‘The Idol’ Cancelled at HBO

HBO has cancelled Sam Levinson’s “The Idol,” starring The Weeknd and Lily Rose Depp. Here’s the network’s statement on the cancellation:

“The Idol was one of HBO’s most provocative original programs, and we’re pleased by the strong audience response. 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.”

There was some hope that another season would happen when some of the cast had mentioned the possibility of a second season during interviews. Lily Rose Depp and Da’Vine Joy Randolph had previously left open the possibility of a second season coming. Their hopes have been thwarted.

So, what happened? The consensus was that people just didn’t like the show. And yet, the ratings were not that bad. Every Sunday night, folks were hate-watching it, only to then complain about it afterwards on social media. Some even dubbed “The Idol” peak hate watching.

Levinson was never going to get a fair shake from the press after he came in, replacing director Amy Seimetz, and calling for extensive reshoots. He changed the whole show, inside and out, from its originally intended “female gaze” point of view to a more male gazey approach.

Some critics insisted that it exploited women via the lens of a cis white male. It was even criticized for “setting back the feminist movement.” I mean, give me a break. Regardless, watching Levinson swing for the fences and not give a damn what people thought of his creation was wildly exciting to behold. “The Idol” was definitely flawed storytelling, but it never made any artistic concessions either and that’s enough reason to celebrate its short-lived existence.

Don’t get me wrong, you don’t have to “like” Levinson’s “The Idol.” I’ve never stated that it’s a perfect show. I found it to be well-directed, self-indulgent, nihilist, and vibrantly over-the-top, but I do understand how it could turn some people off.

As for Abel Tesfaye aka The Weeknd, he’s not done. Tesfaye wrote a script with talented writer director Trey Edward Schults that was filmed this past winter. Tesfaye will also lead a cast that includes Jenna Ortega, Barry Keoghan (him again!).