Premiere: HBO’s “How To Make It In America”

By our guest blogger, Gabrielle Corrado

On Tuesday, February 2, I had the pleasure of attending a screening of HBO’s latest show, “How To Make It In America.” Set to premiere on February 14, there’s a ton of buzz surrounding the show, and with good reason. Creator and first-time writer Ian Edelman is collaborating with Rob Weiss (writer for “Entourage”) and Mark Wahlberg (also of “Entourage”), who is an executive producer of the show.

“How To Make It In America” follows two scheming twentysomethings from Brooklyn trying to make a name for themselves in the Big Apple. Bryan Greenberg plays the lovable but down-on-his-luck Ben, and Victor Rasuk stars as his street smart, hustling business partner Cam. Ben and Cam are trying to break into the trendy New York City fashion scene but can’t seem to get both feet in the door-- while they attend the parties and the gallery openings and such, they do so as outsiders and both men are certain that their big break is still yet to come.

The show also features the hilarious Luis Guzman as Rene, Cam’s troublemaker older cousin, who has just been released from prison, and hip-hop superstar Kid Cudi as Domingo, the rich, well-connected friend of Cam and Ben. Additionally, the supporting cast includes Lake Bell as Rachel, Ben’s ex-girlfriend and “the one who got away”; Shannyn Sossamon as Gingy, Ben and Cam’s wise hipster friend; and Eddie Kaye Thomas as David, Ben’s high school classmate turned successful businessman.

While I do see why some critics are quick to label “How To Make It In America” as the East Coast answer to “Entourage,” I think viewers will be equally surprised and captivated by how dissimilar it is. I, for one, enjoyed the screening and am particularly fond of Ben--and not just because he works at Barney’s. I found his character to be exceedingly endearing and think he is the perfect foil for Cam. Additionally, I really loved the show’s sountrack, featuring music from Kid Cudi (naturally) and Brooklyn-based Japanther.

Despite the show’s many positive attributes, it’s tough to guess whether it will be as popular as its West Coast counterpart. A main concern is the question of who, exactly, is the target audience? Will starving Williamsburg artists and high-rolling, middle-aged Manhattan businessmen alike watch the show?

Only time will tell if “How To Make It In America” actually fulfills its title.

View the trailer for HBO's "How To Make It In America" below. What are your thoughts?