Here's Why HBO's The Idol Already Has So Much Drama

This is some chaotic drama, mama.

On Wednesday, March 1, Rolling Stone published a report with 13 sources who have worked on HBO’s The Idol, which is being directed by Euphoria creator Sam Levinson. Overall, the sources alleged that production on the upcoming series has become a “sh*t show.” The report also cited sources calling the show “sexual torture porn” and blaming The Weeknd, a.k.a. Abel Tesfaye, for changing things up in the story after he felt like the series was going too far into a “female perspective.”

In response, Lily-Rose Depp – who plays The Idol protagonist Jocelyn – told Rolling Stone that Levinson is “the best director” she has ever worked with. HBO told the publication that the show’s “creative team has been committed to creating a safe, collaborative, and mutually respectful working environment,” adding that “the team made creative changes they felt were in the best interest of both the production and the cast and crew.”

Meanwhile, The Weekend shared a sneak peek clip from The Idol where his character, Tedros, makes quite a few scathing remarks about Rolling Stone. “Did we upset you?” the singer wrote.

HBO is still dubbing The Idol as one of the network’s “most exciting and provocative original programs.” The network also told Rolling Stone that “the initial approach on the show and production of the early episodes, unfortunately, did not meet HBO standards, so we chose to make a change.”

The Idol is set to feature LGBTQ+ stars such as Hari Nef, Troye Sivan, and Dan Levy in the cast. Alas, a premiere date still hasn’t been set for the HBO series, which was first announced as far back as June 2021. Though many assumed that The Idol would premiere in 2023, an actual date still hasn’t been announced.

The waiting period for The Idol has been rather messy and chaotic, so we can’t wait to see how the show will actually turn out!

The Idol is coming soon to HBO.