HBO Updates Premiere Windows for Key Series: Euphoria Season 3 Delayed to 2026, The White Lotus Returns in February.

 

At the Wells Fargo TMT Summit, JB Perrette, CEO and President of Global Streaming for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), provided updates on HBO’s premiere schedules, revealing anticipated timelines for several flagship series. Among the key announcements: Euphoria fans will have to wait until early 2026 for the show’s third season, while The White Lotus is set to return with its Thailand-set Season 3 in February 2025.

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Euphoria Season 3: A 2026 Target

Filming for the third season of Euphoria, the Emmy-winning series starring Zendaya, is scheduled to begin in early 2025, with its premiere now targeted for early 2026. Perrette's announcement aligns with earlier speculation about the delay, which stems from the show’s complex production schedule and its cast's burgeoning Hollywood careers.

Amid speculation regarding its future, HBO Chairman and CEO Casey Bloys confirmed last month that production on the long-awaited season is moving forward. “We are shooting the season, I have read the scripts, we’re happy, we’re moving ahead,” Bloys said. He added that the eight-episode season will feature a time jump from the events of Season 2, which concluded in early 2022.

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The White Lotus Season 3 to Premiere in February

Mike White’s acclaimed anthology series, The White Lotus, will debut its third season in February 2025. Set in Thailand, the new season boasts a high-profile cast, including Walton Goggins, Carrie Coon, Leslie Bibb, Michelle Monaghan, Parker Posey, BLACKPINK’s Lisa, and returning Season 1 star Natasha Rothwell.

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Other Major Releases on HBO’s Horizon

Perrette also outlined a release cadence for HBO’s upcoming slate of marquee titles:

• House of the Dragon Season 2: Returns in summer 2024.
• The Last of Us Season 2: Targeted for Q2 2025.
• A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight: Set to debut in Q4 2025, despite earlier mentions of a summer premiere.
• Harry Potter: The highly anticipated series adaptation is on track for a late 2026 or early 2027 debut.

Perrette emphasized that these releases mark a consistent pattern for HBO, with two or three major tentpole series premiering annually.

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A Look at Euphoria's Impact and Future

Euphoria has been a cultural phenomenon, helping to launch the careers of its stars, including Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi, and Colman Domingo. However, its prolonged hiatus has raised questions about its sustainability. Speaking on the challenges of coordinating with a high-profile cast, Bloys remarked, “The show gets a lot of attention because it has created some genuine movie stars, and they have various projects they’re working on. But we are shooting this season, so nothing has changed.”

Season 3’s narrative shift, including the time jump, is expected to bring fresh perspectives to the story, further evolving the characters and their journeys.

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DC Content and Broader HBO Strategy

Perrette also shared updates on WBD's DC Universe strategy. James Gunn’s reboot of the DCU will kick off with the animated series Creature Commandos, followed by Peacemaker Season 2 and Lanterns. Perrette noted that the company aims to release two DC series per year, a more measured approach compared to other franchises.

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Looking Ahead

With Euphoria, The White Lotus, and other high-profile projects returning in the coming years, HBO’s slate promises a steady stream of high-quality, fan-favorite content. While delays like Euphoria’s may test viewer patience, the platform’s robust lineup suggests an ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional storytelling across genres.