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The Idol 2023
The Idol is an American drama television series crafted by Sam Levinson, Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye, and Reza Fahim for HBO. The show centers on Jocelyn (Lily-Rose Depp), a female pop idol, and her complicated connection with Tedros (Tesfaye), who functions as a sleazy nightclub owner, self-help expert, and cult leader. Supporting cast members include Suzanna Son, Troye Sivan, Jane Adams, Jennie Ruby Jane, Rachel Sennott, Hari Nef, Moses Sumney, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Eli Roth, Ramsey, and Hank Azaria.
During production, the series experienced major creative revisions. Levinson assumed directing responsibilities from initial director Amy Seimetz, altering the narrative to emphasize a "degrading" love story with increased sexual content. The production faced multiple pauses and restarts, with some scenes recorded during Tesfaye's tour. Filming relied heavily on improvisation and took place at Tesfaye's mansion.
The first two episodes debuted at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in May 2023. It was broadcast on HBO and Max from June 4 to July 2, 2023. Upon release, the series received widespread negative reviews and was discontinued after one season in August 2023.
Cast
- Lily-Rose DeppJocelyn
- The WeekndTedros
- Suzanna SonChloe
- Troye SivanXander
- Jane AdamsNikki Katz
- JennieDyanne
- Rachel SennottLeia
- Hari NefTalia Hirsch
- Moses SumneyIzaak
- Da'Vine Joy RandolphDestiny
- Ramseyherself
- Hank AzariaChaim
- Dan LevyBenjamin
- Eli RothAndrew Finkelstein
- Melanie LiburdJenna
- Mike Deanhimself
- Karl GlusmanRob Turner
Crew
- Director
- Sam Levinson
- Creator
- Sam Levinson, The Weeknd, Reza Fahim
- Producer
- Harrison Kreiss
- Executive producer
- Sam Levinson, The Weeknd, Reza Fahim, Kevin Turen, Ashley Levinson, Sara E. White, Joe Epstein, Aaron Gilbert
- Cinematography
- Marcell Rév, Arseni Khachaturan, Drew Daniels
- Music
- The Weeknd, Mike Dean, Sam Levinson, Kim Jennie
Details
- Production
- A24, Bron Studios, Manic Phase, People Pleaser, The Reasonable Bunch, Tiny Goat
- Network
- HBO
