"The Idol" Isn't Coming Back For A Second Season

    An HBO spokesperson confirmed to BuzzFeed the show will not return for a second season.

    The Idol, HBO's controversial yet much discussed TV show starring Lily-Rose Depp and The Weeknd, will not return for a second season.

    Screenshot from "The Idol"

    "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.

    Screenshot from "The Idol"

    This comes after the network said in June that the show's status at the time, while the season was still airing, was undetermined.

    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.

    — HBO PR (@HBOPR) June 15, 2023
    HBOPR/Twitter / Via Twitter: @HBOPR

    The show chronicled a pop star, Jocelyn (Depp), attempting a career comeback while getting caught up in the world of nightlife figure Tedros (The Weeknd).

    Closeup of Jocelyn and Tedros

    Its supporting cast was filled with familiar and popular faces, including Rachel Sennott, Troye Sivan, Blackpink's Jennie, Dan Levy, and Da'Vine Joy Randolph, among others.

    Screenshot from "The Idol"

    The show, which was co-created by Sam Levinson, The Weeknd, and Reza Fahim, was a lightning rod for controversy before it began. In March, Rolling Stone reported on the alleged "shitshow" workplace and overhaul of the show following the exit of director Amy Seimetz.

    "The creators and producers of The Idol have been working hard to create one of HBO’s most exciting and provocative original programs. The initial approach on the show and production of the early episodes, unfortunately, did not meet HBO standards so we chose to make a change," HBO said in a statement at the time to BuzzFeed News. "Throughout the process, the creative team has been committed to creating a safe, collaborative, and mutually respectful working environment, and last year, the team made creative changes they felt were in the best interest of both the production and the cast and crew. We look forward to sharing The Idol with audiences soon."

    Upon its release on HBO in June, the show continued to dominate online discourse both in favor and against the show. Many of the show's stars defended the series against its critics.

    Screenshot from "The Idol"

    As for what the cast and crew will get up to next, Levinson is working on Season 3 of Euphoria. Depp appears in the forthcoming Robert Eggers film Nosferatu, while The Weeknd is currently on tour.

    Sivan is releasing his latest album, Something to Give Each Other, on Oct. 13, while Sennott's new film Bottoms premiered in theaters over the weekend.