Unraveling The Idol: HBO's Unfortunate 2023 TV Flop
When the collaboration between music superstar Abel Tesfaye, known as The Weeknd, and Euphoria creator Sam Levinson was announced, expectations for their series, The Idol, soared.
A star-studded cast, exploring the dark side of the music industry, and prestige screenings at Cannes built anticipation. However, trouble surfaced when director Amy Seimetz left in 2022, reportedly due to creative differences.
The Rolling Stone exposé in 2023 exposed the show's problematic nature, but Tesfaye dismissed the criticism on Twitter. Ultimately, The Idol's issues lay in its pornographic, male-centric gaze and identity crisis, leaving critics unimpressed. The series serves as a reminder that no superstar is immune to failure, and collaboration should prioritize diverse perspectives and creative visions.