Max’s The Idol was The Weeknd’s first major acting role.
Unfortunately, the series was canceled after one season—a blip on Abel Tesfaye’s otherwise stellar career. In a new interview with Variety, the pop icon opened up about the show’s lukewarm reception, including his abusive character, Tedros.
“We had a great cast and great crew. I made some really great friends, and I love seeing everybody thriving,” he told the outlet.
“I’m really proud of it—we all are. It’s unfortunate that, you know, it wasn’t met with the warmest [response], but we knew what we were making—something provocative and dark. Maybe it could have been told in a different way, maybe not. It was bigger than I expected. Not everything you put out is going to connect, and that’s fine. If it doesn’t, then it was a time.”
He continued, “Believe it or not, none of [the criticism] felt personal. Of course, it gets to you—I’m not saying I wasn’t affected by it; I’m saying I didn’t take it personally. Like, nobody’s out to get you, you know? I love reading criticism, even if some of it didn’t feel constructive. I’m not expecting everybody to love ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ either. Some people might hate it, but that’s not why I’m doing this. I’m doing it because I’m an artist; it’s how I feel, and this is what I want to say.”
Critics panned the show seemingly from the beginning, with The Idol’s first episode receiving 20 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Chief among its problems were claims made about the production via an exposé from Rolling Stone, which painted the experience as one of constant chaos.
In addition to starring in the series, The Weeknd co-wrote and served as an executive producer for The Idol. The show also featured Lily-Rose Depp, Suzanna Son, Troye Sivan, and Jane Adams.
