The Idol, starring Lily-Rose Depp and The Weeknd, has already drawn a lot of controversy ahead of its release.
The highly anticipated HBO show has been heavily described as "torture porn" which was created by a "toxic man", while a damning Rolling Stones report in March described the behind-the-scenes filming for the show as something which went "wildly, disgustingly off the rails".
Now, with the official release just days away, the Sam Levinson-directed drama has continued to rake in criticism, with reviewers heavily slamming the show.
Critics were not too happy after watching the show, which had its premiere at last month's Cannes Film Festival, which usually debuts high-anticipated films from the world's greatest directors.
Reviewers did not hold back as they labelled the show, which holds a low 25 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, "nasty" and "vulgar".
Globe and Mail wrote: "It's downright queasy how Levinson continues to make content, which purports to be about how women are preyed upon, about himself, where his cast become props who either defend his voyeurism or are subjected to it.
TIME Magazine said: "The Idol only pretends to expose exploitation, while actually reveling in it..."
Showbiz 411 also did not hold back, adding: "The Idol" is grim, gross, and vulgar. It's full of preposterous recycled ideas and pornish sex that would be at home on HBO's Cinemax, not the main HBO which we know loves Emmy awards."
Rolling Stone added: "Nasty, brutish, [feels] much longer than it is, and way, way worse than you'd have anticipated."
The Daily Telegraph noted that the show had no saving grace, writing: "Even the music is dreadful."
Collider wrote: "What Levinson perceives as provocative and subversive is rather underwhelming. How can a show with so much nudity, sex, and eroticism be so bland?"
Despite the ongoing criticism, The Idol's star Lily-Rose has defended the show's director Sam.
"Sam is, for so many reasons, the best director I have ever worked with. Never have I felt more supported or respected in a creative space, my input and opinions more valued.
"Working with Sam is a true collaboration in every way—it matters to him, more than anything, not only what his actors think about the work, but how we feel performing it," she told E! News.
Addressing the toxic workplace environment, HBO said in a statement: "In a statement, HBO said: "The creators and producers of The Idol have been working hard to create one of HBO's most exciting and provocative original programmes.
"The initial approach on the show and production of the early episodes, unfortunately, did not meet HBO standards, so we chose to make a change.
They concluded, "Throughout the process, the creative team has been committed to creating a safe, collaborative and mutually respectful working environment.
"Last year, the team made creative changes they felt were in the best interest of both the production and the cast and crew. We look forward to sharing The Idol with audiences soon."
The Idol will premiere on June 4 on HBO and the following day on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV in the UK.
