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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Nuray Bulbul

How many episodes in The Idol? Fans left confused as to show’s length

The Idol starring The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp is ending sooner than fans expected.

Before making its HBO debut earlier this month, The Idol had its Cannes Film Festival premiere to lukewarm reviews.

The show, which Sam Levinson took over from Amy Seimetz when it was nearly finished, was dubbed “torture porn” by Rolling Stone. The outlet also spoke about a toxic work environment while filming the show but HBO has denied these allegations.

The Idol centres on Jocelyn (Depp), an aspiring pop idol who vows to reclaim her title as the sexiest pop star in America after having a nervous breakdown that forces her last tour to be postponed. She also starts a complicated relationship with Tedros (Abel Tesfaye, aka The Weeknd), a self-help guru and leader of a modern cult.

The show also drew attention with its cast, which includes include Moses Sumney as Izaak, Blackpink’s Jennie as Dyanne, and Troye Sivan as Jocelyn’s manager, Xander.

How many episodes have there been so far?

There have been four episodes so far.

Episode 1: Pop Tarts & Rat Tales, June 4, 2023

Episode 2: Double Fantasy, June 11

Episode 3: Daybreak, June 18

Episode 4: Stars Belong to the World, June 25

The drama is available on Sky and NOW in the UK.

How many episodes are left?

There is only one episode left, called Jocelyn Forever, which is set to air on July 2.

The Idol was initially expected to last for six episodes, but TV Line announced on June 26 — in the middle of episodes four and five — that the season will actually end with episode 5.

This is because “the story only ended up requiring five” episodes, according to the outlet.

If episode six was going to air as planned, it would have premiered on July 9.

Some fans were left confused by the changes.

One user tweeted said: “Can someone tell me how many episodes does the idol have ? I heard there’s only 5 épisodes now but I don’t get it says 6 épisodes here.”

While another said: “How many episodes are in The Idol? I saw 5 somewhere,but are their more?” [sic.]

Given that the entire series hasn't yet aired, it is unknown whether there will be a second season.

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