Since its debut, The Idol, an HBO series created by Sam Levinson and featuring Lily-Rose Depp, has generated a range of reactions from viewers. While some have commended the show for its daring and thought-provoking narrative, others have expressed discomfort and unease with its content.
The reception to The Idol has been polarizing, highlighting the divisive nature of its storytelling and the varied interpretations it evokes among audiences. The series delves into intense and disturbing themes such as drug addiction, sex trafficking, and mental illness. The portrayal of these sensitive subjects can be unsettling and potentially triggering for some audience members, making it challenging to watch. Some viewers are voicing their opinions about the series on social media.
Why Are People Getting Weirded Out By The Idol
Adding to the uneasiness surrounding The Idol, its characters exhibit moral ambiguity. The absence of clear heroes or villains and the characters’ questionable and occasionally harmful choices can leave viewers unsettled. The show deviates from conventional morality tales, where right and wrong are more easily discernible, challenging viewers’ expectations and forcing them to confront the complexities of human behavior.
I needed to pass time before sleeping so I gave in and watched The Idol and I feel like I assaulted my eyes
— jaimie lee 🍓🎨 (@jaimielly) June 6, 2023
He had better stay with the music #THEIDOL
pic.twitter.com/PbSxHHBKBT— sarah (@xoxossaraah) June 5, 2023
so yes i did watch THE IDOL and hated the every second of it but this scene is perfectly directed and the imagery of the painting of the the four men looking at her is something didn’t see from SAM LEVINSON pic.twitter.com/05srHojKGM
— Roman Roy #1 defender (they/them) (@IsJayOhKay) June 6, 2023
Wtf did i just watch?#TheIdol
— Dina (@thedinax) June 5, 2023
watching the idol and i’m tryna figure out what’s going on. it’s just a hyper sexual pop star having a crisis and smoking cigs pic.twitter.com/dbRAnY3x3c
— z 🇭🇹🦋 (@ZOEGRLA) June 6, 2023
This departure from traditional character archetypes may contribute to the discomfort experienced by some audience members while watching the series. Adding to the disconcerting nature of The Idol is its highly stylized and sometimes surrealistic style. The deliberate use of vivid colors, unconventional lighting techniques, and striking musical choices can be jarring and unnerving for viewers accustomed to more conventional television aesthetics.
The deliberate departure from traditional visual and auditory norms creates a unique atmosphere that may challenge viewers’ expectations and contribute to a sense of unease while watching the show. The boundary-pushing artistic elements of The Idol further distinguish it from mainstream television and can be a divisive factor for some viewers.
The Idol Fails To Trump Euphoria’s Popularity
Lily-Rose Depp’s The Idol is an audacious and thought-provoking series that may not appeal to all audiences. Its exploration of dark themes and morally complex characters can be unsettling for those who are sensitive to such content. However, for viewers seeking a show that pushes boundaries and elicits strong emotional responses.
While The Idol has received mixed responses from viewers, it has also garnered praise for its daring and innovative approach. Its boldness and originality have resonated with some, who applaud its provocative nature and willingness to push boundaries. Critics have drawn comparisons to highly acclaimed shows like Euphoria and The Sopranos, highlighting the show’s potential to impact the television landscape.
However, as reported by Variety, The Idol’s premiere achieved a viewership of 913,000, marking a 17% decline compared to Euphoria’s premiere, which captivated 1.1 million viewers on its initial day.
The Idol is available for streaming on HBO Max.
Source: Twitter
