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Ways to watch The Idol as eagerly awaited controversial series divides opinion

02 June 2023 , 20:03
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Ways to watch The Idol as eagerly awaited controversial series divides opinion
Ways to watch The Idol as eagerly awaited controversial series divides opinion

It's almost time for the latest raunchy series to hit our screens - and The Idol is already whipping up a storm of controversy.

The gritty drama starring Lily-Rose Depp and The Weeknd has been eagerly anticipated for some time and was labelled as the next big thing to replace huge hit Euphoria.

With the series also being written by Sam Levinson, who won the plaudits for Euphoria, fans have been building up to the latest release which is just days away.

However, depending on where you are based could mean you face a delay in being able to get your eyes on the expensive production.

For those stateside, viewers can tune into HBO on Sunday evening (June 4). The six-part mini series is set to take over the coveted Sunday night slot on the channel which has only just been vacated by Succession.

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Ways to watch The Idol as eagerly awaited controversial series divides opinionThe premiere of The Idol is near (HBO)

It will also be available to stream on Max at 9pm.

For viewers in the UK, there'll be a slightly longer wait, with the series set to air the following day on Sky Atlantic on June 5.

The highly critiqued show will last for six weeks and certainly isn't for the faint hearted - or those under the age of 18.

The series, which premiered at this year's Festival de Cannes, explores the darker side of the music industry.

The gritty drama sees Johnny Depp's daughter star as a glamorous but troubled pop star, while musician The Weeknd plays the part of a slimy cult leader.

Ways to watch The Idol as eagerly awaited controversial series divides opinionThe series has had mixed reviews (HBO)

The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, joined forces with director Sam Levinson for the series and they have been described as having "sick and twisted minds" to think of the storylines.

Reviews have certainly divided the opinions, with the expected hit proving to be a flop so far according to Rotten Tomatoes.

It holds a low 25 per cent rating on the review site, while some viewers branded it "nasty" and "vulgar".

Hari Nef, who plays a reporter on the show called it "shocking" and said she wasn't used to "seeing sex that explicit and kinky with such an unwavering gaze on TV".

Fellow star Lily Rose however is happy with the production and leapt to the defence of its director following criticism.

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"Sam is, for so many reasons, the best director I have ever worked with," she told E! News. "Never have I felt more supported or respected in a creative space, my input and opinions more valued.

"Working with Sam is a true collaboration in every way—it matters to him, more than anything, not only what his actors think about the work, but how we feel performing it."

Jamie Roberts

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