HBO's latest drama series, The Idol, has generated significant backlash and criticism despite having only aired three episodes. Led by Sam Levinson and the Weeknd, the show follows the journey of vulnerable pop star Jocelyn, played by Lily-Rose Depp, as she grapples with maintaining her music career, coping with the loss of her abusive mother, and becoming involved in a problematic relationship with a local cult leader. Even before its premiere, the series faced intense scrutiny for its disturbing content, and now that it is on air, the reviews have only worsened. This negative reception is a departure from HBO's reputation for producing exceptional television, such as The Sopranos, The Wire, Game of Thrones, and Succession, which are known for their impactful storytelling and high quality. Unfortunately, The Idol has turned out to be a significant misstep for the network, as it continues to receive increasingly concerning critiques. The show has garnered abysmal reviews, with a 27% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and has been described by Vox as "shallowly written." Beyond being labeled as simply "bad," The Idol has also sparked controversy for its portrayal of sex, fame, and abuse.
The Idol Is Terrible For HBO's Prestige TV Reputation
The negative reception of The Idol has not only impacted HBO's reputation, but it has also reflected poorly on its cast and creators. Sam Levinson, who previously worked on the successful HBO series Euphoria, wrote and directed The Idol. While Euphoria faced some criticism for its intense content, it generally maintained a positive reputation. However, The Idol's backlash for similar issues may put Levinson's reputation at risk as well. The same concern applies to The Idol's cast members, including the Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp.
Why HBO's The Idol Is So Bad
Critics and viewers alike have raised numerous concerns about HBO's The Idol, with one major issue being its poorly written nature. Many have pointed out that Levinson's writing lacks depth and fails to deliver on the promised satire. While the show tackles important themes such as idol worship, relationships, fame, and abuse, it fails to make any clear statements or provide meaningful insights on these topics. Additionally, the heavy reliance on explicit sexual content is seen as a distraction that adds little value to the overall plot. One interesting observation is that The Idol has the potential to be a great show, but unfortunately, it obscures its potential behind convoluted and sex-driven storylines.
Despite only three episodes being released, the criticisms surrounding The Idol seem to be never-ending. From the excessive mature content to the lackluster acting by the Weeknd, the series has garnered more detractors than supporters. However, there are still some voices that continue to defend the show, holding onto the hope that it can redeem itself and regain its reputation. Nevertheless, it is clear that HBO has made a misstep with The Idol, as the show appears to be deteriorating with each new episode.
Sources: Vox, Rolling Stone
