In a world where networks and streamers love nothing more than cancelling a TV show after just one series, it would come as no surprise to see The Idol perish. Judging by the reaction so far, it might be a relief for all involved.
You should know the script by now, even if you switched off after the debut episode: the 50 Shades Of Grey for Gen Z show created by Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye and Sam “Euphoria” Levinson has brought a steady stream of bleak sex and torture scenes to our screens over the past few weeks, played out by a cast of (mostly) great actors who were landed with an atrocious storyline, peppered with bad dialogue.
But! Running firmly with the “no publicity is bad publicity” ethos – of which there has been acres – it now appears (and I can’t believe I’m writing this) that there may be a second series of the blighted music industry “drama”.
While Page Six initially reported that, after the reports of a toxic working environment were exposed by Rolling Stone, the series wouldn’t be getting renewed, it back-pedalled after HBO’s PR Twitter account posted a statement on June 15 saying: “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.”
So, not no, but also not yes. Is the decision going down to the wire? Is there a boardroom full of people currently debating whether the world needs more of Tedros Tedros’s dirty talk?
In an interview with Vulture, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who plays Jocelyn’s co-manager, Destiny, suggested that the series may be left open ended to secure a second outing for Jocelyn, Tedros and co. She said: “I see season one as setting up the world in great detail and character development, to set up a season two where it’s like, now we’re really going to get in the shit. When you finish a project, it’s always like, ‘Is there a possibility for season two?’ And they’re always like, ‘Yeah, for sure!’
She added: “It’s everyone’s desire and intention to do a season two, and until we hear differently, that’s the plan. But I know it hasn’t been, like, officially announced. But definitely when we ended, from what I know, HBO has been very pleased and into it and there hasn’t been anything against it yet, to be like, ‘No, we’re pulling the plug.’”
So, as of this moment, it appears it’s still a possibility. Good news for the PR team of those silly little cigarettes Jocelyn chains in the show, at least.
