‘Torture porn’ series canned: The Idol’s erotic scenes disturbing
CO-STARS: The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp
Controversial series The Idol won’t be returning for a second season because of complaints over its disturbing sex scenes.
The erotic mini-series starring Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd) and Lily-Rose Depp ended after five episodes instead of the originally scheduled six and had been met with fierce backlash, with some critics even describing the series as “torture porn”.
And now, it’s officially been announced that the show – which was created by Euphoria writer Sam Levinson, Abel and Reza Fahim – will be canned.
An HBO spokesperson confirmed to The New York Post’s Page Six column: “The Idol was one of HBO’s most provocative original programmes, 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.”
The Weeknd admitted it was a “bumpy” ride after the series ended earlier than planned.
He wrote on Instagram at the time: “The finale. Grateful to share this moment with you all as the season comes to an end. Continue to push the vision no matter how bumpy the journey.”
The show followed Lily-Rose’s pop star character Jocelyn, who turned to self-help guru and cult leader Tedros (Abel) after having a nervous breakdown.
In the finale, she turned the tables on Tedros for his attempts to control her life and career.
Lily-Rose defended the sex scenes, telling Vogue Australia: “We know that we’re making something provocative, and we are not shying away from that. That’s something I knew I was setting out to do from the beginning.
“I was never interested in making something puritanical. It’s OK if this show isn’t for everyone and that’s fine – I think all the best art is [polarising].”
Among its other controversies, The Idol included a joke about convicted sex predator Jeffrey Epstein’s underage sex trafficking victims “s***ting blood”.