Is “The Idol” in the same universe as “Euphoria?”

Hello, good people of the internet, and welcome to another edition of our cinematic sleuthing! Today, we're diving into the swirling vortex of intrigue that is HBO's universe, specifically through the lens of two shows: "Euphoria" and "The Idol." Now, let's strap on our detective hats, slip into our metaphorical gumshoes, and embark on this labyrinthine quest for interconnectedness.

For those not in the know, "Euphoria" is a teen drama series created and principally written by Sam Levinson. It's a hard-hitting exploration of teenage life and its challenges, featuring a tapestry of characters with Rue Bennett, a recovering teenage drug addict, at its center​1​.

On the other hand, "The Idol" is a drama television series co-created by Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye, Reza Fahim, and, you guessed it, our man Sam Levinson again. This show orbits around an aspiring pop idol, Jocelyn, and her complex relationship with a self-help guru and contemporary cult leader, Tedros​2​.

Now, here's where things get interesting. Our friend Sam Levinson, the common thread binding these two shows, has reportedly confirmed that "The Idol" and "Euphoria" do, in fact, share the same universe. In a world of Marvel and DC cinematic universes, we have an HBO television universe — how very modern of us​3​!

This shared universe business means that characters from "Euphoria" could pop up in "The Idol" and vice versa. Already, whispers in the wind suggest that Maddy Perez from "Euphoria" will make a cameo in "The Idol"​3​. Now, isn't that a tantalizing tidbit?

However, before we get carried away and start sketching out intricate character crossovers and plot intersections, it's worth noting that, as of yet, there hasn't been explicit evidence of interconnectedness within the content of the shows themselves. While both series delve into the complexity of human relationships and the struggle for identity, their respective settings and plotlines seem rather distinct.

Of course, this doesn't rule out the possibility of shared universe easter eggs being tucked away in the shadows, waiting for sharp-eyed viewers to spot. After all, a shared universe offers a playground of possibilities, a treasure trove of narrative cross-pollination. It's an enticing prospect, to say the least.

Let's close with a bit of speculative fun. What could this HBO universe look like? Might we see Rue Bennett attending one of Tedros' self-help seminars? Or perhaps Jocelyn could cross paths with the teens of East Highland? The possibilities are endless and, dare we say, quite thrilling.

So, there you have it, folks. While we continue to dig for further comments from Levinson or other showrunners on this intriguing development, we can, at least, revel in the speculation and anticipation. The game is afoot, and we're all eager players.

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What is wrong with Jocelyn in “The Idol?”

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Recap of “The Idol” - Episode 1, Season 1