In a new cover story interview with 'Variety,' The Weeknd also opened up about how it contributed to his forthcoming album 'Hurry Up Tomorrow.'

The Weeknd AKA Abel Tesfaye is reflecting on the tumultuous production and controversial reception to “ The Idol .” The 2023 HBO series starred Tesfaye as a sleazy club owner turned music manager who becomes entangled in the life of a pop star (Lily-Rose Depp). Sam Levinson co-created the series with Tesfaye.

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.

The Grammy winner acknowledged that he loved "reading criticism" of the controversial show — even if "some of it didn't feel constructive"