‘The Idol’ is now only 5 episodes as season finale’s set for Sunday

‘The Idol’ is now only 5 episodes as season finale’s set for Sunday

The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp’s The Idol is ending one week earlier than initially thought. (Photo: Eddy Chen/HBO)

The Idol, HBO’s controversial drama starring Abel “the Weeknd” Tesfaye and Lily-Rose Depp, is ending one week earlier than originally planned, Yahoo Entertainment has confirmed. The network hasn’t commented, but a source close to the situation explains that after Euphoria’s Sam Levinson “took over and made significant changes,” the story only required five episodes. HBO initially picked up the show, co-created by Tesfaye and Levinson, as a six-episode series.

One group happy about the shortened season is the Parents Television and Media Council. In a statement on Monday, the organization called on HBO to cancel the show entirely “given the program’s extreme content — nudity, sexual abuse, torture — that can be harmful to young viewers.”

The Idol has been marred by drama, both on- and off-screen.

Reports of trouble first surfaced in April 2022 when Deadline reported the nearly completed show was set to undergo a creative overhaul. Original director Amy Seimetz was one of those who exited. One source claimed Tesfaye was unhappy that the series was leaning too much into a female perspective, something he he later denied. Levinson ultimately took over as director and even moved into the “Starboy” singer’s mansion.

In March, Rolling Stone published an exposé labeling Levinson’s version as sexual “torture porn.” A dozen members of the cast and crew participated in the report and called the rebooted set a “s***show” and claimed the content was disturbing. When The Idol premiered in Cannes almost three months later, critics largely agreed.

After the second episode aired, British GQ declared The Idol “just gave us the worst sex scene in history.” Esquire called Sunday’s torture scene “a new low” and The Daily Beast proclaimed the episode “the worst one yet.” Audiences seem to agree on one thing: some of the scenes with Depp start out promising, but when Tesfaye enters, things get very cringey. However, the superstar has maintained in various interviews amid the criticism that’s all on purpose. (“This is just make-believe,” he told Variety. “It’s make-believe!”)

Story continues

Although Page Six reported The Idol would not be renewed for a second season, HBO denied that in a rare, public statement.

“It is being misreported that a decision on a second season of The Idol has been determined. It has not, and we look forward to sharing the next episode with you Sunday night,” a tweet read last week.

The final episode of The Idol airs on Sunday, July 2 on HBO and Max.

You can view the original article HERE.

Elon Musk Goes After Jennifer Lopez for Not Warning People About Diddy
Elon Musk Goes After Jennifer Lopez for Not Warning People About Diddy
N.Y. Assemblyman Introduces ‘Peanut’s Law,’ Says Investigation Request Ignored
N.Y. Assemblyman Introduces ‘Peanut’s Law,’ Says Investigation Request Ignored
‘B.M.F.’ Big Meech Gets Porcelain Veneers After Prison Bid
‘B.M.F.’ Big Meech Gets Porcelain Veneers After Prison Bid
How TV news anchors gear up for election night
How TV news anchors gear up for election night
Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2 Releases on Max This Month
Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2 Releases on Max This Month
Nothing Left to Prove: Quincy Jones (1933-2024) | Tributes
Nothing Left to Prove: Quincy Jones (1933-2024) | Tributes
Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol Ending, Explained
Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol Ending, Explained
Every TV Series Coming to Major Streaming Services in November 2024
Every TV Series Coming to Major Streaming Services in November 2024
Kneecap to headline alongside CMAT, English Teacher and more
Kneecap to headline alongside CMAT, English Teacher and more
I was crying at a certain point because I felt that I had hurt him
I was crying at a certain point because I felt that I had hurt him
Gina Zollman To Perform Her Show “ORI gina LS” At The Arthur Newman Theatre, Palm Desert, CA, Sunday 11/24/24
Gina Zollman To Perform Her Show “ORI gina LS” At The Arthur Newman Theatre, Palm Desert, CA, Sunday 11/24/24
Iggy Pop announces “landmark” 2025 London and Glasgow shows
Iggy Pop announces “landmark” 2025 London and Glasgow shows
Mahomes, Chiefs keep undefeated season alive with OT win on MNF
Mahomes, Chiefs keep undefeated season alive with OT win on MNF
The 3 Biggest Scandals in Sports History
The 3 Biggest Scandals in Sports History
Kiss918 on the Edge: Pushing the Boundaries of Digital Casino Innovation
Kiss918 on the Edge: Pushing the Boundaries of Digital Casino Innovation
Patriots’ Maye clears concussion protocol, will play vs. Titans
Patriots’ Maye clears concussion protocol, will play vs. Titans
Scavengers Reign Season 2 Gets New Trailer, Despite Netflix Cancellation
Scavengers Reign Season 2 Gets New Trailer, Despite Netflix Cancellation
The End Trailer Arrives for 2024’s Most Audacious Film
The End Trailer Arrives for 2024’s Most Audacious Film
Taylor Sheridan is Correct: Critics Have Become Irrelevant
Taylor Sheridan is Correct: Critics Have Become Irrelevant
Silence of the Lambs Influenced Daisy Ridley’s New Movie Magpie
Silence of the Lambs Influenced Daisy Ridley’s New Movie Magpie
Editor’s Pick: Mulberry Pimlico Satchel
Editor’s Pick: Mulberry Pimlico Satchel
Banana Republic’s Holiday Campaign, Burberry’s Stock Rises
Banana Republic’s Holiday Campaign, Burberry’s Stock Rises
The Best-Dressed Stars at LACMA Art + Film Gala 2024
The Best-Dressed Stars at LACMA Art + Film Gala 2024
Beauty Made In Italy Brings A Big Crowd To The West Hollywood EDITION Hotel
Beauty Made In Italy Brings A Big Crowd To The West Hollywood EDITION Hotel