HBO cancels The Idol Season 2: Euphoria creator's decision follows controversy

Published by Julie de Sortiraparis · Photos by Julie de Sortiraparis · Published on August 30, 2023 at 07:43 p.m.
HBO is ending The Idol after one season, despite controversies surrounding Euphoria creator Sam Levinson and The Weeknd.

Following the phenomenal success of the first season ofEuphoria, produced by A24 and starring Zendaya, Sam Levinson was seen as television's rising star. However, his new creation, The Idol, co-created with Reza Fahim and musician The Weeknd, did not receive the same favorable reception. Even before its first broadcast, The Idol was already in turmoil, with Rolling Stones magazine detailing the production's controversies, touching on sensitive subjects such as "rape fantasy" and toxic masculinity.

Singer The Weeknd, collaborating as co-creator, also played one of the lead roles alongside Lily Rose Depp. Throughout its run on HBO, the series continued to be shrouded in scandal, including the elimination of an episode mid-air, suggesting instability.

Although rumors circulated, including statements by Da'Vine actress Joy Randolph (Destiny) to Variety suggesting a possible second season, HBO ultimately decided to cancel The Idol after just one season. According to an HBO statement relayed by Variety, although The Idol was one of the network's most provocative series, after careful consideration the decision was made not to continue.

As The Idol draws to a close, fans are looking forward to the third season ofEuphoria. However, they'll have to wait a little longer. Due to the writers' strike, the new season ofEuphoria may not air until 2025. Meanwhile, Lily-Rose Depp is set to appear in Robert Eggers' Nosferatu, scheduled for 2024.

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