2 Years After Cancellation, The Weeknd Reveals What Went Wrong With The Idol

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Regrettably, despite boasting notable figures associated with it, the series titled The Idol didn’t seem destined for a prosperous journey. As it debuted in 2023, it was met with unfavorable criticism and unfortunately ended after airing only one season.

In a recent chat for , Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, co-creator and lead actor of the show, discussed what didn’t work with The Idol. He speculated that it could have been significantly better than its final form, which he believes was due to having too many people contributing creatively. Tesfaye further explained that not everyone on set seemed as invested in the project as he was, and some appeared to be in a hurry to move past filming and reach the end of production.

During these challenging times when a pandemic has swept across the globe, traditional theaters seem to have vanished for now. Instead, television has assumed an almost divine role in our lives. I, Tesfaye, have expressed this sentiment while discussing the troubles that our show faced even before its debut.

If only we had been given the chance to unfold a complete narrative – a beginning, middle, and end – it could have been exceptional. However, it abruptly ended right at the midpoint… The most impactful films possess an unwavering voice, and everyone involved in their creation is just as passionate about them as the director and actors are.

If people connected with “The Idol” in that way, he remarked, “No, they did care about it, absolutely. However, I believe it reached a stage where everyone was racing towards the end. You can’t rush something; you simply have to let it evolve naturally, even if it’s not fully cooked.

Tesfaye expressed concerns about where the series was headed during production, but held back from voicing them for fear of being perceived as hard-to-work-with if he demanded more creative input. As a relatively new actor in the industry, he felt he had much to learn about the business and didn’t want to jeopardize his opportunities.

If I express my opinions boldly, people may perceive me as challenging or tough to work with. In Hollywood, being seen as difficult is considered a major negative. Once labeled as such, this label can spread quickly. One must earn their stripes and prove themselves before gaining recognition. However, I have certainly paid my dues in spades. Our intuition often tells us when something feels wrong – it’s like a divine message saying ‘this isn’t right.’ Ignoring those instincts can be disrespectful to that inner voice and come with consequences. With the show Idol, our instincts warned us that it wasn’t right, but we wanted it to succeed … Having too many people involved in decision-making can lead to confusion.

The Idol Only Lasted One Season

In collaboration with Tesfaye, Reza Fahim, and Sam Levinson, the creator of “Euphoria,” a new show named “Nosferatu” was jointly developed. In this series, Tesfaye plays the role of a self-help guru and cult leader who forms an intricate bond with another character. Notably, “Euphoria’s” Alexa Demi appears in her role as Maddy within the universe of “Nosferatu“. The series has garnered a rating of 19% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Right now, you can catch “The Idol” on HBO Max, whereas “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” The Weeknd’s latest movie, is currently showing in cinemas near you.

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2025-05-18 20:05