HBO’s buzzworthy web series, The Idol, has been generating attention for its provocative storyline and daring scenes. The show features Lily-Rose Depp, daughter of Johnny Depp, and marks the acting debut of Abel ‘The Weeknd’ Tesfaye. Created by Sam Levinson, renowned for his work on the series Euphoria, The Idol fell short of the creator’s expectations with a viewership that was 17% lower than the Zendaya-led show.
Despite the initial hype, the series continues to generate discussions due to its controversial nature and the involvement of notable talents. Following the release of its trailer, the HBO series quickly garnered attention, shedding light on the dark world of a rising pop star entangled with cult leader Tedros. However, the controversial premise of the show stirred mixed reactions among viewers, leading to widespread questioning and discussions surrounding the series’ themes and direction.
Is Talent Really Knocking Out Privilege
The excitement surrounding The Idol intensified when its initial two episodes were showcased at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, earning the creators a standing ovation. The series further generated buzz because BLACKPINK’s Jennie portrayed a captivating and provocative character. However, despite its highly anticipated premiere on May 5, the first episode of The Idol fell short of surpassing the viewership achievements set by the renowned series Euphoria, starring Zendaya.
According to a report from Variety, The Idol’s premiere garnered a viewership of 913,000, which is 17% lower than the premiere of Euphoria, which attracted 1.1 million viewers on its first day. The numbers also fall below those of The White Lotus. It’s worth noting that The Idol’s first season comprises only five episodes, giving the series a month to increase its viewership and improve.
Despite not being based on a major intellectual property, The Idol’s viewership numbers align relatively closely with other recent HBO projects. Euphoria maintains the lead with 1.1 million viewers, followed by The White Lotus with 944,000 viewers. As previously mentioned, The Idol attracted a viewership of 913,000, while Winning Time saw 901,000 viewers tuning in for its premiere.
What Made Zendaya’s Euphoria A Success
Zendaya’s Euphoria garnered immense success due to its captivating storytelling, raw portrayal of teenage life, and Zendaya’s standout performance. The series fearlessly delves into dark and controversial themes, tackling issues such as addiction, identity, and mental health with unflinching honesty.
Euphoria’s visually stunning cinematography, innovative editing, and powerful soundtrack further contributed to its appeal. Zendaya’s portrayal of the complex and troubled character Rue showcased her exceptional talent and solidified her as a force to be reckoned with in the acting world. The show’s ability to resonate with a wide audience, particularly young viewers, solidified its status as a cultural phenomenon and cemented its success.
Euphoria is available for streaming on HBO Max.
Source: Variety
