7.8 /10 1 Votes
65% Rotten Tomatoes Created by Ian Edelman Original language(s) English First episode date 14 February 2010 Network HBO | 8/10 IMDb 8.6/10 TV Country of origin United States No. of seasons 2 Theme song I Need a Dollar | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Starring Bryan Greenberg
Victor Rasuk
Scott Mescudi
Lake Bell
Luis Guzmán
Eddie Kaye Thomas
Shannyn Sossamon Opening theme "I Need a Dollar" by Aloe Blacc Cast Lake Bell, Bryan Greenberg, Kid Cudi, Victor Rasuk, Luis Guzmán | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
How to Make It in America is an American comedy-drama television series that ran on HBO from February 14, 2010, to November 20, 2011. The series follows the lives of Ben Epstein (Bryan Greenberg) and his friend Cam Calderon (Victor Rasuk) as they try to succeed in New York City's fashion scene. The show's second season premiered on October 2, 2011.
Contents
On December 20, 2011, HBO announced the cancellation of the show citing failure to generate a large audience and buzz. Executive producer Mark Wahlberg expressed hope in an interview for GQ magazine in January 2012 that the show would return on another network.
Plot
How to Make it in America followed two enterprising twenty-somethings hustling their way through New York City's fashion scene, determined to achieve their vision of the American Dream. Trying to make a name for themselves in the city's competitive fashion scene, Ben Epstein and his friend and business partner Cam Calderon use their street knowledge and connections to make their way up. With the help of their well-connected friend Domingo and Cam's cousin Rene, the burgeoning entrepreneurs set out to make it big. They experience success and challenges.
Main cast
Production
Ian Edelman wrote the pilot, which the Entourage crew of Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, Rob Weiss and Julian Farino executive produced. Edelman and Jada Miranda were also executive producers. "This show is a fun ride through the downtown scene, examining the cross section of people and how they relate to the relevant subcultures in NYC," Weiss, who was executive producing the pilot, told the Hollywood Reporter.
HBO made a free early online-only premiere available on various video sites including iTunes and YouTube. Season 2 premiered on HBO on October 2, 2011.
Title sequence
The opening title sequence was created by Isaac Lobe and directing duo Josh & Xander and produced by @radical.media. The theme song, "I Need a Dollar", was performed by Aloe Blacc of Stones Throw Records. Shot in New York City, the sequence comprises a video and photography montage, bringing together the show's underlying themes of "grit, hunger, ambition, the multicultural whirl of New York and the culture-transcending pursuit of the almighty dollar".
Reception
The first season received mixed reviews. It currently has a score of 59/100 on review aggregator Metacritic. David Hinkley of the New York Daily News gave the show a positive review, giving the show 4/5 stars, and calling it a "winner". Brian Lowry of Variety was doubtful of the series, stating "barring a dramatic leap in quality" it probably wouldn't last on pay cable. Mark Perigard of the Boston Herald wrote critically, saying "this sad sack of a show plays like an East Coast, economically challenged version of his HBO hit Entourage.” Randee Dawn of The Hollywood Reporter said the show "isn't as textured and riveting as it thinks it is". Other reviews, however, favored the show in comparison to Entourage.
The second season did not get much positive reception on Metacritic and currently does not hold a Metascore because of lack of enough reviews (However the only two existing reviews are positive). Maureen Ryan of Huffington Post wrote the show has "a little more discipline and focus than they did in season 1." Phillip Maciak of Slant Magazine also added that the show is "anchored by gorgeous production design and the pop naturalism of its performances, How to Make It in America dramatizes this particular cultural moment with uncommon style and a little grace as well."