Crew members and background actors from *Euphoria* season 2 have spoken out about what they describe as a toxic and chaotic production environment under creator and showrunner Sam Levinson.

According to a detailed report, many on the set experienced extremely long workdays that sometimes stretched up to 18 hours, along with disorganization, lack of proper planning, and inadequate treatment of background performers. Several sources claimed that the production frequently violated SAG-AFTRA guidelines, particularly regarding meal breaks, bathroom access, and rest periods for extras.

Background actors reported being forced to wait in uncomfortable conditions for extended periods, including during the filming of the New Year’s Eve party scene in the season premiere. They described being kept in skimpy outfits in chilly outdoor areas with insufficient heating, and meals being delayed well beyond the required six-hour window. One background actor said it reached a point where they felt they were no longer being treated as human beings, noting that requests for basic needs like using the restroom or getting a snack were often denied or delayed for long stretches, especially during early morning hours.

Another extra described the set as one of the most disorganized they had ever worked on, with constant changes in plans after long hours. They recalled instances where the crew was told a scene would be the last before lunch, only to wait two and a half hours after eating and then return to filming. Many background actors reportedly “dropped like flies” due to exhaustion, leading to frequent recruitment of replacements.

The report highlighted Sam Levinson’s improvisational directing style as a major contributing factor. Levinson reportedly worked without a detailed shot list, deciding shots on the spot with cinematographer Marcell Rév. This approach often resulted in lengthy resets and unpredictable schedules, extending already long days. Sources described the process as casual and hobby-like rather than professional, with some feeling that the lack of preparation created unnecessary chaos and fatigue for the entire crew.

Complaints to SAG-AFTRA became so frequent that a union representative was sent to the set to monitor conditions and ensure compliance with safety and working-hour protocols. Issues included delayed meals, restricted bathroom access, and poor holding areas for background performers.

HBO responded to the allegations by stating that the well-being of cast and crew is always a top priority and that the production operated in full compliance with all safety guidelines and guild protocols. The network noted that complex drama series often involve challenging shoots, especially with additional COVID protocols in place at the time, and emphasized that no formal inquiries were raised. A SAG-AFTRA spokesperson affirmed the union’s role in protecting performers, including background actors, and enforcing contractual rules on wages, hours, and safety.

Despite the behind-the-scenes difficulties, *Euphoria* season 2 was a massive critical and cultural success, drawing huge viewership numbers and becoming one of the most discussed shows of its time. However, the reports raised questions about the cost of that success on the people working behind the camera and in supporting roles.

Some cast members, including Jacob Elordi and Maude Apatow, later acknowledged that certain shoots were particularly demanding. The article also touched on broader production tensions during season 2, including creative differences and last-minute script changes that added to the overall stress on set.

These revelations came as the show was preparing for future seasons, prompting discussions about improving working conditions, better planning, and more structured production processes moving forward. While Levinson’s bold creative vision has been widely praised for pushing television boundaries, the accounts from crew and background actors highlighted the human toll of an intensely demanding and sometimes disorganized workflow.

The contrast between the on-screen glamour and the reported off-screen challenges sparked wider conversations in the industry about the treatment of crew members and extras on high-profile productions, especially those involving long night shoots and ambitious artistic choices.