How To Make It in America Review

March 23rd, 2010

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How To Make It in America is a half-hour long comedy starring an ensemble cast headlined by Bryan Greenberg (One Tree Hill) and Victor Rasuk (Lords of Dogtown), featuring supporting roles by Lake Bell, Shannyn Sossaman, and my future husband, Kid Cudi.

It’s been a while since a TV show made me sit back and say, “Dayummmm”, but with a hot cast, phenomenal music selection, and perhaps one of the most relevant plotlines for our generation – what else can I say?

Oh yeah. You gotta watch it!

Coming from the executive producers of the smash HBO hit ‘Entourage’, ‘How To Make It in America’ is a portrayal of the daily struggles that many of today’s working generation experience, an exploration which allows us a look into various New York subcultures and to gain perspective on it’s raw and unique lifestyles that many strive for.

The plot goes a lil’ something like this: the main character, Ben (Greenberg), is an aspiring fashion designer jaded by the industry who, in the first episode, doesn’t seem to have much going on for him outside of a part-time retail job and a constant lust for his ex-girlfriend, Rachel (Bell). Cue Cam (Rasuk), Ben’s BFF who knows how to take risks, even if it goes against the status quo, who provides Ben with the support he needs to achieve the dream. Together, they decide to pursue a denim design company called Crisp, and thus the chaos of designing, producing, and selling begins – simply, catching THE break. Mix in some romantic issues, professionalism vs. risk taking conflicts, and a few club scenes, and you’ve got yourself a dope show!

The dialogue on the show is blunt and swift, but it’s characteristically New York. Hard-ass bosses, coffee cups, pizza slices and plaid shirts, this show captures the city’s essence, and I gotta say – I want in. One very cool aspect to note is the use of New York-esque stills used throughout episodes that show the inner-city.

A strong ensemble cast playing diverse, likeable characters provides insight into the East Coast culture really drives the show, but Rasuk and Greenberg especially do a great job. The true comedic relief comes from Rachel’s eccentric and trufax talker boss Edie (Martha Plimpton) and Eddie Kaye Thomas who plays Kappo, Ben’s homie from high school and Crisp investor who never truly outgrew his inner high-waisted pants and suspenders nerdling (well, those pants are now filled with a ton of cash and are probably Armani). I, of course, have a severe soft spot for Kid Cudi’s character Domingo, who’s got a super fresh attitude with the right kicks to match … sigh.

Now the show is only in it’s first season and is a little rough around the edges, but it’s got the potential to develop and go far. Do I think it will have to same impact and success as Entourage? Maybe, just considering how relatable it is.

There is no doubt that this show has the potential to make it in America. (And Canada. And England. And many other such places, yee dig??)

You can catch How To Make It in America on HBO Canada on Sundays at 10pm.

Tags: Bryan Greenberg, entourage, How To Make It In America, Kid Cudi, Lake Bell, Lords of Dogtown, One Tree Hill, Shannyn Sossaman, Victor Rasuk