We Are Addicted to Watching Addiction
Image Courtesy: Strike FSU
Euphoria and Succession, two of the most captivating and popular shows out right now, emphasize a recurring theme of addiction. While Euphoria has faced criticism for glamorizing drug use, and Succession for portraying addicts in such dark light, both shows manage to convey the in-between and show the good, the bad, and the ugly. The two series, both streaming on HBO Max, feature an honest portrayal of the ups and downs of being addicted to drugs, love, and success. Through transparent storytelling, these shows have gained high acclaim and numerous awards for their boundary-pushing narratives.
The portrayal of addiction within these shows works because something is compelling about the characters. With two undeniably talented casts and character-driven stories, it’s hard not to get hooked. Rather than attaching the stigma of people becoming incarcerated and that users are weak-willed, they show that addiction is a condition that requires empathy, treatment, and perseverance. These shows need to present addiction in this manner because it is realistic, and maybe relatable.
Image Courtesy: Seventeen Magazine
Succession, a comedy-drama series that recently swept the Golden Globes, revolves around the Roy family, owners of a global media and entertainment conglomerate. It tells the story of the family’s constant competition with one another in a battle over who gets to take control of the company. Kendall Roy, the son of the family’s patriarch Logan Roy, deals with substance abuse as well as an undying desire for success and power. There is a common factor of intensity that drives Kendall’s addiction to drugs and success. Already a hyper and egotistical character, we see Kendall escape to his refuge of using drugs, which are easily attainable due to the family’s wealthy status. While some critics have denounced the mixture of drugs and wealth as glamorizing addiction, we watch Kendall’s downfall in fascination. His isolation and fear result in him not obtaining what he truly thinks he wants.
Similar in theme, Euphoria is the kaleidoscopic journey of Gen Z. Catching everyone’s attention with its impeccable fashion and awe-inspiring makeup looks, Euphoria has been one of the most talked-about shows since its premiere in 2019. The series focuses on Rue, a teen with no intent to stay clean who repetitively falls back on drugs, as well as other main characters who deal with the tribulations of growing up. While the show has been criticized multiple times for glamorizing drug use, Euphoria creator Sam Levinson wrote that he thinks it’s essential for the portrayal of drug use to be shown in honest respect, “That we allow for its complexities to play out. That we show the allure of drugs, the relief they can bring because that’s ultimately what makes them so destructive.” Not only does the series highlight drug addiction, but also features an addiction to love. Throughout season one, we watch Jules and Rue’s wildly complicated relationship spiral across the low and high points of love. The season one finale reveals that Jules is Rue’s strongest drug and desire. Following the scene where Jules leaves Rue at the train station, is when Rue starts using drugs again. Now in season two, Cassie, one of the many characters that navigate the confusing and frustrating world of being a teen, conveys that she always has a feeling of needing to be loved.
Image Courtesy: Slate Magazine
While many TV shows portray addiction in ways that are exaggerated, romanticized, or watered down, addiction is more than that. Euphoria and Succession showcase the raw, trying hardships that come with addiction, as well as the positive moments too.
Strike Out,
Writer: Nikki Cohen
Editor: Roxy Rico
Graphic Designer: Alison MacCloud
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