HBO's original series The Idol has garnered significant attention on social media, with numerous scenes becoming popular memes and receiving criticism for its quality. However, the show's early conclusion has left many viewers questioning the reason behind it. Created by Sam Levinson, known for his successful teen series Euphoria, The Idol has not enjoyed the same critical acclaim. It faced challenges during production, including delays and director changes, resulting in it being one of HBO's least well-received originals in recent years. Despite this, it remains uncertain whether these factors directly contributed to the show's premature ending.
No, The Idol Isn't Cancelled Early Because Of Bad Reviews & Ratings
Social media was flooded with speculation after it was announced that The Idol would be ending after episode 5. Many viewers believed that the series had been canceled due to negative reviews and low ratings. This untimely conclusion would have been a groundbreaking decision, as even HBO allows its least successful shows to complete their initial runs. However, it appears that The Idol's premature ending was actually planned by Sam Levinson from the start and not due to poor reception or viewership. While the first season may not have been affected by low viewership and bad ratings, it is likely that these factors will have a significant impact on the show as a whole. The chances of The Idol receiving a second season seem incredibly slim, considering that season 2 has yet to be confirmed for this controversial series. The Idol has become somewhat of a blemish on HBO's renowned reputation, and given its critical and commercial performance, along with the widespread controversy surrounding it, it is probable that the show will be canceled after its first season.
Why The Idol Is Really Ending After 5 Episodes Instead Of 6
The Idol was initially planned to have only 5 episodes, but HBO originally ordered 6 episodes for the show. However, when it premiered at Cannes, The Idol was listed to have only 5 episodes. Additionally, The Idol has been compared to a five-hour movie by The Weekend and other creatives involved in the project. It appears that The Idol dropped one episode from its season 1 run, possibly due to the departure of its original director, Amy Seimetz, and the subsequent production delays. The show underwent significant rewriting after Seimetz's exit, which may have resulted in the elimination of the sixth episode.