THE IDOL Inside TV's darkest drama

THE EDGY NEW SERIES CONTINUES TO DRAW CONTROVERSY SO WHAT EXACTLY IS ALL THE FUSS ABOUT?

- Sara Tapia

The Idol has had the whole internet talking since its premiere on June 5, but the social media buzz hasn’t exactly been all positive. “Did y’all watch The Idol? Am I the only one still confused?” one viewer recently tweeted.

The series, co-created by Euphoria director Sam Levinson, 38, and singer Abel Tesfaye (aka The Weeknd), 33, tells the story of Jocelyn, a pop star who had a nervous breakdown that caused the cancellation of her last tour. Played by Lily-Rose Depp, 24, Jocelyn is desperate to return to the spotlight bigger and better than ever, and in doing so, ends up in a pretty complicated relationship with Tedros (Tesfaye), a cult leader disguised as a mysterious club mogul.

Plot aside, viewers have been left agog at the series’ explicitness, with its constant stream of provocative material and transgressive sex scenes. One particular scene has been branded the “worst sex scene in history” – with the second episode sparking backlash and reportedly a 100,000 dip in viewership.

“The Idol was absolute trash, sex scenes that are unnecessary and unrealistic. No storyline. Just nasty,” one person wrote online. “I’m sick to my stomach [please] put a content warning,” slammed another.