Jennie's debut acting project 'The Idol' faces backlash and controversial reviews

HBO drama series, The Idol cuts down to five episodes amidst controversy and negative reviews


Devdiscourse News Desk | Seoul | Updated: 28-06-2023 11:12 IST | Created: 28-06-2023 11:11 IST
Jennie's debut acting project 'The Idol' faces backlash and controversial reviews
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Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers. Proceed with caution if you have not watched the show/movie.

In a surprising turn of events, HBO has announced that the highly anticipated drama series 'The Idol,' marking BLACKPINK's Jennie's debut acting role, will come to an abrupt end after just five episodes. The decision comes as a response to dismal ratings and incessant criticism surrounding the show. Originally planned for six episodes, the premature conclusion has left fans and industry insiders questioning the future of the series.

The fifth episode of 'The Idol' served as a pivotal moment for Jennie's character, Dyanne, as her storyline took an unexpected twist. Garnering nearly three minutes of screentime, Dyanne secured a life-changing opportunity by signing with Jocelyn's (played by Lily-Rose Depp) label and acquiring her song. However, despite this exciting development, the show failed to captivate audiences, leading to its early demise.

Deadline reported on June 26 that the season finale of 'The Idol' is set to air on Sunday, July 2nd, confirming the shortened run of the series. The reasons behind this decision remain undisclosed, leaving fans speculating about the show's fate and prospects.

'The Idol' delves into the intricate relationship between pop idol stars and the music industry, with Lily-Rose Depp taking on the lead role of Jocelyn. Jennie's participation in the series generated significant attention, even earning her a spotlight on the red carpet at the 76th Cannes Film Festival. However, the show faced numerous controversies right from its premiere on June 4th, despite being initially praised for its high-quality trailer.

Although plans for a second season of 'The Idol' were initially in place, the production's uncertainty now hangs over its future. The negative reviews and intense debates surrounding sensationalism within the show have led to speculation about its potential cancellation. HBO has denied reports suggesting that the series has been dropped, emphasizing that a decision regarding a second season has yet to be made.

Co-created by renowned American pop star The Weeknd and directed by Sam Levinson, known for his work on 'Euphoria,' 'The Idol' promised an intriguing love story set against the backdrop of the Los Angeles music industry. However, controversies surrounding explicit scenes and concerns about the show's overall quality quickly overshadowed its early excitement. Critics condemned the excessive nudity and objectification of female characters, tarnishing the show's reputation.

Fan reactions to 'The Idol' have been mixed, with initial excitement and anticipation dampened by the negative reception at the Cannes Film Festival. Critics labeled the series as 'torture p**n' and a 'sadistic mess,' leaving viewers surprised by the extreme reactions. As the show progressed, it faced further backlash for its misogynistic and lewd portrayal of the industry, effectively vilifying every individual involved, including the main characters.

The fate of 'The Idol' remains uncertain, leaving fans and industry observers eagerly awaiting news of its potential renewal or cancellation.

Stay tuned to get more updates on South Korean celebrities!

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