Why HBO Cut The Idol's Episode Count From 6 to 5?
An insider reveals why the controversial series was cut short.
HBO has given us dozens of highly compelling series over the years, with titles like Sex and the City, The Last of Us, Game of Thrones, and House of the Dragon immediately coming to mind. However, the network does miss the mark once in a blue moon, and the recent project by Euphoria creator Sam Levinson, The Idol, proved to be a huge flop for HBO.
As soon as the first episode of The Idol aired on June 4, the series was dubbed the greatest disappointment by viewers who were appalled by its excessively sexualized, grim narrative. Four episodes in, the show keeps dropping in viewership numbers, and many fans thought this was the reason why HBO decided to cut The Idol's episode count from six to five.
HBO is usually very meticulous when it comes to scheduling, distributing, and marketing its projects. Back in November 2022, the network announced that The Idol would have a six-part first season, but later, the episode count was reportedly reduced by one of the series' creators.
An unnamed insider told TV Line that it was Sam Levinson who decided to cut The Idol to just five episodes.
'The season ended up being five episodes when it was all said and done after Sam took over and made significant changes. The story only ended up requiring five,' the source said.
Levinson's decision to cut his series may be controversial, but considering that the first three episodes failed to impress the audience, it may actually benefit The Idol and provide for a more satisfying finale. Apart from the atrocities depicted in the first half of the show, many fans were disappointed with the episodes' pacing, arguing that the story felt unnecessarily dragged-out but also lacking details.
However, the latest Episode 4 gave viewers a gulp of fresh air with its intense storytelling and fascinating revelations. In particular, the episode suggested Lily Rose Depp's Jocelyn was not as naive and innocent as she appeared earlier, and she may well be using Tedros, her abusive lover portrayed by The Weeknd, to achieve her own goals.
The recent episode left fans craving to see how Jocelyn's story will end, and they don't have to wait long before the fifth and last episode of The Idol airs on July 2, 2023.
Source: TV Line.