HBO’s 'The Idol' canceled after one season
Sad news for fans of The Idol as the drama television series has been canceled by HBO after only one season.
According to a report by Entertainment Weekly, the series will no longer move forward with a second season despite finding a strong viewership.
"The Idol was one of HBO's most provocative original programs, and we're pleased by the strong audience response," an HBO spokesperson told the entertainment outlet. "After much thought and consideration, HBO as well as the creators and producers have decided not to move forward with a second season. We're grateful to the creators, cast, and crew for their incredible work."
The Idol centers on an up-and-coming pop star named Jocelyn who, after having her last tour derailed because of a nervous breakdown, becomes determined to claim her rightful status as the greatest and sexiest pop star in America.
She then has a fateful encounter with a sinister nightclub owner named Tedros who reignites her passions and begins a complex relationship with her.
The show had been mired with issues during its run. Midway through production in April 2022, director and executive producer Amy Seimetz and several cast members left the show, resulting in Levinson taking over and causing production delays, rewrites, and reshoots.
The controversies further worsened when Rolling Stone published a story three months ahead of the series premiere detailing how several production members called Levinson's new creative direction disturbing, with some scenes having a similar nature to "rape fantasies" and "torture porn."
The Idol stars Lily-Rose Depp, Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye, Suzanna Son, Troye Sivan, and Jane Adams.
After premiering with over seven million views on HBO Max, the series has since gone on to become the streaming site's top summer series. Co-created by Sam Levinson, Tesfaye, and Reza Fahim, The Idol comprises a total of five episodes, with the show's finale airing on July 2.
