Like all of us, Olivia Rodrigo is not interested in The Idol. The singer discussed The Weeknd and Sam Levinson’s now-canceled HBO series in an interview with The Guardian, subtly arguing that their portrayal of the pop machine failed to depict womanhood in the same powerful way as, say, Barbie.
“I don’t have the desire to [watch it],” Rodrigo said. “I remember walking out of Barbie and being like, ‘Wow, it’s so long since I’ve seen a movie that is female-centred in a way that isn’t sexual or about her pain or her being traumatised.’”
The Idol, starring Lily-Rose Depp and The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye), was originally pitched as a satire on the music industry that follows Depp’s pop star Jocelyn as she frees herself from a toxic relationship with Tesfaye’s club owner/cult leader Tedros. However, when Euphoria head Levinson took over the show after director Amy Seimetz left the series during a creative overhaul, he reportedly turned the set into the type of thing it was supposed to be criticizing, issuing a season full of shocking sex scenes and bad acting but light on commentary or moving narratives.
“The Idol was one of HBO’s most provocative original programs, and we’re pleased by the strong audience response,” HBO said when announcing the series’ cancellation. “After much thought and consideration, HBO, as well as the creators and producers have decided not to move forward with a second season. We’re grateful to the creators, cast, and crew for their incredible work.”
As for Rodrigo, the real-life pop star is gearing up to release her second studio album, GUTS. While lead single/Song of the Week “vampire” was a piano-driven kiss off to a “bloodsucker, fame fucker,” the artist has made clear her more rock-inspired inspirations, from sharing the pop-punk single “bad idea right?” to straight up name-dropping Jack White, Kathleen Hanna, and St. Vincent as her high-profile mentors. The LP arrives in full September 8th.