Bad news for the limited series The Idol from HBO and the renewed streamer Max, co-created by Abel Tesfaye (aka The Weeknd), Sam Levinson (Euphoria), y Reza Fahimwhich since the broadcast of its first episode did not have an easy time sparking controversy due to the crude portrayal of its themes related to sex scenes.
This same week it was confirmed that HBO will not renew the controversial series for a second season, and it was canceled after one season on the air.
An HBO spokesperson told the media (via Deadline):
‘The Idol’ was one of HBO’s most provocative original shows and we are pleased with the strong audience response. After much thought and consideration, HBO, as well as the creators and producers, have decided not to move forward with a second season. “We are grateful to the creators, cast and crew for their incredible work.”
We emphasize that initially, The Idol It would consist of 6 episodes, which were reduced to 5 episodes after the departure of Amy Seimetz as director in April 2022. Levinson and Tesfaye took the reins of direction, carrying out some reshoots.
Prior to its small screen premiere, Rolling Stone detailed serious allegations about a toxic set, to which The Weeknd responded by posting a deleted scene in which his character described Rolling Stone as “irrelevant.” At the Cannes Film Festival, Levinson said the article made him realize the series would be “the biggest of the summer.”
Regarding critics and the audience, The Idol was received negatively. His approval rating on RT was 19%, and he even received criticism from even The Weeknd’s own fans.
The ratings for the premiere reached 913,000 viewers (17% less than the launch of Euphoria in 2019, another HBO and Levinson original series). Episode 2 dropped to 800,000 viewers on its first night. HBO did not share viewing details for subsequent episodes.
The final episode was broadcast on July 2, 2023.
In the plot, Lily-Rose Depp (The King, Voyagers, Silent Night) plays Jocelyn, a struggling pop star, struggling with her burgeoning career and mental health, who catches the attention of self-help guru and secret cult leader Tedros (The Weeknd). The two fall into a toxic relationship that could destroy them both.
The plot revolves around “A self-help guru and modern cult leader who enters into a complicated relationship with a rising pop idol.”
Source: https://cine3.com/hbo-cancela-la-polemica-serie-the-idol-de-sam-levinson-y-the-weeknd-tras-una-temporada-al-aire/
