The Successful Screenwriter with Geoffrey D Calhoun: Screenwriting Podcast Ep 275 - Why Hollywood Said “No” to Euphoria – And How Ron Leshem Proved Them Wrong
Jun 30, 2025
19:45
In this powerful episode of The Successful Screenwriter, Geoffrey sits down with Emmy-winning writer and producer Ron Leshem, the mind behind HBO’s Euphoria and Netflix’s new breakout series Bad Boy. Ron shares the incredible 7-year journey it took to bring Euphoria to the U.S., how Hollywood gatekeepers resist originality, and the creative freedom he found working internationally. This is one of the most inspiring episodes yet — especially for writers navigating today’s cautious industry climate.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
00:00 – Ron Leshem joins the show and reflects on adapting Euphoria for HBO
01:05 – The 7-year uphill battle to sell Euphoria in the U.S.
06:53 – From Israeli prison journalism to the creation of Bad Boy
10:45 – Revealing the real story behind the main character of Bad Boy
12:01 – Ron’s unfiltered advice for writers in today’s Hollywood
17:58 – Why solitude and leadership both define the modern showrunner
About the Guest:
Ron Leshem is an Emmy-winning writer and producer best known for co-creating Euphoria. A pioneer in adapting international hits for American audiences, his new series Bad Boy is currently streaming worldwide on Netflix. Ron brings a global perspective and fearless storytelling style that sets him apart in today’s TV landscape.
About the Host:
With films on network television, streaming platforms, and in theaters, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and a passionate mentor in the industry. He hosts The Successful Screenwriter podcast to empower writers and filmmakers at every level.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
🔗 Ron Leshem on IMDb
Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:
🌐 The Successful Screenwriter Website
📸 Instagram: @screenwriterpod
🎬 TikTok: @screenwriterpod
Like what you hear? Follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow writer who needs a reminder that perseverance pays off.
#ScreenwritingTips #Euphoria #BadBoyNetflix #RonLeshem #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter
Explore Free Resources & Membership
👉 Visit TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.com for free tools, guides, and podcast extras.
Members unlock Virtual Geoffrey, the AI screenwriting assistant built to transform good drafts into great scripts.
Connect with Geoffrey
📸 Instagram: @screenwriterpod
▶️ YouTube: The Successful Screenwriter
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why Euphoria was rejected by every major U.S. network
- How to stay obsessed with your story when the industry keeps saying no
- The difference between international and Hollywood storytelling
- Why now is the time to write what only you can write
- How Bad Boy evolved from a real story into a global hit
00:00 – Ron Leshem joins the show and reflects on adapting Euphoria for HBO
01:05 – The 7-year uphill battle to sell Euphoria in the U.S.
06:53 – From Israeli prison journalism to the creation of Bad Boy
10:45 – Revealing the real story behind the main character of Bad Boy
12:01 – Ron’s unfiltered advice for writers in today’s Hollywood
17:58 – Why solitude and leadership both define the modern showrunner
About the Guest:
Ron Leshem is an Emmy-winning writer and producer best known for co-creating Euphoria. A pioneer in adapting international hits for American audiences, his new series Bad Boy is currently streaming worldwide on Netflix. Ron brings a global perspective and fearless storytelling style that sets him apart in today’s TV landscape.
About the Host:
With films on network television, streaming platforms, and in theaters, Geoffrey D. Calhoun is a screenwriter, author of The Guide for Every Screenwriter, and a passionate mentor in the industry. He hosts The Successful Screenwriter podcast to empower writers and filmmakers at every level.
Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
- Bad Boy on Netflix
- Euphoria on HBO
🔗 Ron Leshem on IMDb
Connect with Geoffrey D. Calhoun:
🌐 The Successful Screenwriter Website
📸 Instagram: @screenwriterpod
🎬 TikTok: @screenwriterpod
Like what you hear? Follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow writer who needs a reminder that perseverance pays off.
#ScreenwritingTips #Euphoria #BadBoyNetflix #RonLeshem #TheSuccessfulScreenwriter
Explore Free Resources & Membership
👉 Visit TheSuccessfulScreenwriter.com for free tools, guides, and podcast extras.
Members unlock Virtual Geoffrey, the AI screenwriting assistant built to transform good drafts into great scripts.
Connect with Geoffrey
📸 Instagram: @screenwriterpod
▶️ YouTube: The Successful Screenwriter
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe. Share it with a fellow screenwriter who’d find it valuable!