After weeks of negative reviews from critics, The Idol also did not fare well with the general public after its release on Sunday 4 June.
The Sam Levinson-directed drama series, which premiered on HBO and Sky Atlantic, sees Lily-Rose Depp star as a glamorous but troubled pop star named Jocelyn, while musician The Weeknd plays the part of a slimy cult leader.
And after the first episode dropped, the series billed as the "sleaziest love story in all of Hollywood" continued to rake in criticism for its graphic sex scenes, as well as backlash directed at its lead character Jocelyn.
Viewers couldn't help but notice how many times Jocelyn smoked a cigarette during the episode. In particular, people were particularly disgusted over her smoking while in a sauna.
"Wait…she got a cigarette *AND* wearing sneakers inside the sauna?? #THEIDOL," one shocked viewer asked, while another added: "Smoking a cigarette in a sauna is crazy #THEIDOL."
A third added: "Just watched #theidol and all I can say is smoking a cigarette in a sauna is insane." Soemone else echoed: "Ain't no way this girl smoking in a sauna #THEIDOL."
Jocelyn's smoking habits were also widely mocked and given the meme treatment on social media.
"#THEIDOL Drinking game: take a shot every time Jocelyn smokes a cigarette," said one person. Another wrote: "6 cigarettes in one episode. sis was stressed. #THEIDOL," while a third added: "You would think The Idol was a cigarette commercial the way Jocelyn couldn't do anything without smoking."
The official launch of the first episode comes after months of criticism directed at the show, which has since been described as twisted "torture porn".
Recently, it was revealed that when Sam took over as director of the series from Amy Seimetz last year, he scrapped, rewrote and reshot the nearly-finished $54-75 million project.
Some believe that his input weakened the show's overarching message as he decided to dial up the disturbing sexual content and nudity to rival his Euphoria success.
One insider told Rolling Stone: "What I signed up for was a dark satire of fame and the fame model in the 21st century."
However, they claimed: "It went from satire to the thing it was satirizing."
Other sources added their thoughts, saying: "It was like any rape fantasy that any toxic man would have in the show — and then the woman comes back for more because it makes her music better."
However, despite some less-than-positive comments, Depp insisted Levinson was "the best director" she has worked with to date and explained to the publication how she felt her opinions were "more valued".
The Idol will continue to air every Sunday on HBO and the following day on Sky Atlantic for UK viewers.
