HBO has ordered a drama series co-created by Toronto-raised pop star Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, with him and Aaron L. Gilbert of Vancouver-based Bron Studios among the executive producers.

The U.S. network says Amy Seimetz (The Girlfriend Experience) will also serve as an executive producer and direct all episodes of The Idol, about a self-help guru and cult leader who develops a complicated relationship with an up-and-coming pop artist.

Tesfaye, who co-created the series with Sam Levinson (Euphoria) and Reza Fahim, also stars alongside Lily-Rose Depp (Silent Night).

Production will take place in and around Los Angeles.

Other executive producers include Levinson, Fahim, Joe Epstein, Kevin Turen, Ashley Levinson, Nick Hall, Sara E. White and A24.

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