In July 2019, HBO announced that Euphoria was renewed for season 2. A release date hasn’t been announced yet. “Euphoria creator Sam Levinson has built an incredible world with an extraordinary cast led by the supremely talented Zendaya,” Francesca Orsi, executive vice president of HBO Programming, said in a statement at the time. “We are so grateful that he chose HBO as the home for this groundbreaking series. We look forward to following these complex characters as their journeys continue through the challenging world they inhabit.” Zendaya also reacted to the news in a tweet at the time. “Literally just got the call. Can’t say thank you enough for the support we’ve seen, wow,” she wrote.

However, due to the pandemic, filming had been pushed back to 2021. “We were supposed to go back to work, I believe, on March 16,” Zendaya told Variety in June 2020. “And, literally, three or four days before that, they were shut down. I was like, ‘I was so close.’ We did camera tests and hair and makeup tests, and we got to see everybody and we had the sets built.” She continued, “I mean the scripts were written and I was just so excited—just to go back home is really what it feels like. But of course, this has all happened and I’m just grateful that I’m in the position I’m in. I can’t complain. I’m very lucky to be safe and healthy and still know that I have a job, Euphoria, that will be there.”

HBO’s synopsis of the episode read: “In the aftermath of being left by Jules at the train station and relapsing, the first special episode follows Rue as she celebrates Christmas. Written and directed by series creator Sam Levinson, the episode, titled “Trouble Don’t Last Always,” also stars Colman Domingo, who appeared in season one. The title and date of the second episode are forthcoming. Both special episodes were produced under COVID-19 guidelines.”

Zendaya recently won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal as Rue Bennett, making her the youngest actress to ever take home the award. The first of the two Euphoria bonus episodes will premiere December 6 on HBO and HBO Max.