HBO Cancels Controversial Series 'The Idol' Starring Lily Rose-Depp, The Weeknd
HBO has officially cancelled 'The Idol' which stars Lily Rose-Depp and The Weeknd.
Goodbye ‘The Idol’! HBO has officially pulled the plug on a series created by Sam Levinson, named 'The Idol', starring Lily Rose-Depp and Abel 'The Weeknd' Tesfaye in leading roles. The show has been cancelled just after one season. For the unversed, the first season had released earlier this year, after making its debut at the Cannes Film Festival 2023. The show comprising five episodes was panned by the critics left, right, and centre and even audiences did not appreciate it much.
“The Idol was one of HBO’s most provocative original programs, and we’re pleased by the strong audience response,” said a spokesperson for HBO, as reported by Variety.
“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 spokesperson added.
'The Idol' was poorly received, with a 19 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. After the first episode aired, HBO stopped sharing viewership numbers.
Apart from The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp, the show also starred Dan Levy, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Eli Roth, Hari Nef, Jane Adams, Jennie Ruby Jane, Mike Dean, Moses Sumney, Rachel Sennott, Ramsey, Suzanna Son, and Hank Azaria.
'The Idol' was made by the creators of another HBO smash-hit 'Euphoria' starring Zendaya. The show was also created by Abel 'The Weeknd' Tesfaye, Reza Fahim, and Sam Levinson.
The principal photography for the show began in November 2021 in and around Los Angeles, California. The production was temporarily paused in April 2022 due to The Weeknd co-headlining the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival with Swedish House Mafia on short notice.
