“The Idol was one of HBO’s most provocative original programs, and we’re pleased by the strong audience response,” the spokesperson said. “After much thought and consideration, HBO, as well as the creators and producers, have decided not to move forward with a second season.”
It’s like reading an artfully coded obituary: “provocative” means “laughed at”, “strong audience response” means, and “much thought and consideration” means “yes, we saw teens on Tiktoks making fun of Tesfaye saying ‘pussy’.” Sign up for the fun stuff with our rundown of must-reads, pop culture and tips for the weekend, every Saturday morning
Surprising nobody, it turns out that when a show or film labels itself “provocative” and Hank Azaria is doing an accent, you’re in for a world of pain. The Idol failed as a satire of how horny and puerile show business isit was so horny and puerile. Watching Depp smoke endless cigarettes and choke herself until she climaxed, it was hard not to shake the thought that Levinson and Tesfaye, the show’s co-creators, thought this was all very cool.
The Idol was a product of Hollywood, the playpen of the sexually repressed: watch one Gaspar Noé film, or a von Trier, or even Normal People, and the Idol immediately looks very silly indeed.