Sexy new series The Idol premieres and the internet has thoughts

Controversial new drama The Idol starring Lily-Rose Depp has premiered and it seems to have lived up to the hype, with many sharing their thoughts on Twitter.

Controversial new drama The Idol premiered today and it seems to have lived up to the hype.

The new HBO series, which airs locally on Binge*, has garnered headlines every step of the way during production, with its director Sam Levinson and its explicit scenes and moments all placed under scrutiny.

But after today’s premiere, the majority of those on Twitter seem to be hooked on the sexy new series, which stars Lily-Rose Depp and singer The Weeknd in his acting debut.

Lily-Rose – who is the daughter of Hollywood star Johnny Depp – was even compared to actress Zendaya in her award-winning role in the equally risqué series, Euphoria, which also streams on Binge.

Lily-Rose Depp and The Weeknd star in The Idol. Picture: Binge

“REVIEW: EMOTIONAL. BRUTAL. Lily-Rose Depp delivers the performance of a lifetime, sorry Zendaya this is her Emmy now,” tweeted one.

“It’s not just another HBO show, it’s the BEST TV show ever. Great cinematography too. A fitting end, while also setting up what’s next,” another said.

“First episode was pure art, very sexy, immaculate acting, just WOW!! The whole cast was incredible! Can’t wait to see more #theidol,” a third wrote.

More fast fans of the series agreed that 24-year-old Lily-Rose was the highlight of the show’s debut.

First episode was pure art, very sexy, immaculate acting, just WOW!! The whole cast was incredible! Can't wait to see more #theidol#lilyrosedepp#theweeknd#maxpic.twitter.com/lH2SPp1IKF

— Linn 👓 (@LingerieSaldana) June 5, 2023

“I feel like if it’s anyone to sell the image of sex the best, it’s Lily Rose Depp. A QUEEN. #THEIDOL,” they wrote on Twitter.

One Twitter use said they didn’t even mind all the nudity, which has caused controversy in the lead up to the premiere.

“I do not see what the critics are talking about. If you can watch Euphoria, you can watch this. Lily-Rose Depp was born to play a role like this,” one user wrote.

Stream The Idol on BINGE. New customers get a 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly. Sign up at binge.com.au

Lily-Rose Depp plays a fallen pop star on the series. Picture: Binge

I feel like if it’s anyone to sell the image of sex the best, it’s Lily Rose Depp. A QUEEN. #THEIDOL

— lisa (@hxouseoflisa) June 5, 2023

However, the show – which sees Lily-Rose play a fallen pop star named Jocelyn, whose comeback is derailed after she embarks on a relationship with a mysterious nightclub owner Tedros (The Weeknd) – also attracted some negative feedback.

“LOL. How did The Idol make it to the airwaves? It’s comically bad,” tweeted American writer and social commentator Roxane Gay.

“Ejaculatory and vapid. They clearly think it’s subversive but it isn’t! It’s boring! Lily Rose Depp is interesting and it’s a shame she wasn’t given better material.”

Lily-Rose Dep says filming the series was the ‘most special experience’ she’s ever had. Picture: Binge

LOL. How did The Idol make it to the airwaves? It’s comically bad. Ejaculatory and vapid. They clearly think it’s subversive but it isn’t! It’s boring! Lily Rose Depp is interesting and it’s a shame she wasn’t given better material.

— roxane gay (@rgay) June 5, 2023

Another critic tweeted: “What’s most galling about The Idol so far is how clever and subversive it thinks it is. You can see Sam Levinson patting himself on the back with every line. But there’s nothing under the (admittedly) glossy surface. It’s empty. Lily Rose-Depp is intriguing, though. That’s it.”

Critics and fans aside, Lily-Rose said she was beyond excited to be premiering the show after working hard on it since late 2021.

“The idol premieres tonight Instagram. “I can’t put into words how I’m feeling right now! This show and the people I was lucky enough to make it with mean everything to me.”

“Shooting it was the most special experience I’ve ever had, and I thank my lucky stars every day for the most beautiful little family we all built together,” she continued. “My idol fam you know who you are- I love you guys so much.”

The Idol is now streaming on Binge

*News Corp, publisher of this website, is majority owner of Binge

Originally published as Sexy new series The Idol premieres and the internet has thoughts