HBO Cancels ‘The Idol’ After One Season

HBO canceled ‘The Idol‘ after one season due to ongoing controversies since its first episode. As reported by Deadline, the show, created by Sam Levinson and The Weeknd, will not be renewed for a second season.

HBO’s Statement Regarding the Cancellation of ‘The Idol’

According to an HBO spokeswoman, “The Idol was one of HBO’s most provocative original programs, and we’re pleased by 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’re grateful to the creators, cast, and crew for their incredible work.“

‘The Idol’ focuses on Jocelyn (Lily-Rose Depp), an aspiring pop idol who, after having a nervous breakdown that causes her last tour to be canceled, resolves to reclaim her title as the sexiest pop star in America and begins a complex relationship with Tedros (Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye), a self-help guru and the head of a contemporary cult.

Created by Tesfaye, Reza Fahim, and Levinson. The show stars Lily-Rose Depp as Jocelyn and Abel Tesfaye as Tedros as the main leads, alongside Suzanna Son, Troye Sivan, Moses Sumney, Jane Adams, Dan Levy, Jennie Ruby Jane, Eli Roth, Rachel Sennott, Hari Nef, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Mike Dean, Ramsey, and Hank Azaria. It is also confirmed that Alexa Demie made a cameo as Maddy Perez from “Euphoria.” She will appear as a woman at the club where Jocelyn and Tedros meet.

The premiere episode of ‘The Idol’ has surpassed the viewership of ‘Euphoria’ and ‘The White Lotus’ with 3.6 million viewers. According to Variety, Episode 2 of ‘The Idol’ garnered 800,000 viewers across HBO and Max on Sunday, which was slightly lower compared to the 913,000 viewers from the previous week. This marks a 12% decrease in viewership for Episode 2 of ‘The Idol’ compared to its premiere.

Levinson, Tesfaye, and Fahim served as executive producers alongside Kevin Turen, Ashley Levinson, Joseph Epstein, Aaron L. Gilbert for Bron, and Sara E. White. Levinson also directed the series. The show was produced in collaboration with A24.

‘The Idol’ season 1 is now streaming on HBO.