BLACKPINK’s Jennie’s acting debut in the HBO drama series “The Idol” is coming to an early end, surprising U.S. media outlets. Originally planned as a six-part series, it has been announced that the fifth episode will serve as the season finale, titled “Jocelyn Forever,” airing on July 2.

The decision to wrap up the series ahead of schedule has raised questions, with sources suggesting that the storyline underwent significant changes after Sam Levinson’s involvement. Levinson, known for his work on the popular teen drama series “Euphoria,” took over the directorial role from Amy Seimetz and collaborated on the project with the Weeknd (Tesfaye) and Reza Fahim.

The future of “The Idol” beyond its first season remains uncertain. While initial reports claimed that the show had been canceled for a second season, HBO denied this speculation on Twitter, stating that no decision had been made yet and expressing excitement for the upcoming episode.

“The Idol,” which premiered in June, centers around Jocelyn (played by Lily-Rose Depp), a pop idol striving to revive her career after a breakdown. Her journey intertwines with Tedros (portrayed by the Weeknd or Tesfaye), a mysterious club owner in Los Angeles, resulting in a complex relationship.

In the series, Jennie portrays Dyanne, one of Jocelyn’s backup dancers. Her involvement in “The Idol” even allowed her to attend official screening schedules at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in May, generating heightened anticipation among fans. 

However, the show has faced criticism for explicit sex scenes and has received modest viewership ratings, with some viewers finding the storyline lacking depth. However, its soundtrack continues to trend, with “One of the Girls” debuting as no. 1 on the charts, according to chart data. 

Featured Image Credit: HBO “The Idol”