The First Episode Of HBO's "Euphoria" Is Leaving Viewers Shocked, So I Watched And Here's How It Is

"Seventeen-year-old Rue returns home from rehab with no plans to stay clean."

WARNING: This post contains spoilers and Euphoria touches on sensitive topics. Here's a heads up from the show's star, Zendaya, as well as the note shown before the episode.

Twitter: @Zendaya, HBO

HBO's Euphoria made its debut and the series premiere drew a lot of attention, some many responses focusing on the sex, drugs, and nudity, while others labeled the show "upsetting" or "disturbing."

HBO / @scotth19, @edwebhead, @Sophia_Loren89

Here's how HBO describes the pilot episode:

HBO

"Seventeen-year-old Rue returns home from rehab with no plans to stay clean. She meets Jules, who's new in town, at a party at McKay's house. Nate gets in McKay's head when McKay takes an interest in Cassie. Nate and Maddy, who have broken up once again, attempt to make each other jealous. Meanwhile, Kat is pressured to lose something."

The early scenes in this episode offer a look into Rue's life leading up to rehab. From her very early childhood she's diagnosed with OCD, anxiety, and ADHD. She's heavily medicated and says she doesn't remember much from ages 8-12.

HBO

We also see Rue habitually sneaking Xanax and then cut to her finishing rehab. Within the first 10 minutes, you'll feel like you know the character or at least know a good deal about her.

HBO

I'm pleasantly surprised by the format of this series, which features a lot of really cool, unique shots that make you feel like you're in a dream. It's also narrated by Rue, who admits she's not the most reliable.

HBO

We meet other characters, like McKay (left), who is interested in a girl named Cassie and seems like a decent guy and Nate (right) who doesn't. Nate proves to be a douche throughout the episode.

HBO

If you don't want to spend 20 minutes wondering where you know Nate from, know that it's probably Netflix's The Kissing Booth.

We also meet Jules, who is new in town. Her storyline is focused on her skipping a party at McKay's house to meet up with someone from an app named "DominantDaddy."

HBO

There's also Kat who, as the episode description says, is being pressured to lose something.

HBO

As the party begins and Jules links up with DominantDaddy, hookups happen and a little bit of chaos ensues amongst various characters.

HBO

I don't want to spoil it all because you should watch for yourself if you'd like to, but the main big twist that should be interesting to see play out over the season is this:

SPOILER ALERT Tap to reveal Click to reveal

HBO

FINAL THOUGHTS:

HBO

MOST PLEASANT SURPRISE: There are some incredibly dope visuals and the music selection is SO GOOD/FITTING.

HOW VULGAR/GRAPHIC IS IT?: There's a lot of sex and drug talk. The dialogue in the screenshot above is a good example of the type of stuff you'll hear, which isn't any more excessive than things seen/heard in other R-rated teen stuff, like Superbad or American Pie. There's also quite a bit of nudity, but it's HBO so that's par for the course.

RATING ON A SCALE OF 1-10: 8.

WILL I WATCH NEXT WEEK: Absolutely.

PREVIOUSLY WATCHED:

The Perfection on Netflix

The Wandering Earth on Netflix

The Silence on Netflix

Black Summer on Netflix

How It Ends on Netflix

Set It Up on Netflix

The Kissing Booth on Netflix
Hell House LLC. on Amazon Prime

Veronica on Netflix

Dude on Netflix

Irreplaceable You on Netflix