The Idol is a one-hit wonder.
HBO confirmed Monday that there will not be a second season for the controversial series, starring Lily-Rose Depp and Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye. A spokesperson for the network tells Deadline that the cancelation was a mutual decision that included The Idol creators Tesfaye, Reza Fahim, and Sam Levinson.
“The Idol was one of HBO’s most provocative original programs, and we’re pleased by the strong audience response,” the HBO 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. We’re grateful to the creators, cast, and crew for their incredible work.”
HBO dismissed a report in June claiming The Idol was done after one season. “This was never meant to be a long-running show, it was always…a limited series,” a source told Page Six at the time.
The Weeknd shared a few behind-the-scenes photos following the finale of The Idol last month, along with “continue to push the vision” caption that led people to believe the show was trending toward a second season.