The reasoning for The Idol‘s episode count receiving a reduction has been revealed after the season was announced to be ending after the fifth episode.
Why was The Idol’s episode count reduced?
Viewers were confused on Sunday when the fourth episode of the HBO series The Idol ended with a preview stating that the fifth episode would be the season finale. World of Reel has reported that the network said that when Sam Levinson took over the show, the series’ order was changed from six episodes to five episodes, as he “was able to tell the story in a more economic way.”
The Idol stars Lily-Rose Depp as Jocelyn, a rising pop star looking to regain the fame she lost after canceling her previous tour. Amid her comeback, Jocelyn meets Tedros (Tesfaye), a mysterious figure who quickly infiltrates her life, romantically and creatively.
The Idol is co-created by Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, Reza Fahim, and Euphoria’s Sam Levinson. The ensemble cast features Suzanna Son, Troye Sivan, Jane Adams, Rachel Sennott, Hari Nef, Moses Sumney, Jennie Ruby Jane, Dan Levy, Eli Roth, Ramsey, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Hank Azaria.
After a splashy premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, The Idol received many negative reviews, with most critics panning the series. The sexual content and overall themes of The Idol have been the driving factors behind the criticism.
Tesfaye, Fahim, and Levinson executive produce alongside Joe Epstein, Ashley Levinson, Nick Hall, Kevin Turen, Aaron Gilbert, and Sara E. White. The Idol is an A24 production.
