HBO
HBO’s headline-grabbing series The Idol is set to come to an end after just five episodes.
While reports originally indicated that the Sam Levinson-created series would have six episodes, it was revealed after the episode that aired on Sunday, June 25 that the first and likely only season of the series would be concluding with its fifth episode on Sunday, July 2.
As for why, reports indicate that Levinson-led changes to the project — which was originally ordered by HBO to be six episodes and directed by Amy Seimetz, who later exited the project — is what cut the total episode count down to five.
Despite its historically poor reviews — The Idol is the worst-reviewed show in the history of HBO — the series has generated tons of attention for the network thanks to its bevy of explicit scenes featuring model and actress Lily-Rose Depp.
Another element of the series that’s been garnering attention is the performance of The Weeknd as Tedros, albeit for all the wrong reasons, with the general consensus seeming to be that he’s a terrible actor.
Earlier this month, reports circulated that HBO was not going to renew the show for a second season, with reports citing The Weeknd’s alleged “maniacal” behavior on-set as one of the reasons.
HBO, however, responded to that report in a tweet stating that “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.”
In addition to Lily-Rose Depp and The Weekend, The Idol stars Suzanna Son, Troye Sivan, Moses Sumney, Jane Adams, Dan Levy, Jennie Ruby Jane, Eli Roth, Rachel Sennott, Hari Nef, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Mike Dean, Hank Azaria, Tyson Ritter, Anne Heche, and more.
The season one finale will hit HBO and Max on Sunday, July 2 at 9 p.m. EST.