Did you catch this ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Easter egg on ‘Euphoria’?

Grey's fans had some thoughts about that not-so-subtle Cal and Derek 'Euphoria' reference

eric dane in a dark car at night in euphoria
(Image credit: Eddy Chen/HBO)
Danielle Valente
By Danielle Valente
last updated

Crossover alert: a Cal and Derek Euphoria mention has fans convinced that a Grey's Anatomy Easter egg is lurking within the teen drama series. 

As we dive into the nitty-gritty details behind one of our go-to nostalgia TV shows and our current TV obsession, please note that *spoilers are ahead!*

Before Eric Dane took on the role of Cal Jacobs, the problematic father of the equally problematic Nate on Euphoria, he was known for playing Dr. Mark Sloan (a.k.a. Dr. McSteamy) on Grey's Anatomy. He and BFF Dr. Derek Shepherd (played by Patrick Dempsey) were thick as thieves...until McSteamy committed the ultimate betrayal and slept with Derek's wife. Hearts everywhere were destroyed. 

Fast forward to the present day, where we're completely engrossed in all-things melancholy and Rue. We have begun to learn more about Cal in Euphoria season 2, and it appears his past sounds...familiar. 

As a teen, Cal had gotten his high school girlfriend pregnant. However, he was truly in love with his best friend, who he couldn't pursue a relationship with because people weren't accepting of homosexuality. The best friend's name? Derek.

Twitter responds to that Cal and Derek 'Euphoria' mention

Naturally, it didn't take long for the internet to react, and fans couldn't believe the connection. It's a bit coincidental, don't you think?

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Think Mr. Dempsey will ever make an appearance on the HBO hit? Time will tell, but it seems that anything is possible. 

But segueing from Derek to Cal, Dane's character in Euphoria takes things to a whole new level, as he plays a father who bullies teens for his son's bad behavior, which included taping his sexual encounter with Jules without her consent. There is plenty of heavy material, and though it can feel overwhelming, fans cannot seem to part ways with Euphoria. 

New episodes of the series air on Sundays at 9pm on HBO.

Danielle Valente
Danielle Valente
Digital News Writer

Need a TV show recommendation? Maybe a few decor tips? Danielle, a digital news writer at Future, has you covered. Her work appears throughout the company’s lifestyle brands, including My Imperfect Life, Real Homes, and woman&home. Mainly, her time is spent at My Imperfect Life, where she’s attuned to the latest entertainment trends and dating advice for Gen Z.


Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids, where she got to experience the best of the city from the point of view of its littlest residents. Before that, she was a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, and amNewYork, to name a few. 


When Danielle’s not writing, you can find her testing out a new recipe, reading a book (suggestions always welcome), or rearranging the furniture in her apartment…again. 

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