Set against the backdrop of the music industry, the drama centers on a self-help guru and leader of a modern-day cult, who develops a complicated relationship with an up-and-coming pop idol.
In addition to The Weeknd, the drama will star Lily-Rose Depp, Suzanna Son, Steve Zissis and Troye Sivan.
Recurring guest stars will include Anne Heche, Melanie Liburd, Tunde Adebimpe, Elizabeth Berkley Lauren and Nico Hiraga.
The Weeknd co-created the drama with Sam Levinson and Reza Fahim. They will executive produce with Joe Epstein, Kevin Turen, Ashley Levinson, Nick Hall, Sara E. White, Aaron Gilbert and director Amy Seimetz. A24 and Bron Studios will produce.
"When the multi-talented Abel 'The Weeknd' Tesfaye, Rez Fahim and Sam Levinson brought us The Idol, it was clear their subversive revelatory take on the cult of the music industry was unlike anything HBO had ever done before," said Francesa Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming. "Shortly after, the brilliant duo of Joe Epstein and Amy Seimetz joined forces with the rest of the team, and this dream became a reality."
