The fate of The Idol, the controversial series co-created and co-starring The Weeknd, hangs in the balance amidst mounting criticism of the singer's alleged "egomaniacal" behaviour.

The show, which has been labelled "comically bad," has faced backlash for its explicit sex scenes and the Weeknd's conduct on set. Ratings took a significant hit, with the second episode losing over 100,000 viewers compared to the premiere.

Despite the negative reception, an insider revealed that The Idol was intended to be a limited series from the start. However, another source within HBO indicated that no final decision has been made regarding its future. The network seems unfazed by the graphic content, as the show is the brainchild of Sam Levinson, known for his boundary-pushing series Euphoria.

The Idol follows the story of Jocelyn, played by Lily-Rose Depp, a pop star who falls into the clutches of a cult leader portrayed by The Weeknd.

Reports emerged that Depp and other cast members found working with the singer challenging due to his immersion in his character. Yet, Depp expressed her admiration for The Weeknd's ability to embody the role.

The series underwent significant changes after its original director, Amy Seimetz, departed and Tesfaye and Levinson took over. These alterations led to the removal of feminist-leaning storylines, prompting criticism from industry insiders.

However, the production benefited from The Weeknd opening his home for shooting, showcasing his commitment to the project.

Despite its mixed reception, The Idol garnered attention and generated headlines. The final decision regarding a second season rests with Casey Bloys, the head of HBO, who reportedly remains optimistic about the show's future.