The Weeknd‘s highly-controversial HBO series, The Idol, will be ending nearly one week earlier than its original finale date, according to reports.
Per RadarOnline, the network has decided to cut its losses with the series. The show was initially announced as a six-episode series starring Lily-Rose Depp and the “Die For You” singer.
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Created by The Weeknd and Euphoria‘s Sam Levinson, The Idol follows a Los Angeles club owner and cult leader, Tedros (The Weeknd), who enters a complicated relationship with a rising pop star, Jocelyn (Depp).
The cast also includes Troye Sivan, Ramsey and Rachel Sennott, with Power Book II: Ghost actor Melanie Liburd, superproducer Mike Dean and his model and artist girlfriend Louise Donegan.
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The move appears to be due to dismal ratings — last Sunday’s episode had only 133,000 viewers. The series has also been under heavy fire since its debut earlier this month due to rumors of what’s happening behind the scenes.
In March, Rolling Stone published an article claiming that the show had descended into a “shitshow” following the departure of original director Amy Seimetz.
The outlet spoke to 13 cast and crew members, with one person describing the series as “sexual torture porn.” Another said: “It was like any rape fantasy that any toxic man would have in the show — and then the woman comes back for more because it makes her music better.”
Following the article being released, The Weeknd took to Twitter to respond to the story by posting a clip from the show. In it, his character, Tedros, calls the publication “irrelevant.”
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However, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Last week, it was announced that the Toronto native, along with Common and Kid Cudi, have put their hat in the ring for the Emmy’s Music Direction category.
The Weeknd submitted his HBO special, The Weeknd Live at Sofi Stadium, which aired back in February.
If nominated, The Idol star and creator will likely compete with past winners like Adam Blackstone (entered for the Super Bowl LVII Half-time Show, “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame” ceremony, and Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty Show) along with bass player Rickey Minor (The Oscars).
