that Duncan is mostly honest about his intentions, as he does not attempt to mask his selfishness in the same way that some of his rival CEOs do. The Audacity is most similar to Succession in how it shows that the wealthy seem to exist in a completely different reality from everyone else; Duncan is so used to getting what he wants that he can only act like a spoiled child when things don’t go his way.

Although it’s easy to draw parallels between Duncan and prominent tech leaders who are frequently in the news, The Audacity has a rich ensemble of complicated characters, none of whom are traditionally “likable.” Goldberg’s performance is refreshing because it’s one of the rare instances in which television depicts therapy as a profession held by fallible human beings, rather than emotionally unavailable geniuses who are completely flawless. The power that JoAnne has over Duncan is fascinating because she can offer him an opportunity to work through his problems and receive feedback, which he can’t do with any of the subordinates who fear him. The situation is complicated by JoAnne’s other client, Carl Bardolph (Zach Galifianakis), whose approval Duncan desperately seeks. The tension between the trio is intimate without ever being romantic, and it’s fascinating to see how their relationships are built up through missed phone calls, insufficient sessions, and unresolved arguments.

‘The Audacity’ Has Some of 2026’s Best Acting

The Audacity isn’t suited for those who don’t enjoy “cringe comedy,” as the series doesn’t shy away from how awkward it is for these figures to retain their personas. That many of the characters’ children attend the same school makes the situation even more prickly, as wealthy parents have a way of fueling their ambitions through their children. While The Audacity raises serious concerns about how decisions that impact millions are determined by a select group of people, the characters aren’t depicted as caricatures and are, at times, given genuinely sympathetic moments. Orson is a particularly endearing character because he isn’t given any support from his mother, making for a difficult situation when he begins to fall for his classmate Jamison (Ava Marie Telek). Even Duncan is afforded some empathetic moments, with one twist near the show’s conclusion tragically revealing his insecurities, resulting in the best performance of Magnussen’s career.

The Audacity is a series that moves quickly to establish its world, but it has tremendous potential to get even better, which makes it all the more exciting that it’s already been renewed for Season 2. The season ends by starting a conversation about privacy that is bound to grow even more relevant in the months to come, especially since Glatzer seems to have his finger on the pulse as to what’s going on in the news cycle. There are also characters like Simon Helberg’s Martin Phister, a peculiar scientist with AI obsessions, who are bound to be more developed when they are afforded more screen time and dedicated storylines. Succession started small before becoming a phenomenon, and it’s easy to envision The Audacity following the same trajectory.

A newly leaked toy description for Spider-Man: Brand New Day may have revealed one of the film’s biggest story details, and it could spell trouble for both Peter Parker and Bruce Banner.

While Marvel and Sony have already confirmed that Mark Ruffalo will return as Bruce Banner in the upcoming Spider-Man sequel, new merchandise details suggest Hulk’s role may be far more significant than fans originally expected.

According to information tied to a leaked toy line, Banner is reportedly using a device designed to suppress his Hulk transformations. However, when the technology fails, the Savage Hulk emerges, forcing Spider-Man into a dangerous situation that could become one of the movie’s central conflicts.

Spoiler Warning:

The following details are based on leaked merchandise information and have not been officially confirmed by Marvel Studios.

According to the toy description, Bruce Banner’s attempt to control the Hulk goes horribly wrong when the device preventing his transformation fails. The leak suggests that Peter Parker finds himself dealing with the aftermath as the Savage Hulk returns.

If accurate, the storyline would mark the first major appearance of the classic Savage Hulk persona in years. Since Avengers: Endgame, audiences have primarily seen Smart Hulk, the version of Banner who successfully merged his intelligence with Hulk’s immense strength.

*Spider-Man: Brand New Day’s Hulk figurine. Image credit: Bandai/Marvel.*

The leak could also explain why Hulk appears to have such a prominent presence in early marketing and reports surrounding the film despite Brand New Day being described as a more grounded Spider-Man story.

For Marvel fans, the possibility of Spider-Man facing Savage Hulk is an exciting prospect. While the two heroes have crossed paths in comics, the MCU has never fully explored a conflict between Peter Parker and an uncontrolled Hulk. Such a matchup would instantly become one of the biggest action sequences in any Spider-Man film.

Of course, fans should take the leak with a grain of salt. Toy descriptions are often based on early story drafts, simplified plot summaries, or marketing material that doesn’t always reflect the final movie.

Still, merchandise leaks have a long history of revealing legitimate details about major superhero films, making this one difficult to ignore.

Whether the leak proves entirely accurate or not, one thing appears certain: Hulk’s role in Spider-Man: Brand New Daymay be much larger than anyone expected.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is scheduled to swing into theaters on July 31, 2026.

John Oliver is weighing in on the beleaguered Freedom 250 concert series.

Martina McBride, Bret Michaels and more musicians have pulled out of scheduled performances at the Great American State Fair to celebrate the U.S.’s 250th birthday over organizer Freedom 250’s alignment with President Donald Trump’s administration. The 16-day festival is set to take place in Washington, D.C., between June 25 and July 10.

Oliver, 49, recounted the series of events hampering the concerts on the Sunday, May 31, episode of HBO’s Last Week Tonight, quipping, “It is a stacked lineup of people that you haven’t thought about since 2009.”

“Honestly, that sounds less like America’s 250th birthday and more like the playlist at Rhonda’s 50th,” he continued. “The only really surprising thing about that lineup is there aren’t special appearances from the ShamWow guy and the Gushers kid whose head turned into a raspberry.”

Related: Martina McBride and More Artists Who Dropped Out of Trump-Backed Music Fest

Martina McBride, Bret Michaels and several other artists backed out of appearing at the Great American State Fair’s Freedom 250 concerts. The 16-day Great American State Fair has been promoted as a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, with exhibitions, parades and a controversial UFC event at the White House building up […]

In a Saturday, May 30, Truth Social post, Trump, 79, called on organizers to cancel the series due to the number of artists who have backed out.

“We should have a giant MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN RALLY, for 250, instead of having overpriced singers, who nobody wants to hear, whose music is boring, and yet who do nothing but complain. Cancel it,” he wrote.

McBride, 59, was among those who pulled out of the concert series last week.

“I would like to talk to you and clear the air. I will not be performing at the Great American State Fair on June 25,” she said in an Instagram statement. “I was presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading.”

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Related: Vanilla Ice Defends Performing at Great American State Fair After Mass Exits

Vanilla Ice is standing by his decision to perform Great American State Fair’s Freedom 250 concerts after multiple acts have dropped out due to President Donald Trump’s association. “Happy birthday America 250 years. It’s gonna be an epic party,” the rapper, 58, wrote via Instagram on Thursday, May 28, alongside a video sharing his excitement […]

McBride said she only agreed to perform after asking “lots of questions and was assured this was a nonpartisan event that was meant to celebrate ALL 50 states.”

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“In my mind, I thought this was a great way to celebrate the states and also bring people together in the way that only music can,” she said. “I saw it as just a bigger version of so many state fairs I have performed at over the years, celebrating community and what makes each state special. Sounds fun, right? Wholesome even.”

“I’ve spent my entire career singing songs about real people with real issues,” she continued. “I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to be a voice for those who have felt like they didn’t have one. It greatly upsets me that any fan who has been moved by my music may now feel like I’m abandoning the meaning behind those songs. I assure you that is not the case. I appreciate every single fan who has reached out. I hope to get back to the DC area very soon.”

In a statement on his website, Michaels, 63, said, “Unfortunately, what was presented to us as a celebration of our country has evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of. Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable.”

A newly leaked toy description for Spider-Man: Brand New Day may have revealed one of the film’s biggest story details, and it could spell trouble for both Peter Parker and Bruce Banner.

While Marvel and Sony have already confirmed that Mark Ruffalo will return as Bruce Banner in the upcoming Spider-Man sequel, new merchandise details suggest Hulk’s role may be far more significant than fans originally expected.

According to information tied to a leaked toy line, Banner is reportedly using a device designed to suppress his Hulk transformations. However, when the technology fails, the Savage Hulk emerges, forcing Spider-Man into a dangerous situation that could become one of the movie’s central conflicts.

Spoiler Warning:

The following details are based on leaked merchandise information and have not been officially confirmed by Marvel Studios.

According to the toy description, Bruce Banner’s attempt to control the Hulk goes horribly wrong when the device preventing his transformation fails. The leak suggests that Peter Parker finds himself dealing with the aftermath as the Savage Hulk returns.

If accurate, the storyline would mark the first major appearance of the classic Savage Hulk persona in years. Since Avengers: Endgame, audiences have primarily seen Smart Hulk, the version of Banner who successfully merged his intelligence with Hulk’s immense strength.

*Spider-Man: Brand New Day’s Hulk figurine. Image credit: Bandai/Marvel.*

The leak could also explain why Hulk appears to have such a prominent presence in early marketing and reports surrounding the film despite Brand New Day being described as a more grounded Spider-Man story.

For Marvel fans, the possibility of Spider-Man facing Savage Hulk is an exciting prospect. While the two heroes have crossed paths in comics, the MCU has never fully explored a conflict between Peter Parker and an uncontrolled Hulk. Such a matchup would instantly become one of the biggest action sequences in any Spider-Man film.

Of course, fans should take the leak with a grain of salt. Toy descriptions are often based on early story drafts, simplified plot summaries, or marketing material that doesn’t always reflect the final movie.

Still, merchandise leaks have a long history of revealing legitimate details about major superhero films, making this one difficult to ignore.

Whether the leak proves entirely accurate or not, one thing appears certain: Hulk’s role in Spider-Man: Brand New Daymay be much larger than anyone expected.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is scheduled to swing into theaters on July 31, 2026.

Genre:
Science Fiction, Thriller, Adventure, Mystery

Release Date:
August 14, 2026

Director:
David Robert Mitchell

Cast:
Anne Hathaway, Ewan McGregor, Maisy Stella, Christian Convery

Plot Summary:
After a mysterious cosmic event transports an entire suburban neighborhood to an unknown world, a family must survive against strange dangers while searching for a way home.

Euphoria creator Sam Levinson issued a message to those upset by the series finale by defending that heartbreaking death.

In a segment after the Sunday, May 31, episode of the hit HBO series, Levinson explained why Rue (Zendaya) died from an overdose, saying, “The honest ending is that people like Rue don’t make it.”

Levinson reflected on his own history with addiction — before mentioning Angus Cloud‘s death in July 2025 following an accidental overdose.

“People relapse and they f*** up. They’re not ready to get clean. And they weren’t dying like they are now with the influx of fentanyl into this country,” he explained. “I could say with absolute certainty that if I was going through what I went through when I was younger now then I wouldn’t be here either.”

Related: ‘Euphoria’ Tragedies: Most Shocking Deaths Through the Years

The Euphoria cast and crew have mourned the deaths of some of their colleagues over the years. Euphoria, which premiered in 2019, originally followed troubled high school student Rue (Zendaya) as she struggled to remain sober after rehab. The hit HBO series was quickly renewed for a second season after its premiere, but it took […]

He continued: “There’s no reason to sugarcoat it. I wanted to tell the story for Angus and for people who weren’t granted a second chance.”

Levinson called the finale “an honest ending.”

“Zendaya’s performance has been so wonderful and layered over the course of these seasons. We fell in love with this character — this girl who was flawed and f**ked up but has a good heart,” he said. “It’s a blessing to work with talented people and people that you love.”

Levinson noted that the show was always building to Rue’s death, adding, “In the end, I wanted to tell an honest story about addiction. I also wanted to tell a story about grief and the emotional turmoil that it can create.”

During Sunday’s episode, Alamo (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) killed Rue by spiking the drugs he gave her with fentanyl. The moment happened halfway through the finale, which pushed Ali’s (Colman Domingo) story along as he got revenge on Alamo.

Euphoria premiered in 2019 and originally followed troubled high school student Rue as she struggled to remain sober after rehab. The hit HBO series was quickly renewed for a second season after its premiere, but it took nearly three years for the episodes to air.

In between seasons, the cast suffered several losses after Eric Dane, who played Cal, died in February at age 53 after a battle with ALS. Cloud, meanwhile, died at age 25 and Levinson dedicated the season to the actor and his character, Fez.

“Some people ask why it took so long between seasons 2 and 3. There were obvious factors — the strikes, trying to make a schedule work with our very in-demand cast, but the real time was in trying to figure out how to find a way to pay respect to those who we lost,” Levinson said in at the April premiere event for season 3.

He added: “When Angus died, it was tough. I loved him deeply, and I fought hard to keep him clean. The year he died, in 2023, he was one of 73,000 people in America who died of a fentanyl overdose. I learned a whole lot that year, but what I realized more than anything is that death is what gives life meaning. You can’t be arrogant about existence. You’re forced to reckon with the fact that life itself is a wonder, a gift, a profound blessing.”

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Levinson said he wanted to honor Cloud, concluding, “I thought that if I couldn’t keep him alive in life then maybe within this show that I can control and keep him alive there. I think the whole thing was to honor him and also I can’t wait for you to see the last few episodes. I think he would be cracking up at his story line. I think he would love it.”

Euphoria is currently streaming on HBO Max.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).