HBO announced Monday that The Idol, starring The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp, would not be renewed for a second season.
“The Idol was one of HBO’s most provocative original programs, and we’re pleased by the strong audience response,” said an HBO spokesperson. “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.”
According to PEOPLE, recent details revealed that the choice to end the series was made quite recently, as it comes just two months after the season finale.
The creators and producers of the show had yet to establish a definite storyline for multiple seasons, but they had the option to extend the narrative beyond the initial season.
Nevertheless, following its debut on the Max streaming platform in June, numerous critics and viewers swiftly became critical of the show.
However, the series co-creator and director, Sam Levinson, defended the show and its provocative scenes, saying, “It’s funny, I think that sometimes things that might be revolutionary are taken too far. I think we live in a very sexualized world.”
Fans can still stream the entire first season on Max.
