Editors’choice Blinding lights: Abel Tesfaye and Lilyrose Depp lead ‘The Idol’
The hills have been talking about HBO’S latest edgy drama series, “The Idol,” premiering Sunday, June 4, on the specialty network and its Max streaming service. Starring Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye in his first major TV role as the magnetic Tedros,
“The Idol” follows the reintroduction of popstar Jocelyn, portrayed by “Voyagers” (2021) actress Lily-rose Depp. Having recovered from a public breakdown, Jocelyn finds renewed inspiration when she meets Tedros and together they shape the next phase of her life and career.
The sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll are on full display in every teaser trailer for “The Idol.” In the official teaser released by HBO in April, Britney Spears’ 2007 hit “Gimme More” sets the scene — suggesting a moment of glamour that’s about to take a turn.
Jocelyn parties in Los Angeles clubs, where she meets Tedros, who quickly makes a home for himself in her life both romantically and professionally. Her team watches on in confusion and excitement in equal measure as Jocelyn brings Tedros’ vision of her to life. Tedros’ charismatic control over her is palpable and has Dan Levy’s (“Schitt’s Creek”) publicist character asking him, “Who are you?”
Also starring in “The Idol” are Suzanna Son (“Red Rocket,” 2021) as Chloe, Troye Sivan (“Three Months,” 2022) as Xander and musician Moses Sumney (“Creed,” 2015) as Isaak, as well as Jane Adams (“Hacks”), Eli Roth (“The House With the Clock in its Walls,” 2018), Rachel Sennott (“Bodies Bodies Bodies,” 2022), Hari Nef (“Meet Cute,” 2022), Da’vine Joy Randolph (“Only Murders in the Building”), and composer Mike Dean and musician Ramsey in their acting debuts.
There is some obvious musical knowledge and talent in “The Idol” from Tesfaye, Sivan, Sumney and Dean, but a certain global superstar makes her onscreen debut in the drama.