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It doesn’t seem that long ago that HBO’s The Idol was all the buzz around water coolers throughout the world. And if it seems as if it wasn’t that long ago, it’s because that in this ever-hyper an accelerated society we all live in it really was not that far removed from the release date of the first episode – June 4, 2023 in case anyone was wondering – to the announcement this week of its cancelation. I’ve never been accused of being any top-notch mathematician, but I can do simple arithmetic and brothers and sisters, a less than three month run time for any series, controversy or no, is not very impressive. In fact, it’s downright deflating if you were even remotely a fan of The Idol. Then again, the critics and a fair number of TV looky-loos made no secret that the series didn’t butter their toast.
From our “Cancelation Builds Character” muchachos over at The Hollywood Reporter comes the news today that The Weeknd, Sam Levinson and Reza Fahim-created series The Idol has crashed and burned, receiving its walking papers from those pesky cost-cutters over at HBO.
For anyone absent from the hot-button pop culture scene over this past summer, a brief recap on what exactly The Idol was all about: an up-and-coming bubblegum pop star (essayed by Lily-Rose Depp) suffers a nervous breakdown which forces the cancellation of her much publicized tour. It’s not too long before our confused musical chanteuse embarks upon a very tricky relationship with a New Age-style guru who also happens to be heading up a cult.
Upon the release of the series, controversy ensued due to a myriad of issues: Late in the day rewrites, reshoots, cast and crew abrupt departures and rumors of behind-the-scenes turmoil (hey, sounds like a typical day in Hollywood to us) rocked this particular boat early on.
In a press release announcing the cancellation of the series. HBO said that “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.”
The Idol was a five episode run and according to some sources there was never any real plan to continue beyond those initial episodes, though apparently discussions were had on just such a possibility.
So ‘Hello and goodbye’ to The Idol, a series which we never really got to know. Stay frosty Dear and Constant Reader and remember to keep swinging for the fences even if – especially if – in the face of challenges and difficult times!
