Friday, April 10, 2026

Clear Press

Trusted · Independent · Ad-Free

Labrinth Steps Away from Euphoria After Defining Show's Sound for Two Seasons

The London producer behind the HBO drama's haunting score says he's "done" with the series as production begins on season three.

By Terrence Banks··3 min read

The sonic identity of one of television's most talked-about dramas is about to change. Labrinth, the London-based producer whose atmospheric compositions became inseparable from HBO's Euphoria, has confirmed he will not be involved in the show's upcoming third season.

The departure marks the end of a creative partnership that helped define the show's emotional landscape. According to BBC News, Labrinth stated he is "done" with the series, though specific reasons for his exit have not been publicly detailed.

A Score That Became Iconic

Since Euphoria premiered in 2019, Labrinth's work became as much a character in the show as its troubled teens navigating addiction, identity, and trauma. His compositions—ranging from ethereal synth textures to gospel-tinged ballads—earned him an Emmy Award in 2020 for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for the song "All For Us."

The producer's soundtrack albums for both seasons became cultural phenomena in their own right. Tracks like "Still Don't Know My Name" and "I'm Tired" (featuring Zendaya) accumulated hundreds of millions of streams, with fans often citing the music as integral to their connection with the show.

"The music doesn't just accompany the scenes—it amplifies the internal chaos these characters feel," said one music supervisor who spoke to Variety in 2022 about the show's approach. "Labrinth understood that assignment perfectly."

What This Means for Season Three

Euphoria's third season has faced numerous production delays, with filming expected to begin later this year after being postponed multiple times. The show's creator, Sam Levinson, has not yet publicly commented on Labrinth's departure or who might fill the substantial void left by his exit.

The timing raises questions about the show's creative direction as it moves forward. Music has been fundamental to Euphoria's storytelling approach—not just background ambiance but a narrative tool that often carries scenes with minimal dialogue.

Industry observers note that replacing such a distinctive musical voice presents both a challenge and an opportunity. "You either try to replicate what worked, which rarely succeeds, or you take the show in a completely new sonic direction," said Marcus Henderson, a television music consultant based in Los Angeles. "Either path is risky when the original sound was this beloved."

Beyond Euphoria

Labrinth's departure comes as the artist continues to expand his work beyond television. Born Timothy McKenzie, the 37-year-old has been working on new solo material and collaborations, building on a career that includes production work for artists like Beyoncé, The Weeknd, and Sia.

His Euphoria work introduced him to a new generation of listeners who might not have been familiar with his earlier hits like "Jealous" or "Beneath Your Beautiful." The show's success elevated his profile in the United States, where he's become a sought-after collaborator for film and television projects.

The producer has also been candid about the intensive nature of scoring Euphoria. In past interviews, he's described the emotional toll of creating music that matches the show's unflinching portrayal of teenage struggles with mental health, substance abuse, and identity.

The Legacy of a Partnership

Whatever comes next for Euphoria's sound, Labrinth's contribution will remain a defining element of the show's first chapter. His score helped establish the series as something more than a conventional teen drama—it became an aesthetic experience where music, visuals, and performance merged into something genuinely distinctive.

For fans who've spent hours dissecting every musical cue and lyric, the news represents a significant shift in what they can expect from the show's return. The question now is whether Euphoria can maintain its emotional intensity with a new musical voice—or if this marks the beginning of a different kind of show altogether.

Production on season three is expected to continue despite the change, with HBO remaining committed to the series despite the long gaps between seasons. The network has not announced a premiere date for the new episodes.

More in culture

Culture·
When Babysitters Cancel: How Streaming Changed Family Movie Night

Parents are ditching theaters for on-demand kids' films, reshaping entertainment jobs and the $42 billion children's media market.

Culture·
Ralph Fiennes Open to Reprising Voldemort Role in Future Harry Potter Projects

The acclaimed British actor, who terrorized audiences as the Dark Lord from 2005 to 2011, says he'd "absolutely" consider returning to the wizarding world.

Culture·
Ann Hamilton's Scanner Art Turns Touch Into Monument

The conceptual artist's new Cleveland Museum show transforms intimate gestures into billboard-scale images that redefine how we see connection.

Culture·
Bafta Failed Duty of Care When Tourette's Campaigner Shouted Racial Slur During Awards Ceremony, Independent Review Concludes

The incident, involving two Black actors on stage, exposes gaps in event planning and support systems for both those with disabilities and targets of discriminatory language.

Comments

Loading comments…