Is ‘The Idol’ Canceled? Why The Season Finale Is Airing Next Week

If you tuned into The Idol Episode 4 “Stars Belong to the World” last night on HBO or Max, you might have been taken aback when a teaser for next week’s episode said it was the “Season Finale.” Can it really be true? Is the first season of The Idol wrapping up after only five episodes? After all, there are a lot of plot lines still up in the air, from Jocelyn’s (Lily-Rose Depp) big tour to whether or not Destiny (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) and Chaim (Hank Azaria) can stop Tedros (Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye) before he goes too far. So when is The Idol season finale? And could it really be next week???

Here’s everything you need to know about The Idol‘s upcoming finale, from why the first season is only five episodes long to whether or not The Idol has already been cancelled…

When is The Idol Season 1 Finale?

The Idol‘s first season really is coming to an end next week on Sunday, July 2. There are only five episodes in The Idol Season 1, meaning next week will wrap up the main plot threads of this first season.

What Time is The Idol Season Finale?

The Idol Season 1 finale will premiere on HBO and Max at 9 PM ET on Sunday, July 2.

Why is The Idol Season 1 So Short? Why Are There Only Five Episodes in The Idol?

Why are there only five episodes in the first season of The Idol? Why does the heart ache? What happens when we die? I don’t have the answer to any of these questions, but I do know that The Idol was originally supposed to be six episodes.

Deadline reported in 2021 that HBO had picked up The Idol to be a “six-episode series.” The series had been created by Sam Levinson, The Weeknd, and Reza Fahim, but Amy Seimetz was supposed to direct all six episodes and Joe Epstein was going to be the series showrunner. However, Rolling Stone reported that Seimetz left the show more than 80% through production and Euphoria writer, director, and EP Sam Levinson took over directorial and showrunning duties. All scripts are written by Levinson, but based on stories by Levinson and The Weeknd. Additionally, there is a writing staff that includes Marlis Yurcisin, Nick Bilton, and Howard A. Rodman.

UPDATE (6/27): Decider has now confirmed that Levinson changed the length of the first season when he took over creative control of the series.

“The season was changed from six episodes to five episodes when Sam took over in 2022,” a source close to production told Decider. ��Five episodes is what his version of the story required.”

So there you have it!

Is The Idol Canceled? Will HBO Make The Idol Season 2?

Rumors are already swirling that The Idol is doomed for cancellation. Page Six reported that not only was the show conceived as a limited series, but The Weeknd’s “egomaniacal” on-set behavior and the lackluster ratings have doomed any renewal chatter.

HBO countered this report in a public statement that read on Twitter: “It is being misreported that a decision on a second season of The Idol has been determined. It has not, and we look forward to sharing the next episode with you Sunday night.”

It is being misreported that a decision on a second season of The Idol has been determined. It has not, and we look forward to sharing the next episode with you Sunday night.

— HBO PR (@HBOPR) June 15, 2023

Ratings for The Idol took a major dip after the controversial series premiere and it’s unclear if the show will be able to recoup viewers before the July 2 season finale.

Still, you never know. It could boomerang back in ratings or HBO might want to continue the sordid tale of Jocelyn and Tedros for creative reasons. The Idol isn’t over yet.

The Idol Season 1 finale premieres on Sunday, July 2.