HBO’s series “The Idol” has received heavy criticism and negative reviews, overshadowing the show itself. The five-episode first season concluded on July 2 without generating much attention, but it is possible that delayed viewership may elicit stronger reactions. However, the pre-season discussions surrounding the collaboration between The Weeknd, Lily-Rose Depp, and director Sam Levinson, known for his unconventional storytelling, have been dominated by reports, rumors, and critical backlash.
Adding to the controversy, a recent report has raised suspicions about the authenticity of some of the show’s five-star reviews and positive online reactions. While it was not expected for “The Idol” to achieve the same critical acclaim as FX and Hulu’s “The Bear,” which garnered a 100% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the show currently holds a 22% Rotten rating based on 85 reviews.
This is a significant increase from its initial post-Cannes rating of 9%. The audience score, however, is more favorable at 41%.
Rolling Stone has pointed out a pattern of questionable legitimacy within the audience reviews, suggesting that some may be fake or artificially inflated. This revelation further adds to the scrutiny surrounding “The Idol” and raises questions about the credibility of its online reception.