The future of The Idol has been uncertain since the first season wrapped up, and we finally know what HBO has in store for this show. Sam Levinson’s divisive drama starring Lily-Rose Depp and The Weeknd won’t return after HBO officially announced its cancelation.
HBO released a statement thanking the show’s creators, cast, and crew for their “incredible work”, while also adding they’ve decided not to move forward with a second season “after much thought and consideration” despite the show’s strong audience response.
The Idol was created for HBO by Euphoria’s Sam Levinson, Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, and Reza Fahim, and its first season proved to be pretty polarizing with critics and viewers alike. The series centers on a pop star Jocelyn (Depp), who finds herself under the spell of mysterious nightclub owner Tedros (The Weeknd) while trying to make her long-anticipated comeback.
The supporting cast of The Idol included Troye Sivan, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Dan Levy, Eli Roth, Hari Nef, Jane Adams, Jennie Ruby Jane, Mike Dean, Moses Sumney, Rachel Sennott, Suzanna Son, and Hank Azaria. The series featured a total of five episodes and it aired on HBO back in June following its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.