HBO
The Idol, The Weeknd and Sam Levinson’s divisive HBO series, has been canceled, Variety reports. The show debuted earlier this year and will end after just one season. It starred The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) and Lily-Rose Depp alongside Suzanna Son, Rachel Sennott, Moses Sumney, Troye Sivan, Blackpink’s Jennie, and more.
"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. "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."
In addition to the TV series, The Weeknd released an album's worth of music alongside The Idol. The songs included collaborations with Madonna and Future, a John Lennon cover, plus Depp's "World Class Sinner/I'm A Freak."
The Idol debuted after reports of a controversial production that left its creators and HBO dealing with reshoots, as well as allegations of a toxic work environment and misogyny — Amy Seimetz, the show's original director, left the program over what a Rolling Stone report alleged was Tesfaye's worry that the show had too much of a "female perspective." Tesfaye denied this and called the controversy "ridiculous" in a Vanity Fair profile.
