Watch The Idol

The Idol is an American drama television series that premiered on HBO in 2023. The show was created by The Weeknd, Sam Levinson and Reza Fahim and focuses on a self-help guru and leader of a modern-day cult who develops a complicated relationship with an up-and-coming pop idol.

Set in Los Angeles, The Idol follows Jocelyn (Lily-Rose Depp), a rising young pop singer who seeks out the guidance of enigmatic self-help guru and cult leader Tedros (The Weeknd) to try and achieve mainstream success. As Jocelyn and Tedros grow closer, the lines between life and fantasy begin to blur as both of their dark sides come to light.

Jocelyn dreams of becoming a pop star but struggles with the seedy and manipulative underside of the music industry. In Tedros, she thinks she has found both a mentor and a potential romantic partner who can guide her through the murky waters of fame and celebrity. However, Tedros has his own hidden agendas and his "wellness" empire serves as a front for the disturbing cult he leads. His motivations for helping Jocelyn remain ambiguous throughout the first season.

The supporting cast includes Troye Sivan as Teddy, Tedros' right-hand man and closest confidante who helps run the cult's day-to-day operations. Dan Levy plays Tedros' business partner who helps manage his public persona and self-help brand. Hank Azaria is cast as Jocelyn's father and manager, who disapproves of her relationship with the much older Tedros.

Visually, The Idol has a slick and hyper-stylized aesthetic that mixes the glamor of Hollywood with the surreal imagery of the cult's belief system. The cinematography is moody and atmospheric, using vivid neon colors that shine against the dark backdrop of Los Angeles at night. Much like creator Sam Levinson's previous show Euphoria, The Idol employs trippy dream sequences and elaborate musical numbers as insight into its character's inner lives.

The series touches on themes of fame, toxic relationships, sexuality, addiction and the intersection of spirituality and business. It explores the sinister side of the entertainment world and what aspiring stars may be manipulated into doing in order to climb to the top. Cults and their enigmatic leaders are also examined through the lens of Tedros' new age self-help operation.

Early reviews praised the show's style and visuals while Levinson's writing and directing came under some criticism for feeling cynical or heavy-handed at times. The Weeknd's performance as both co-creator and star has drawn positive notices for his balancing of mystery and menace. Depp's turn as the up-and-coming ingenue has also been highlighted as one of the show's strongest assets.

By mixing musical drama with psychological horror, The Idol presents a dark and provocative saga of ambition, deceit and the hunger for fame. It promises an unsettling but stylish viewing experience as Jocelyn and Tedros both try to leverage each other on their way to success, spiraling deeper down as their secrets come out. With its LA backdrop and exploration of the costs of celebrity, The Idol looks to put an enticing new spin on themes of stardom and power in the city of angels.

The Idol is a series that ran for 1 seasons (5 episodes) between August 16, 2023 and on