The Idol (TV series)

*The Idol*
The Idol
Genre	Drama
Created by	Sam Levinson; Abel Tesfaye; Reza Fahim;
Directed by	Sam Levinson
Starring	Abel Tesfaye; Lily-Rose Depp; Suzanna Son; Troye Sivan; Jane Adams;
Music by	The Weeknd; Mike Dean; Sam Levinson;
Country of origin	United States
Original language	English
No. of seasons	1
No. of episodes	5
Production
Executive producers	Sam Levinson; Abel Tesfaye; Reza Fahim; Kevin Turen; Ashley Levinson; Sara E. White; Joe Epstein; Aaron Gilbert;
Producer	Harrison Kreiss
Production locations	Los Angeles, California
Cinematography	Marcell Rév; Arseni Khachaturan; Drew Daniels;
Editors	Julio C. Perez IV; Aaron I. Butler; Aleshka Ferrero; Julie Cohen;
Running time	45–65 minutes
Production companies	The Reasonable Bunch; Manic Phase; Tiny Goat; People Pleaser; Bron; A24; HBO Entertainment;
Original release
Network	HBO
Release	June 4 –; July 2, 2023
Related
	Euphoria
	Infobox instructions (only shown in preview)

The Idol is an American drama television series created by Sam Levinson, Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye, and Reza Fahim. The series focuses on female pop idol Jocelyn (Lily-Rose Depp) and her complex relationship with Tedros (Tesfaye), a sleazy nightclub owner, self-help guru, and cult leader. Appearing in supporting roles are Suzanna Son, Troye Sivan, Jane Adams, Jennie Ruby Jane, Rachel Sennott, Hari Nef, Moses Sumney, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Eli Roth, Ramsey, and Hank Azaria.

The Idol underwent significant creative changes, with Levinson taking over directing duties and reshaping the series to align with a new vision. There was a shift away from the initial storyline towards a focus on a "degrading" love story with heavier sexual content. Production was paused and resumed several times, with scenes filmed during Tesfaye's tour. The series was shot using improvisation and featured scenes filmed at Tesfaye's mansion.

It premiered its first two episodes at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in May 2023. The series aired on HBO and Max from June 4 to July 2, 2023. The series was widely panned upon release and was canceled after one season in August 2023.^[1]^[2]

The show generally received negative reviews from critics, criticized for being "boring" and poorly executed. Its portrayal of the industry was sleazy, with reviewers disapproving of its script, direction, and performances. Tesfaye's performance was particularly panned as turgid and lacking charisma.

^ Seemayer, Zach (August 28, 2023). "HBO's 'The Idol' Canceled After Controversial First Season". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved August 29, 2023.
^ Hailu, Selome (August 28, 2023). "'The Idol' Canceled: Controversial Series From Sam Levinson and the Weeknd Won't Get Season 2". Variety. Retrieved August 28, 2023.

[1] Seemayer, Zach (August 28, 2023). "HBO's 'The Idol' Canceled After Controversial First Season". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved August 29, 2023.

[Canceled-2] Hailu, Selome (August 28, 2023). "'The Idol' Canceled: Controversial Series From Sam Levinson and the Weeknd Won't Get Season 2". Variety. Retrieved August 28, 2023.

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