Top 10 Cringiest Euphoria Moments

#10: “Elliot’s Song”

“All My Life, My Heart Has Yearned for a Thing I Cannot Name”

The reception to “Elliot’s Song” in the Season 2 finale was, let’s say, mixed. We can see why the lyrics would resonate with some, and the song even got an Emmy nomination. That said, you can see why an acoustic guitar song that clocks in at nearly four minutes would be an easy target for the internet. As Rue holds back her emotions while Elliot serenades her, the audience repeatedly looks at their watches, questioning how much longer this self-indulgent musical number will last. The single version is honestly pretty solid (and shorter). In the context of the episode, though, what’s supposed to be a heartfelt moment just comes off as comically dragged out. We’re not sure if it was worth it in the end.

#9: “I Am Crazier!”

“You Who Cannot See, Think of Those Who Can”

You’ll find throughout this list that Cassie is responsible for a lot of the cringe that goes on in “Euphoria.” There are times we wish Cassie would get away from Nate Jacobs, who we can all agree is the worst. Other times, we can’t help but feel that Cassie and Nate deserve each other. Cassie feels she deserves Nate more than Maddy does. Finding that Nate and her best friend aren’t entirely over, Cassie makes a compelling argument for why he should be with her instead: she’s even crazier than Maddy! The meme-worthy expression on Sydney Sweeney’s face as she delivers the line not only encapsulates what an unhinged character Cassie is, but also how desperate she comes across, clinging to her own toxic relationship.

#8: Kat & Ethan Break Up

“A Thousand Little Trees of Blood”

Kat’s entire camgirl story arc is cringey for a variety of reasons. What’s even more uncomfortable is how Kat treats Ethan, her boyfriend for a period. Compared to some of the other guys on “Euphoria,” Ethan is understanding and supportive, but Kat just doesn’t share the same affection. While Kat can’t make herself reciprocate his feelings, Ethan at least deserves to be let down gently and honestly. Instead, Kat tells Ethan that she’s dying from a brain disorder. Ethan sees right through her BS, but Kat only doubles down, making it sound like he’s the antagonistic one in this relationship. Ethan gets the message, wishing Kat would simply say that she doesn’t want to be with him. Kat can’t even do that, however.

#7: Cassie on the Carousel

“Shook Ones Pt. II”

Do you find carousels sexy? You will after this scene… or maybe you’ll just be weirded out. Cassie’s carousel ride conjures so many conflicting feelings that in the end, all we can do is cringe. Flirting with Daniel, Cassie rides the carousel like she would ride him. By the time the two start exchanging kisses, it seems like the ride is at its climax. As the ride goes on, though, it seems as if Cassie is more aroused by the pole and the horse than her potential suitor. Cassie goes from stimulated to deflated as she looks around, realizing everyone is staring at her. Cassie’s life is a merry-go-round of bad choices, but this is the most literal representation of her never-ending spiral.

#6: Cassie as a Dog

“Ándale”

In Season 3, Cassie seemingly has everything she’s dreamed of. She’s engaged to Nate and they live in a fancy house. Cassie won’t be content, though, until she’s famous. What better kind of fame is there than that of the TikTok variety? Cassie seeks followers by dressing as a dog. More specifically, a sexy dog! Again, we’re not sure whether to be turned on or extremely disturbed. Despite Nate’s objections, Cassie claims that she can make a bundle by taking her act to OnlyFans. She also insists that OnlyFans isn’t what people assume it is. It only gets more bizarre as Cassie dresses up as a baby for her fans, acting as if this is a perfectly normal business practice.

#5: McKay’s Attack

“The Next Episode”

In a series full of scenes that are hard to watch, few proved more unpleasant than what happens to McKay. An intimate moment between McKay and Cassie is interrupted when his masked fraternity brothers enter the room. What starts as embarrassing turns horrifying as the others tackle McKay to the floor and pin him down as Cassie yells at them to stop. Some might call this “hazing.” We’d argue that there’s another word for it. McKay is understandably left shaken to the core, yet returns to Cassie as if what just occurred isn’t a big deal. McKay takes out his trauma on Cassie, which only makes the night more unsettling. Whether you find this raw or gratuitous, we’re left in a knot of discomfort.

#4: The Hot Tub

“You Who Cannot See, Think of Those Who Can”

Cassie turns to booze as she finds herself in a love triangle with Nate and Maddy, the latter of whom is still in the dark about her best friend’s deceit. The exact status of Nate and Maddy’s relationship is called into question, which Cassie learns as she drunkenly gets into the hot tub with them. Nate insists they aren’t back together. Maddy agrees, but she doesn’t like the way Nate said it. As their argument escalates, Cassey can’t hold down her feelings or liquor any longer. She unpacks what’s brewing inside her, sending the others retreating in disgust. There’s never a good place to get vomit, but a hot tub full of people is definitely one of the last places you wanna blow chunks.

#3: Rue on the Run

“Stand Still Like the Hummingbird”

Even by “Euphoria” standards, Episode 5 of Season 2 is like watching a train wreck in slow motion. Rue is the train, and everyone she encounters is collateral damage. Refusing to go to rehab, Rue retreats to Lexi’s, only to wind up at her own intervention. As Cassie tries to give helpful advice, Rue drops a bombshell: Cassie has been sleeping with Nate. Maddy is notably present, and after what ensues, we think she might actually be crazier than Cassie. As Maddy runs after Cassie, Rue runs out the door to Fez’s. She isn’t done burning bridges, attempting to steal medication from Fez’s grandmother in what proves to be a new low for Rue. Ya know ya screwed up when Fez kicks ya out.

#2: Jules & Cal“Pilot”

You can debate who the most toxic couple on “Euphoria” is, but Jules and Cal are definitely the cringiest. Why? Because Cal is a grown man and Jules is in high school. Yeah, we know the “teenage” characters in “Euphoria” are all adults in real life, but that doesn’t make Cal and Jules’ hook-up any less inappropriate. As for the hook-up itself, Cal sticking his thumb in Jules’ mouth is the only thing we can show you without getting demonized, but believe us, it gets worse. Adding to the ick factor, we learn by the episode’s conclusion that Cal is Nate’s father. Cal’s infidelity doesn’t begin or end with Jules, eventually leading to a confrontation with his family that’s all kinds of uncomfortable.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable (?) mentions.

Rue Becomes a Mule, “Ándale”

Don’t Ask How She Stores The Product

Cassie’s Bathroom Breakdown, “Ruminations: Big and Little Bullys”

She’s Not in “Oklahoma!,” But Cassie is the Definition of Dramatic

Nate Beats Up Tyler, “Made You Look”

The Most Monstrous Character Jacob Elordi Has Played… And He Was Frankenstein’s Monster

Rue Faking It, “You Who Cannot See, Think of Those Who Can”

Zendaya’s a Much More Convincing Actress Than Rue

Truth or Dare?, “You Who Cannot See, Think of Those Who Can”

There’s No Right Answer in a Show Like “Euphoria”

#1: Lexi’s Play

“The Theater and Its Double” & “All My Life, My Heart Has Yearned for a Thing I Cannot Name”

It turns out that Lexi’s play is semi-autobiographical, and her friends are all characters. Some find it funny. Others are mortified and enraged to see their worst moments depicted on stage for everyone to witness. You gotta wonder why the school allowed Lexi to put on this R-rated play, but it’s not like the adults in “Euphoria” pay much attention to what the kids are up to. The faculty might not intervene, although Cassie does after Nate dumps her over his portrayal. Reality clashes with the performance as Cassie takes to the stage. As heated as things get between the sisters, the real explosion comes when Maddy decides Cassie needs to be put in her place. Way to foreshadow the 2022 Oscars!

Which “Euphoria” moment do you think was peak cringe? Let us know in the comments.