How 'Euphoria' Risks Losing Its Soul Without Labrinth
By Alivia Stonier
When Euphoria swept across pop culture in 2019, its glitter-soaked visuals and bold use of color immediately set it apart, but it was the sound, crafted by Labrinth, that helped define its identity and deepen its emotional impact. Created by Sam Levinson, the show explores themes of addiction, abuse, sexuality, gender identity, and complex relationships.
One of the elements that helps ground this exploration is the soundtrack by Labrinth, a British artist first signed directly by Simon Cowell without appearing on a talent show, who later joined the supergroup LSD with Sia and Diplo and collaborated with artists like The Weeknd and Noah Cyrus. His work extends beyond television, but his involvement in Euphoria elevated both his career and the show’s cultural reach.
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Tracks including “I’m Tired” by Labrinth and Zendaya charted on the Billboard Hot 100 and global charts following their featured episodes, becoming a consistent trend as songs generated millions of streams tied directly to the show. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, tracks like “Mount Everest” circulated widely across social media, reinforcing Euphoria’s reach beyond its episodes and embedding its sound into digital culture.
As a result of its commercial success, the music became closely tied to the show’s identity, going beyond a typical soundtrack as Labrinth worked closely with Levinson to create tracks that shape the storytelling. Without the hypnotic quality of his music and the way it supports emotional arcs on screen, the show would be fundamentally diminished, with even the season one finale centering around a moment built in collaboration with Zendaya and the showrunners.
By 2026, however, Euphoria finds itself in a markedly different position. Following a four-year hiatus, the show has lost some of its cultural momentum, with cast departures like Barbie Ferreira’s and growing criticism of its storylines.
Early reactions to promotional material suggest increasing skepticism, particularly regarding shifting character focus and tonal changes.
At the same time, a new concern has surfaced: Labrinth himself. The artist recently took to Instagram to express frustration not only with the industry but specifically with Euphoria, and the response from fans and industry figures underscored his importance, with many suggesting that losing him would feel comparable to losing a central character. This comes after earlier reports of potential collaboration with Hans Zimmer for the upcoming season, leaving the future of the show’s music uncertain.
Not only does Labrinth create emotionally resonant music, but he also brings a personal dimension to his work that connects deeply with audiences, shaped by a willingness to collaborate and contribute to a larger creative vision. In a follow-up post, he expressed continued frustration.
If Labrinth does not return, Euphoria risks losing more than a composer—it risks losing a defining part of its identity. His work did not simply accompany the series; it helped shape its cultural impact. Without it, the show may continue, but in a fundamentally altered form.
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