HBO has axed its latest drama, The Idol, after one season.
“The Idol was one of HBO’s most provocative original programs, and we’re pleased by the strong audience response,” a spokesperson for HBO told Deadline.
“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 Sam Levinson-led series stars Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye and Lily-Rose Depp as they explore a Hollywood world filled with pop music, drugs, sex, scandal, abuse and much more.
“After a nervous breakdown derailed Jocelyn’s (Depp) last tour, she’s determined to claim her rightful status as the greatest and sexiest pop star in America,” the series’ logline reads.
“Her passions are reignited by Tedros (Tesfaye), a nightclub impresario with a sordid past. Will her romantic awakening take her to glorious new heights or the deepest and darkest depths of her soul?”
The five-episode series received poor reviews from critics and viewers alike.
“Levinson[s] and Tesfaye’s storytelling gets in its own way, squandering any kind of emotional impact,” Alex Abad-Santos of Vox wrote.
“So much cringe in The Idol, from the dumb dialogue to The Weeknd’s bad acting,” Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times added.
