HBO has canceled the controversial drama series The Idol after just one shortened five-episode season.
The show debuted in June — nearly two years after the series was ordered, after director Amy Seimetz and co-creator Sam Levinson took over as the show’s lead director.
The show’s cancellation doesn’t really come as a surprise given both the critical reception and the show’s poor ratings.
While some cast members, such as Da’Vine Joy Randolph, hinted at the possibility of a second season in interviews, Deadline reports that the show’s creative team had no plans for a multi-season arc for the series.
The cancellation comes more than a month after Selena Gomez — who previously dated The Weeknd — was reportedly “annoyed” that her real life was seemingly the basis of Lily-Rose Depp’s character Jocelyn.
Cancelled: HBO has canceled the controversial drama series The Idol after just one shortened five-episode season
Poor ratings: The show’s cancellation doesn’t really come as a surprise given both the critical reception and the show’s poor ratings
“The Idol was one of HBO’s most provocative original programs, and we are pleased with the strong audience response,” an HBO spokesperson said in a statement.
“After much thought and consideration, HBO, as well as the creators and producers, have decided not to proceed with a second season,” the statement continued.
“We are grateful to the creators, cast and crew for their incredible work,” the statement concludes.
The Idol was commissioned to series in November 2021, co-created by Sam Levinson (Euphoria), The Weeknd and Reza Fahim, with Amy Seimetz coming on board to direct all six episodes.
Subsequently, in April 2022, Seimetz left the project during a creative overhaul, despite approximately 80% of the season already being filmed.
a Rolling stone A March 2023 report revealed that Levinson and Tesfaye had taken over creative direction since they felt the show “relied too much on a female perspective.”
The show was originally set to follow Jocelyn (Depp), an up-and-coming pop star who falls in love with a mysterious figure (Weeknd) who was actually the predatory leader of a cult.
Sam Levinson revealed in a Variety interview that the show’s basic concept hinged on a conversation he had with The Weeknd in which he said his fans were so loyal that he could actually start a cult if he wanted to.
Provocative: “The Idol was one of HBO’s most provocative original programs, and we welcome the strong audience response,” an HBO spokesperson said in a statement.
Thought: “After much thought and consideration, HBO, as well as the creators and producers, have decided not to move forward with a second season,” the statement continued
Ordered: The Idol was ordered to series in November 2021 co-created by Sam Levinson (Euphoria), The Weeknd and Reza Fahim, with Amy Seimetz coming on board to direct all six episodes
Cast: The series also starred Troye Sivan, Dan Levy, Eli Roth, Hari Nef, Jane Adams, Jennie Ruby Jane, Mike Dean, Moses Sumney, Rachel Sennott, Ramsey, Suzanna Son and Hank Azari
The entire series was eventually reshot, using The Weeknd’s own mansion to film the show, reducing the number of episodes from six to five.
Crew members recalled to Rolling Stone that Levinson’s reworked story was more of a “demeaning” one that emphasized nudity and “sexual torture porn” “like (a) rape fantasy.”
The show was regularly criticized by fans and critics alike for the many unnecessary sex and masturbation scenes found in the series.
HBO would only release ratings for the first two episodes, with the pilot launching to 913,000 viewers across all platforms, while the second episode fell to 800,000.
The series also starred Troye Sivan, Dan Levy, Eli Roth, Hari Nef, Jane Adams, Jennie Ruby Jane, Mike Dean, Moses Sumney, Rachel Sennott, Ramsey, Suzanna Son and Hank Azaria