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20 Best Dog Foods for Picky Eaters on August 30, 2023 at 8:45 pm Us Weekly

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Did you know that nearly 10% of dogs worldwide are considered picky eaters, posing a challenge for pet parents to find the perfect balance between taste and nutrition? As responsible dog owners, we recognize the importance of providing our beloved companions with meals that not only meet their selective palates but also cater to their specific dietary needs. In this article, we have carefully curated a list of 20 top-notch dog foods that have proven to win over even the most discerning eaters, ensuring they receive the essential nutrients for optimal health and happiness. Let’s embark on this journey to find the perfect meal solution for your picky pup, making mealtime a delightful and nourishing experience for both of you!

20 best dog foods for picky eaters

Pupper Fuel Chicken Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Wilderness 
Merrick Grain-Free 
Wellness CORE Grain-Free 
Taste of the Wild 
The Farmer’s Dog
Sunday’s Fresh Dog Food
Spot & Tango Dog Food
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet 
Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food
NOM NOM Dog Food
Ollie Dog Food
Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food
JustFoodForDogs
The Honest Kitchen
Jinx Dry Dog Food
Go! Carnivore Dry Dog Food
Pet Plate
A Pup Above
Holistic Select Grain-Free 
Solid Gold Dog Food

Pupper Fuel Chicken Dog Food

For those with picky-eating pups, finding enticing dog food can be a challenging task. Luckily, Pupper Fuel Chicken Dog Food may be the solution to the dilemma. Designed with the finest ingredients, this delicious dog food is packed with protein-rich chicken and is free from any artificial additives that may turn away even the pickiest eaters. With a tempting aroma and a taste that will leave tails wagging, Pupper Fuel Chicken Dog Food is undoubtedly a great choice for those who wish to keep their pet healthy and satisfied.

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Blue Buffalo Wilderness 

Blue Buffalo Wilderness is a great choice for dog owners with picky eaters. This dog food brand is made with high-quality ingredients and is specifically designed to cater to your dog’s nutritional needs. With a range of different options, including wet and dry dog food, there is something for every picky eater out there. Not only is Blue Buffalo Wilderness delicious and nutritious, but it is also grain-free, making it an excellent choice for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities. Give your furry friend the taste and nutrition they deserve with Blue Buffalo Wilderness.

Merrick Grain-Free 

Merrick Grain-Free is a top-of-the-line dog food that’s perfect for pooches who are picky eaters. Containing only the best ingredients, this premium pet food is designed to cater to dogs with discerning palates who turn their noses up at regular dog food. Merrick Grain-Free offers a range of flavors and ingredients that are sure to satisfy even the fussiest of pups. From real chicken to salmon and sweet potato, Merrick Grain-Free is created with the perfect balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates that your dog needs to stay healthy and happy. Say goodbye to mealtime woes and hello to happy, satisfied pups with Merrick Grain-Free.

Wellness CORE Grain-Free 

Finding the right dog food can be a tedious process, especially if you have a furry friend that is a picky eater. Luckily, Wellness CORE Grain-Free is a popular choice among dog owners who want to make sure their dogs are getting the best nutrition possible. Grain-free and made with wholesome, natural ingredients, this dog food offers a protein-rich meal that is sure to satisfy even the fussiest of eaters. It’s perfect for dogs with allergies or those who have sensitive stomachs. Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and probiotics, Wellness CORE Grain-Free dog food will help your pup maintain its optimal health and energy levels. Give your dog the gift of complete nutrition with Wellness CORE Grain-Free.

Taste of the Wild 

For dog owners with picky eaters, finding the right food can be a frustrating and challenging task. Thankfully, Taste of the Wild offers a range of high-quality dog foods that are both delicious and nutritious. With a variety of flavors and protein sources, there’s sure to be an option that will satisfy even the most finicky dog. Taste of the Wild knows that every dog is different, which is why their products are made with real ingredients like roasted meats, vegetables, and fruits, and are free from grains, corn, wheat, and soy. Plus, with added probiotics and antioxidants, Taste of the Wild’s dog foods promote overall health and well-being. Say goodbye to mealtime battles and give your picky eater the taste of the wild they crave.

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The Farmer’s Dog

For dog owners with picky eaters, finding the perfect food that their furry friends will love can be quite challenging. However, with The Farmer’s Dog, you can rest assured that your pup will get the best nutrition possible, without all of the unhealthy additives and preservatives found in traditional dog food options. Made from fresh, human-grade ingredients, each meal is personalized to suit your dog’s specific needs and tastes. Not only will your dog receive delicious and healthy meals, but you can also save time by having the food delivered right to your doorstep. Give The Farmer’s Dog a try today, and witness the positive changes that will occur with your furry friend’s eating habits.

Sunday’s Fresh Dog Food

As pet owners, we know how difficult it can be to find the perfect food for our furry friends. Even more challenging is finding food that will please our picky eaters. That’s why we are excited to introduce Sunday’s Fresh Dog Food. This brand understands the importance of providing our dogs with wholesome and nutritious meals, while also catering to their unique palates. Their delicious recipes are made with real ingredients, without any added preservatives or fillers. Not only will your pup love the taste, but you can feel good about feeding them a high-quality meal. Say goodbye to the days of struggling to get your dog to eat, and give Sunday’s Fresh Dog Food a try.

Spot & Tango Dog Food

Dog owners who have a picky eaters know how difficult it can be to find a dog food that satisfies their furry friend’s taste buds and needs. This is where Spot & Tango dog food comes into play. This company offers highly nutritious and tasty meals for dogs, with a variety of options to choose from based on your pet’s dietary requirements and preferences. They use locally sourced and fresh ingredients to ensure that your dog gets the best possible nutrition without compromising on taste. Spot & Tango dog food is also free from artificial preservatives, additives, and fillers, making it a healthier choice overall. If you have a picky eater at home, consider giving Spot & Tango a try to see if it makes mealtime a more enjoyable experience for you both.

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet 

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet is a brand that understands the unique needs of dogs who are picky eaters. Their dog foods have been specifically formulated to cater to picky eaters, providing them with a balanced and nutritious meal. These foods are not just tasty but are also designed to improve the overall health of your furry friend. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet offers a range of products that can cater to a variety of dietary requirements, including weight management, gastrointestinal health, and dental care. They use high-quality ingredients and are committed to providing only the best of the best for your dogs. So if you’ve been struggling to find the perfect meal for your picky eater, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet has got your back!

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Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food

Finding the right dog food is essential for maintaining your pet’s health and happiness. For those with picky eaters, Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food offers a delicious solution. With a variety of flavors and textures to choose from, your dog is sure to find something they love. This high-quality dog food is designed to provide all the necessary nutrients for optimal health. You can trust that your furry friend is getting the best nutrition possible with Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food. Don’t settle for a picky eater – choose a dog food that will make mealtime a joy for both you and your pet.

NOM NOM Dog Food

As dog owners, we all want to ensure that our furry friends are well-fed and healthy. For picky eaters, finding the perfect dog food can be a challenge. That’s where NOM NOM Dog Food comes in. Their specially crafted recipes are made with whole ingredients, free of fillers and byproducts, and are sure to tempt even the fussiest of eaters. With options for both dry and wet food, NOM NOM Dog Food offers a variety of flavors and textures, providing dogs with a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Plus, with a focus on sustainability and sourcing from local farms, you can trust that you’re not only giving your dog the best, but you’re also doing your part for the planet. Give NOM NOM Dog Food a try and watch your picky eater become a happy and satisfied pup.

Ollie Dog Food

Finding the right dog food can be a challenge, especially if your furry friend is a picky eater. Luckily, Ollie Dog Food offers a solution. Made with all-natural ingredients and customized to your dog’s specific needs and preferences, Ollie Dog Food is the perfect choice for dogs who are hesitant to try new foods. With fresh ingredients delivered right to your door, you can be sure that your dog is getting the best possible nutrition without any fillers or additives. Trust Ollie to provide your picky eaters with a healthy and delicious meal every time.

Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food

For dog owners, finding the perfect food for their furry friends can be a daunting task. And if they have a picky eater on their hands, the challenge can feel even more overwhelming. That’s where Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food comes in. This high-quality, nutrient-rich food is perfect for dogs who are finicky eaters. Made with humanely-raised meats and organic vegetables, Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food delivers the nutrition and taste that even the most particular pups will love. The freeze-dried process ensures that all the essential nutrients are preserved, meaning that dogs get all the health benefits they need in every bite. So if you’re looking for a dog food that satisfies even the most discerning appetites, give Open Farm Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food a try. Your dog will thank you for it!

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JustFoodForDogs

If you’re a dog owner, at one point or another you may have experienced the struggle of finding the perfect food for your furry friend, especially if they are picky eaters. JustFoodForDogs might just be the solution to this problem! Their dog foods, made from human-grade ingredients with no preservatives or additives, are not only delicious but also come in a variety of flavors to please even the pickiest of eaters. JustfoodforDogs has a team of veterinarians and nutritionists who have worked tirelessly to ensure that their dog food provides essential nutrients to keep your dog healthy and happy. So, if you want to give your dog the best, give JustFoodForDogs a try and see the difference it can make in your dog’s life.

The Honest Kitchen

As pet owners, we understand the struggles of trying to persuade our furry companions to eat their meals. Enter The Honest Kitchen, a brand dedicated to providing high-quality, natural dog foods for even the pickiest eaters. This company offers a unique selection of dehydrated, whole food-based recipes that can be easily prepared simply by adding water. Each recipe is packed with healthy ingredients such as cage-free turkey, wild-caught fish, and organic produce. The Honest Kitchen prides itself on transparency, providing information on the sourcing and safety of all its ingredients. Give your picky pup the gift of a nutritious meal with The Honest Kitchen’s delicious, wholesome dog food options.

Jinx Dry Dog Food

Choosing a dog food brand for your furry little buddy can be a daunting task, especially when they’re picky eaters. However, Jinx Dry Dog Food is the perfect solution for your dog’s diet. Their dog food has been specially formulated with high-quality ingredients and has been tested to ensure that it’s both nutritious and delicious for picky eaters. Your furry friend will love their meals, and you’ll be able to relax, knowing that they’re getting all the essential nutrients they need to maintain excellent health. With Jinx Dry Dog Food, feeding your pup has never been easier.

Go! Carnivore Dry Dog Food

As pet owners, we all know how frustrating it can be when our furry friends turn their noses up at their meals. That’s where specially formulated dog foods for picky eaters come in, and Go! Carnivore Dry Dog Food is a great option to consider. Made with premium-quality meat and absolutely no grains, fillers, or artificial preservatives, this dry food is not only tasty but also nutritionally complete. With a variety of delicious flavors to choose from, it’s easy to find one that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Give Go! Carnivore Dry Dog Food try and see your dog’s appetite come back to life!

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Pet Plate

As pet owners, we all know how frustrating it can be to have a furry friend who is a picky eater. Finding the right dog food that they enjoy and that also has the necessary nutrients can be a difficult task. Luckily, Pet Plate is a specialized meal delivery service that offers a variety of natural and freshly cooked dog foods that are perfect for those picky eaters. With a variety of recipes, including chicken, beef, and turkey, Pet Plate ensures that your dog is getting the proper nutrition without sacrificing taste. Plus, all of their ingredients are ethically sourced, and each meal is made with wholesome ingredients without any artificial preservatives or fillers. Let Pet Plate take the frustration out of mealtime for you and your furry friend.

A Pup Above

Are you tired of trying every single dog food brand in the market only to see your furry friend curl up their nose in disgust? Then it’s time to try A Pup Above. This brand caters to picky eaters and prides itself on using human-grade ingredients. With a variety of recipes to choose from, your pup is sure to find one they love. The company sources its ingredients from small family farms in the United States and prepares its meals in Texas, ensuring quality and freshness. Say goodbye to mealtime struggles and hello to a happy, satisfied pup with A Pup Above.

Holistic Select Grain-Free

Finding the right dog food for your furry friend can sometimes be a challenge, especially if they’re a picky eater. Holistic Select Grain-Free offers a solution to this problem with its range of dog foods designed specifically for picky eaters. Holistic Select Grain-Free is made with high-quality ingredients and focuses on providing a balanced and nutritious diet that dogs will love. With no grains, artificial colors, or flavors, this dog food is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. Give your picky eater the best mealtime experience possible with Holistic Select Grain-Free.

Solid Gold Dog Food

As a dog owner, finding the perfect food for your four-legged companion can be a challenge, especially if your pooch is a picky eater. However, with Solid Gold dog food, you can rest easy knowing your furry friend is getting the nutritious and delicious meal they deserve. Made with high-quality ingredients and no fillers, Solid Gold offers a variety of options for dogs of all ages, sizes, and tastes. From grain-free recipes to wet and dry food varieties, Solid Gold has something to please even the most finicky of eaters. Give your pup the best with Solid Gold.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, our quest to discover the “20 Best Dog Foods for Picky Eaters” has provided valuable insights into the importance of addressing this common eating behavior among our canine companions. With nearly 10% of dogs worldwide exhibiting picky eating tendencies, it is evident that many pet parents face the challenge of finding suitable meal options that are both delicious and nutritious. However, the carefully selected dog foods on our list have been proven to not only captivate the taste buds of even the most selective eaters but also cater to their specific dietary requirements. As responsible dog owners, it is our duty to ensure that our furry friends receive the best possible nourishment, contributing to their overall well-being. By incorporating these specialized diets into their mealtime routine, we can foster a healthy and enjoyable dining experience, leading to vibrant health and contented tail wags in our beloved companions. Remember, providing optimal nutrition to our picky eaters is a gesture of love that will undoubtedly strengthen the bond between pet and owner, creating treasured memories for years to come.

This post is brought to you by Us Weekly’s Shop With Us team. The Shop With Us team aims to highlight products and services our readers might find interesting and useful, such as wedding-guest outfits, purses, plus-size swimsuits, women’s sneakers, bridal shapewear, and perfect gift ideas for everyone in your life. Product and service selection, however, is in no way intended to constitute an endorsement by either Us Weekly or of any celebrity mentioned in the post.

The Shop With Us team may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. In addition, Us Weekly receives compensation from the manufacturer of the products we write about when you click on a link and then purchase the product featured in an article. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product or service is featured or recommended. Shop With Us operates independently from the advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback at ShopWithUs@usmagazine.com. Happy shopping!

Branded content. Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Did you know that nearly 10% of dogs worldwide are considered picky eaters, posing a challenge for pet parents to find the perfect balance between taste and nutrition? As responsible dog owners, we recognize the importance 

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DJ Shinski Brings AfriqueFest To Life

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AfriqueFest: Pan-African Musical Experience — World Cup Edition is set to take over Noto Houston on Sunday, June 28, bringing together East, South, and West African sounds in one immersive celebration of music, culture, and connection. Presented by Experience Noir and Bolanle Media, the event is designed as a cinematic night for the culture, blending global energy with Houston nightlife in a way that feels elevated, intentional, and deeply rooted in African creativity.

Spotlight on DJ Shinski

At the heart of this year’s experience is DJ Shinski. Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya and now based in Houston, DJ Shinski has built an international name off high-energy sets that move effortlessly across Afrobeats, Amapiano, hip‑hop, dancehall, reggae, and electronic sounds.

He has also become Africa’s most‑subscribed DJ on YouTube, crossing the 2‑million‑subscriber mark and turning his mixes into a global destination for music lovers.

DJ Shinski’s style is precise but unpredictable: one moment it’s classic Afrobeats, the next it’s East African anthems, then a run of throwback hip‑hop or R&B that still feels fresh. That ability to read a room and connect multiple worlds in a single set is exactly why AfriqueFest is building so much of the night’s energy around him.

At AfriqueFest, DJ Shinski helps drive the Safari Grooves segment, representing East and Central Africa from 4 PM to 6 PM. Expect a journey that moves from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Addis, and beyond, all filtered through his signature “vibes on vibes” approach behind the decks.

DJ Tunez and the rest of the night

Supporting that energy, DJ Tunez leads the Gold Coast Beats chapter from 8 PM to 10 PM, bringing his own Nigerian‑American Afrobeats pedigree to the stage. Together with the Diamond Rhythms segment (South) and a curated roster of DJs, the night stretches across the continent in three distinct musical chapters, all connected by a single dance floor.

Hosted by @chris_gone_crazy, @kingdrewwskyy, @roselynomaka, and @samsnewleaf, AfriqueFest is positioned as more than a party—it’s a celebration of sound, style, and Pan‑African identity in Houston, with DJ Shinski anchoring the experience from the moment doors open.

Brought to you by Bolanle Media & Experience Noir

Brought to you by Bolanle Media and Experience Noir, this World Cup edition of AfriqueFest is crafted as a night where global DJs, storytellers, and music lovers collide and create a shared cultural memory. With DJ Shinski front and center—and DJ Tunez helping close the night—guests can expect a show that reflects both the future of African nightlife and the power of the diaspora to create unforgettable live moments.

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If you want to experience DJ Shinski live at AfriqueFest, now is the time to lock in your spot. Purchase your tickets now at AfriqueFest.com and get ready for a night of music, movement, and culture at Noto Houston.

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STREAMING PREMIERE · JUNE 13, 2026

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Laughter Meets Inspiration: Our Ladies Show Lands on The Roku Channel

A bold new sketch comedy series for women premieres June 13 across the U.S., U.K., and Canada — arriving on the back of a festival-winning run that has critics and audiences already paying attention.

It isn’t every day a brand-new comedy arrives already wearing a row of trophies. Our Ladies Show does. The seven-episode inspirational sketch comedy series — created, written by, and starring Christin Jezak — begins streaming on The Roku Channel on Friday, June 13, 2026, available free to viewers in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.

Produced in partnership with global media services leader Encompass Digital Media, the series sets out to do something rare in today’s streaming landscape: make women laugh out loud and leave them lifted. In a media moment crowded with noise and cynicism, Our Ladies Show is a deliberate counterweight — comedy with a conscience, built for women of every age and background.

A Show Built Around Real Life — and Real Laughs

Each of the seven episodes opens with a monologue from one of the cast members introducing the theme, then rolls into three or more sketches that hit the subject from every comedic angle. The series tackles the things women actually carry: holding grudges, comparison, beauty, patience, gift giving, the importance of community, and dealing with anxiety.

The comedy comes from a place of warmth rather than mockery — a “laugh at ourselves” spirit that runs through a gallery of unforgettable characters: a nosey neighbor, an overwhelmed mom, relentlessly optimistic flight attendants, beauty pageant winners past their prime, and a crew of unruly campers with a counselor who simply cannot hold it together.

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Then the show does something most sketch series don’t. In the final segment of every episode, the cast gathers in a living-room setting and invites the audience in — sharing real inspiration drawn from the theme, the sketches, and their own personal stories. It’s the moment the laughter turns into something that stays with you.

The Women Behind the Show

Our Ladies Show brings together three performers with serious range:

  • Christin Jezak — creator, writer, and star (Miracle at Manchester, Raising Hope, Jimmy Kimmel Live!)
  • Hillary Hawkins — (Primal, Nick Jr.’s Play Along, Gullah Gullah Island)
  • Sarah Hernandez — (Nefarious, Unplanned, House of Payne)

“In a world with so much division and depression, I hope women of all ages and backgrounds will watch this show, laugh, be reminded of how beautiful, unique, and loved they are, and remember how much we need each other.”— Christin Jezak, Creator & Star

Already a Festival Favorite

The series’ recurring long-form sketch, Neighborhood Watch, didn’t arrive quietly. Originally released as a web series and revamped for Our Ladies Show with new footage, sound, and music, it has been sweeping the festival circuit:

  • 🏆 Best Webseries — 2026 New Media Film Festival (Los Angeles)
  • 🏆 Best Web/TV Series — Paris Film Awards
  • 🏆 Best Web Series — Dallas Movie Awards
  • 🏅 Additional wins at the London Movie Awards, Florence Film Awards, and Hollywood Gold Awards
  • 🎬 Official Selection — 2026 Harvard Divinity School Film Fest
  • ⭐ Finalist — Houston Comedy Film Festival
  • 📣 Three nominations — 2025 Content Christian Media Conference, including Best Actress in a TV and Web Series nods for both Christin Jezak and Sarah Hernandez

Where and When to Watch

Our Ladies Show premieres Friday, June 13, 2026, streaming on The Roku Channel — the home of premium and free entertainment — in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. All seven episodes deliver the series’ signature blend of sharp sketch comedy and genuine encouragement.

Click Here To Get Tickets

Watch the trailer now on your platform of choice:

For more information, visit www.ourladiesshow.com and follow @ourladiesshow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.


About Christin Jezak

Christin Jezak has worked for over 15 years in the entertainment industry. She created and stars in Our Ladies Show and the award-winning web series Neighborhood Watch. She produced the EWTN TV program For the Sake of the Gospel and the all-women web series Ladies Keepin’ It Real, played Dr. Sam in Miracle at Manchester (starring Dean Cain, Daniel Roebuck, and Eddie McClintock), and voices Agnes in the podcast Confessions of a Catholic Single. She held a lead role in a short film for NTT Data directed by Academy Award–winning cinematographer Janusz Kamiński, has co-starred on Raising Hope, and appeared in Jimmy Kimmel sketches and a Grubhub Super Bowl commercial.

About The Roku Channel

Roku pioneered streaming on TV and is the #1 TV streaming platform in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico by hours streamed (Hypothesis Group, Dec. 2025). The Roku Channel is the home of premium and free entertainment, alongside Roku’s Howdy and Frndly TV services. Roku is headquartered in San Jose, California.

About Encompass Digital Media

Encompass Digital Media is a global managed services company — technology-driven, software-defined, and people-powered. Trusted by world-leading broadcasters, networks, sports rights-holders, and OTT platforms, it processes over 25,000 hours of content daily, serves 850 channels to 84 countries, distributes over 243,000 live events annually, and reaches 400 million radio listeners weekly worldwide. Learn more at www.encompass.tv.

Media & Interview Requests: To interview creator Christin Jezak or the cast, contact Christin at cjezak@p2ptheatre.com.

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What Filmmakers Should Actually Steal From Euphoria

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Most of the talk about Euphoria asks one question: was it realistic? That’s the wrong question if you make films. The better one is simpler. How did Sam Levinson get an audience to feel addiction from the inside? And what did it cost him to end the show the way he did?

Strip away the noise and Euphoria is a clinic in three choices: point of view, style, and the ending. Here’s what’s worth taking — and what isn’t.

1. Put the Camera Inside the Character

Most shows about drugs watch from across the room. Euphoria doesn’t. When Rue is high, the camera is high too. Walls breathe. Floors tilt. Time skips. You’re not watching her — you’re stuck inside her head.

That’s the lesson: point of view is a decision you make with the camera and the cut, not a mood you add later in color. Levinson builds it into the lens, the blocking, and the edit.

So before you shoot a scene through a character’s eyes, ask one thing on set: whose eyes is this lens standing in for? Then make every cut respect that.

2. Your Style Has to Mean Something

The glitter. The slow push-ins. The impossible club lighting. Euphoria‘s look got copied everywhere. That’s the trap.

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The style worked because it carried weight. The beauty wasn’t decoration — it was the lie addiction tells you, the reason the next high looks worth it. The camera made self-destruction gorgeous on purpose.

The copies missed that. A thousand music videos took the look and left the meaning behind, and you can feel how hollow they are. So here’s the test: if your signature style could be swapped onto any other project and still “work,” it’s not a style. It’s a filter. Every choice should have a reason behind it.

3. The Ending Tells the Audience What It All Meant

When Euphoria ended for good in Season 3, Levinson killed Rue — an accidental, fentanyl-laced overdose. He called it “the honest ending,” saying he wanted to tell a true story about addiction and grief in a time when one mistake can be the last one. Reportedly, that wasn’t the original plan; the death of Angus Cloud, who played Fezco, changed the script.

Forget whether you agree with the choice. Study how it works. An ending is the last instruction you give your audience about how to read everything before it.

By ending on consequence instead of recovery, Levinson reframed seven years of beautiful chaos as a story about cost — not a celebration of it.

It’s also the show’s most debatable move, and that’s worth noticing too. A show that spent years making pain look beautiful had to fight to make that pain land as loss. Did it earn the ending, or enjoy the wreckage too long to stick it? Smart filmmakers will disagree — and that argument is exactly what a good ending is supposed to start.

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What Not to Take

The neon grief is the most copied part. It’s also the least useful. Take the surface — the colors, the slow-mo, the trauma-as-texture — and you get the costume without the body.

The real craft is underneath. Commit your camera to a real point of view. Make every stylistic choice earn its place. Treat your ending as the point of the whole thing. Do that, and your work won’t look like Euphoria. It’ll do what Euphoria did.


This piece touches on addiction and substance use. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available through the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

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