HBO has responded to recent reports suggesting that the music drama series, The Idol, would not be renewed for a second season. The response came after a New York Post’s Page Six article, which cited sources claiming that the show was always intended to be a limited series and not a long-running show. However, HBO clarified in a tweet that no decision has been made regarding a second season and that they are looking forward to airing the next episode on Sunday night.
An insider from HBO also stated that the idea of the show not returning is not accurate and that the decision is still pending. They explained that it is a normal part of their process at this stage since the series is only two episodes in.
Backlash and Viewership Numbers: The Weeknd’s “The Idol” Faces Controversy while Garnering Strong Audience Support
According to a new report by Deadline, Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, the star and executive producer of The Idol, is reportedly not planning a second season due to backlash surrounding a controversial sex scene involving Lily-Rose Depp. Despite this, the premiere episode of the show has garnered significant viewership, surpassing 3.6 million viewers in its first week on HBO, which is higher than the series premieres of The White Lotus (3 million in 2021) and Euphoria (3.3 million in 2019) during the same time period. However, viewership dipped slightly to 800,000 for the second episode from the 913,000 total viewers of the premiere.
Co-created by Sam Levinson, Tesfaye, and Reza Fahim, The Idol follows Jocelyn (played by Depp), who aims to reclaim her status as the greatest and most alluring pop star in America after a nervous breakdown derails her previous tour. Her journey is fueled by her connection with Tedros (played by Tesfaye), a nightclub impresario with a troubled past. The series explores whether her newfound romance will lead her to extraordinary success or plunge her into the depths of her own soul.
Star-Studded Cast and Production Team: Notable Names Behind “The Idol” Music Drama Series
The Idol features a star-studded cast including Troye Sivan, 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 show’s executive producers include Sam Levinson, Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, and Reza Fahim, along with Kevin Turen, Ashley Levinson, Joseph Epstein, Aaron L. Gilbert for Bron, and Sara E. White. Sam Levinson also takes on the role of director for the series. The production is a collaboration between HBO and A24.
