It Was Reported "The Idol" May Not Return For Season 2, And HBO Just Responded

On Thursday, Page Six reported that a second season of the much-discussed show is "up in the air."

The Idol may be the talk of Sunday night TV, but a decision on the second season has not been made.

Eddy Chen / HBO

On Thursday, HBO issued a tweet addressing the possibility of a Season 2 in light of a report claiming that a follow-up season was not happening.

Eddy Chen / HBO

The show stars Lily-Rose Depp as a pop star who is attempting a comeback after a public breakdown when she gets caught up in the mysterious world of a nightlife figure, played by Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye. He originated the show alongside Euphoria creator Sam Levinson and Reza Fahim. 

Earlier on Thursday, Page Six reported that Abel "is said to not be planning" a Season 2. The headline for the story is, "Fate of ‘The Idol’ Up in the Air Amid Criticism of The Weeknd’s ‘Egomaniacal’ Behavior."

Eddy Chen / HBO

However, HBO said on Twitter that a decision for Season 2 is not determined. "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," the network wrote.

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

Twitter: @HBOPR

The Idol, which premiered June 3, faced controversy before it debuted. In March, Rolling Stone published an exposé that alleged an unsavory work environment and questionable plotlines.

Eddy Chen / HBO

In response to the publication's report, representatives told BuzzFeed News in a statement at the time:

“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. 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.”

When the show premiered earlier this month, it was met with both criticism and praise.

Eddy Chen / HBO

HBO did not directly mention Page Six or the publication's report in its tweet. BuzzFeed has reached out to HBO for comment regarding Page Six's report.