In a twist worthy of a Hollywood script, one of HBO's most controversial and critically panned series is experiencing a surprising second life. Sam Levinson's music industry drama The Idol, starring Lily-Rose Depp and Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye, has unexpectedly climbed back into HBO Max's top ten most-watched shows in April 2026. This resurgence comes despite the show's notorious reputation and swift cancellation after a single season.
From Critical Disaster to Streaming Curiosity
The Idol was met with a firestorm of criticism upon its 2023 debut. Critics savaged the series, resulting in a dismal 19% score on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences were only slightly more forgiving with a 41% rating. The show was lambasted for its provocative and often shock-value-driven narrative, which attempted to satirize the dark underbelly of fame but was widely perceived as bitter and ineffective. Reviewers, including our own, noted its failure to land its intended punches, with scenes that mocked mental health and exploited celebrity breakdowns falling flat.
Yet, in the streaming era, a show's initial reception is not always its final word. As of this week, The Idol has secured the #6 spot on HBO Max's internal charts. This revival appears directly tied to the return of Levinson's flagship hit, Euphoria, which just premiered its long-awaited third season to massive viewership.
The 'Euphoria' Effect
The connection is undeniable. Euphoria made a thunderous return on April 12, 2026, shattering its own records by drawing 8.5 million U.S. viewers in just three days. The premiere dominated social media, trending for hours and generating millions of views on platforms like TikTok. As the show reclaims its spot as a global #1 on HBO Max, it has clearly pulled its controversial sibling along for the ride.
This phenomenon highlights a common streaming trend: audience curiosity. New viewers, captivated by the buzz around Euphoria and Levinson's polarizing style, are seemingly diving into his other HBO project to see what all the fuss was about. It's a case of a successful show acting as a tide that lifts all boats—even those that were previously considered sunk.
A Legacy of Controversy
The Idol's path was rocky from the start. Even before its premiere, reports of behind-the-scenes turmoil and creative shifts swirled. Its debut at the Cannes Film Festival was met with bewildered and negative reactions, setting the tone for its public reception. Levinson had boldly proclaimed it would be "the show of the summer," but instead, it became a case study in a high-profile misfire. The story of a pop star's complex relationship with a nightclub owner failed to resonate, with critics calling it an "age-old story about fame" dressed in excessive, unearned provocation.
Despite the backlash, or perhaps because of it, the show has found a new audience. This mirrors other unexpected streaming revivals, like Priyanka Chopra's 'Quantico', proving that in the vast libraries of streaming services, no show is ever truly forgotten.
What This Means for Levinson and HBO
While The Idol's chart return is notable, it's unlikely to change its cancelled status. The show remains a footnote in Levinson's career, overshadowed by the enduring, if also divisive, success of Euphoria. The new season of that teen drama has itself faced a mixed critical response, with some noting a stark tonal shift, as seen in the plunging Rotten Tomatoes score for 'Euphoria' Season 3. However, as evidenced by the massive premiere numbers and the dominant Reddit buzz around 'Euphoria', audience engagement remains sky-high.
The simultaneous success of both shows underscores a modern entertainment truth: compelling viewership and social conversation don't always align with critical acclaim. For HBO Max, having multiple Sam Levinson titles trending is a powerful data point, demonstrating the ongoing draw of his specific, provocative brand of storytelling.
As Euphoria continues its new season run on Sunday nights, it will be fascinating to see if The Idol maintains its unlikely position in the top ten. For now, the most-hated HBO series of 2023 is enjoying a completely unexpected—and utterly ironic—moment in the spotlight once again.
