Bye bye ‘The Idol’: HBO cancels second season

After weeks of speculation about whether it was a miniseries or not, whether it would have five or six episodes or even if there would be a season 2, HBO has finally decided to cancel ‘The Idol’. 

A cancellation that comes as little surprise given how the series was received at the time. First, by critics who trashed it on its debut at Cannes. Secondly, by the public, who didn’t end up getting into the provocative proposal of Abel Tesfaye, aka The Weeknd, and Sam Levinson (‘Euphoria’).

Starring Lily Rose Depp and Tesfaye, ‘The Idol’ follows the story of a pop megastar who, as she prepares her comeback, falls for a guru of sorts as a torrid and toxic relationship develops.

The drama underwent a major rewrite and reshoot after the departure of its director, Amy Seimetz, due to, as reported, creative differences with Tesfaye, the co-creator and star. This is where Sam Levinson comes in as director (he was more in executive producing duties) for an intensive revamp of the series.

Along with Depp and Tesfaye, ‘The Idol’ featured Troye Sivan, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Dan Levy, Eli Roth, Hari Nef, Jane Adams, Jennie Ruby Jane, Mike Dean, Moses Sumney, Rachel Sennott, Ramsey, Suzanna Son and Hank Azaria in its cast. Reza Fahim, Tesfaye’s regular partner, is co-creator.

This is what ‘The Idol’ was going to be like in Amy Seimetz’s original version.