The HBO original drama series The Idol is officially no more.

Drawing criticism and controversy from its Cannes debut to its July season finale, the series became infamous for behind the scenes drama and offensive depictions of on-screen misogyny.

Original director Amy Seimetz (The Girlfriend Experience) quit following creative differences with co-creators Sam Levinson (Euphoria) and The Weeknd. The series had, to Seimetz’s mind, moved away from being a women-led drama to blatant “sexual torture porn.”

At the time, HBO responded that “The Idol’s creative team continues to build, refine, and evolve their vision for the show and they have aligned on a new creative direction. The production will be adjusting its cast and crew accordingly to best serve this new approach to the series.”

The series centered on Jocelyn’s (Lily-Rose Depp) whose nervous breakdown derailed her last tour. Determined to claim her rightful status as the greatest and sexiest pop star in America, her passions are reignited by Tedros (Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye), a nightclub impresario with a sordid past.

However, following Levinson’s taking of the directorial reins the beleaguered drama was alleged to undergo a series of painful and expensive rewrites in order to fulfil his vision of a “less female perspective.”

Coupled with dwindling viewing figures, poorly received reviews, and negative press, HBO decided to call it a day after just 5 episodes.

HBO commented in a statement “The Idol was one of HBO’s most provocative original programs, and we’re pleased by the strong audience response. 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.”

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