The Real Reason 'The Idol' Is Ending a Week Early
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The Idol is concluding its controversial first (and possible last) season a week earlier than expected. The show's fifth episode, which will air Sunday, July 2, is being billed as its "season finale" despite earlier reports that the series would include six episodes. Is it wrapping earlier than expected due to more behind-the-scenes drama? Not quite (although no one could blame you for asking). According to TVLine, co-creator and Euphoria boss Sam Levinson just didn't need that much time to finish up the story.
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“The season ended up being five episodes when it was all said and done after Sam took over and made significant changes," a source told the outlet. "The story only ended up requiring 5.”
The show was initially directed by Amy Seimetz (She Dies Tomorrow, The Girlfriend Experience), but she left the project in April 2022 after 80 percent of the series had reportedly already been shot. According to a damning Rolling Stone article, production went off the rails from there, with sources claiming that Levinson's changes introduced a disturbing dynamic between lead characters Jocelyn and Tedros, played by Lily-Rose Depp and co-creator Abel Tesfaye (otherwise known as pop superstar The Weeknd), respectively.
“It was like, ‘What is this? What am I reading here?’” one source told Rolling Stone. “It was like sexual torture porn.” Another crew member said, “It was a show about a woman who was finding herself sexually, turned into a show about a man who gets to abuse this woman and she loves it.”
Earlier this month, Page Six reported that The Idol's future was "up in the air" amid controversy, but representatives from HBO were quick to shut down those rumors, stating on Twitter, "It is being misreported that a decision on a second season of The Idol has been determined. It has not, and we look forward to sharing the next episode with you Sunday night."
The finale, called “Jocelyn Forever,” will air at 9 p.m. ET.
Next, A Guide to Euphoria Creator Sam Levinson's Many Controversies
