Why did Euripides become more popular than Aeschylus and Sophocles in the Hellenistic period?

During the cosmopolitan Hellenistic period, Euripides became more popular than Aeschylus and Sophocles primarily because his work offered a more accessible style that resonated with the sensibilities of the time.1

While the tragedies of Aeschylus and Sophocles were characterized by an austere, lofty, and essentially political or religious tone, Euripides’ plays featured:

• Accessible Realism: He moved away from larger-than-life figures to depict commonplace, down-to-earth characters who possessed human flaws and vulnerabilities.1
• Emotional Impact: His dramas focused on sensational, emotional effects and psychological realism, particularly in scenes of love and madness, which held greater appeal for later audiences than the traditional, formal approach of his predecessors.1
• Philosophical Engagement: His characters frequently debated matters of contemporary social and philosophical interest, reflecting the intellectual climate of his era.1

Because of this broader appeal, Euripides’ plays were favored for revivals in later antiquity. This preference is reflected in the historical record: significantly more of his plays have survived compared to those of Aeschylus and Sophocles, and his works are cited far more frequently in extant fragments.1