Sharon Stone says 'Euphoria' should be shown in 'every high school' and required viewing for parents
Sharon Stone Champions HBO's "Euphoria" as Essential Viewing for High School Students
Sharon Stone is throwing her support behind HBO's controversial drama "Euphoria," arguing that the series deserves a place in America's high schools and that parents should be required to watch it alongside their children.
The 68-year-old actress, who joined the show's recently concluded third and final season, made the comments during an interview with Keke Palmer for Variety's "Actors on Actors" series. Stone expressed unwavering admiration for the program, calling it "the greatest show on television."
"I think it's so relevant," Stone said. "I believe it should be shown in every high school, and I think all the parents should have to see it. As a mom, I love it."
The "Basic Instinct" star explained that her endorsement stems from deeply personal experience. Stone revealed she has direct family knowledge of the struggles depicted in the series, recalling how her brother Michael Stone became involved with drug trafficking and was eventually incarcerated at Attica Correctional Facility in New York.
"We've met these kids," Stone said. "We've seen them turn into young adults. We've seen them turn into full-on drug dealers. And I've gone through it in my family."
Stone said she found herself moved to tears upon watching the show's first episode, describing it as an honest reflection of challenges faced by real teenagers. She argued that the series offers families an opportunity for meaningful dialogue about difficult topics.
"My kid wouldn't do that," Stone said, mimicking dismissive parents. "It's like, really? Do you know? And does your kid tell you who is like that that's next to them? Because it's who's next to you too that matters."
Palmer, 32, agreed that the show's explicit content often distracts viewers from its underlying messages.
"I think sometimes people stop at the surface of 'No, it's too much sex. It's too much sex, it's too much sex,'" Palmer said. "That's the point."
"Euphoria" premiered in 2019, initially following a group of high school students navigating adolescence. The third season advanced several years, tracking the characters as young adults confronting the consequences of their earlier choices. Despite its critical acclaim, the series has drawn criticism for graphic depictions of sex, drug use, and violence.
The show's creator, Sam Levinson, and its star Zendaya have repeatedly cautioned that the series, rated TV-MA, is not intended for younger audiences. In previous interviews, Levinson said he hoped the show would "create a certain dialogue between parents and their kids" while acknowledging it was not designed for viewers under 17.
Zendaya, who has won two Emmy Awards for her portrayal of Rue Bennett, has emphasized that the program addresses mature themes intentionally.
"I think the important thing to acknowledge is the show is about teenagers and not necessarily for teenagers," Zendaya told The Guardian in 2019. "I think people can misinterpret."
She has also urged viewers to prioritize their well-being, writing on social media ahead of the second season: "Please only watch it if you feel comfortable. Take care of yourself."
Stone's comments add to a broader conversation about the role of provocative entertainment in educating young people about real-world challenges. While critics have flagged the show's explicit content as potentially harmful, supporters like Stone argue it illuminates struggles that many families face in silence.