HBO pulls plug on 'The Idol' after first season

Los Angeles: American network HBO has cancelled "The Idol", starring The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp, after just one season.

The five-episode series, created by Sam Levinson, Abel 'The Weeknd' Tesfaye and Reza Fahim, had debuted in June this year amidst multiple controversies and negative reviews.

"'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," an HBO spokesperson said in a statement to entertainment website Variety.

According to the news outlet, the network decided to cancel the show as both audiences and cast members were conflicted about its "potential to continue".

The show, about a female pop singer who starts a romance with an enigmatic LA club owner, was hit by controversies right from the start.

The series underwent extensive reshoots following the departure of director Amy Seimetz in April 2022.

In March this year, a Rolling Stone report detailed claims that the production had become a "s**t show" under Levinson due to production delays, rewrites, and reshoots, with 13 members of the cast and crew calling Levinson's new creative direction "disturbing".

The network also reduced order, taking its total number of episodes from six to five.

Also starring Troye Sivan, Dan Levy, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Eli Roth and Hari Nef, "The Idol" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May.