HBO has announced the cancellation of its series The Idol, a project created by Sam Levinson and Abel ‘The Weeknd‘ Tesfaye, after just one season.
Here’s why HBO cancelled ‘The Idol’ after one season
The show, which garnered attention for both its controversial content and production issues, failed to secure a renewal for a second season.
A spokesperson for HBO acknowledged the impact of The Idol, stating,
“’The Idol’ was one of HBO’s most provocative original programs, and we’re pleased by the strong audience response.”
However, after careful consideration, both the network and the creators decided not to move forward with a second season. The spokesperson expressed gratitude to the creators, cast, and crew for their contributions to the show’s first season.
As reported by Variety, the series concluded its first season with just five episodes, a shortened run compared to the initially planned six episodes.
The decision to cancel came after uncertainty surrounding the show’s future, both for viewers and cast members. This lack of clarity was exacerbated by differing expectations among the cast regarding the potential for a second season.
The Idol, which starred Moses Sumney and Da’Vine Joy Randolph alongside the Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp, encountered controversies and challenges even before its debut.
Director Amy Seimetz’s departure and subsequent reshoots led to significant changes in the series’ production. Additionally, a March 2023 Rolling Stone article exposed allegations of a toxic working environment on set.
The show’s reception was mixed, with an approval rating of only 19% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics and viewers alike criticised the series for its content and narrative execution.
Ratings for the show were initially moderate, debuting with 913 000 viewers, but increased to 3.6 million viewers after the first week of availability.
However, ratings for subsequent episodes declined, with the second episode attracting only 800 000 viewers on its premiere night.
Despite the cancellation, The Idol generated conversations around its themes and controversies.
The series’ executive producers included Sam Levinson, the Weeknd, Reza Fahim, Kevin Turen, Ashley Levinson, Joe Epstein, Sara E. White, and Aaron L. Gilbert from Bron Studios. The show was produced by A24.