HBO on fence if it wants to make it in America again

HBO hasn't decided if "How to Make It in America" will make it to a second season.

The show, which wrapped up its eight-episode run Sunday night, follows a group of 20-something New Yorkers trying to make it their mark in the fashion and design worlds. Described as either "Sex and the City" for the bridge and tunnel crowd or what would have happened to "Entourage's" Vinnie and Eric if they never left Queens, "How to Make It In America" has struggled to find an audience.

The first seven episodes of "How to Make It in America" averaged fewer than 1 million viewers on its Sunday night run. Even for a pay cable channel such as HBO that does not count on ratings as much as commercial TV networks, that is a small number. If one factors in viewing for episodes of the show from HBO on-demand, digital video recorders and repeat airings, the figure grows to just under 3 million.

From Mark Wahlberg, whose production company also makes "Entourage" and "In Treatment," HBO insiders say the show has been tracking well with younger viewers. However, that may not be enough to ensure a second season. While the pay cable channel has often carried shows for several seasons that have strong critical acclaim but small audiences such as David Simon's "The Wire," "How to Make It in America" has not attained that feverish devotion of so many other HBO shows.

But the Wahlberg connection may be enough to buy it a second season. The executive producers -- Stephen Levinson and Rob Weiss -- are going to be discussing a second season with creator Ian Edelman and then will make their case to HBO.

In the show's favor is that it is not expensive. Furthermore, HBO rarely gives up on a show after just one season. Even "Mind of the Married Man" got a sophomore year.

-- Joe Flint

Photo: HBO's "How to Make in America." Credit: Eric Liebowitz / Associated Press.

Comments

[joleen]

this show is bad.....needs to be canned for good

[Steve]

This show is awesome.....it would be a crime to not pick this up fora second season

[Jon Matrix]

This show was made ten years too late. It really has to be a parody by now of the "hipster culture". I mean look at that ridiculous fauxhemian T-Shirt that guy is wearing in the pic above. Wasn't "E", wearing that shirt in season 1 of Entourage?

[Charlene and Tim]

Do not cancel this show. It was slow in the beginning but, was starting to pick up in the end....give the characters and storylines a chance to grow.

[Jon Matrix]

This is a horrible show. Why won't you post my comments?

[Eddie]

im a fellow new Yorker and aspiring writer, this show has giving me new ways to introduce my writing. it be a damn shame if it didn't continue.

[randy f.]

one of the best new shows in a year.
the music was especially good.

frankly, HBO's model is off if the yhave to decide on a show immediately after 8 episodes air. They should be able to decide 6 months from now, after the shows have been repeated enough to get traction.

[joey]

they better have season 2. i love this show.

[Camille in Slovenia]

If you'd asked me before this finale, I woulda said just cancel it, but now I hope they renew. Not for the dry-as-a-bone and charisma-deficient Ben Greenberg (what a horribly casting choice) or the angsty one-note Lake Bell, but for all the supporting actors. How good was Victor Rasuk in this episode? Luiz Guzman? Eddie Kaye Thomas? Those dudes are CHARMING. Even Kid Cudi brought a smile to my face. If HBO does cancel this show, they should only do it on the condition that they are going to take all the great actors from this project, trim off the totally unnecessary and flavorless fat (Bryan Greenberg, Shannyn Sossaman, Lake Bell) and develop something truly good.

[Jennifer]

This show is really good. It shows the reality of what you have to go through if you really want to make it in America. For myself, it shows me that it is possible to obtain my goals

[Brad]

Please, PLEASE, renew this show for another season. One of HBO's finer shows. I am a huge fan and cannot wait for a 2nd season. MAKE IT HAPPEN!

[david hunter]

I love this show!!! It is just what we Americans need in a time when people are feeling down in out about work. This show can give people inspiration to be creative and get out there and start the business they have always wanted.

[Big C]

this show is a good example of a show that has unbelievible potential that has yet to find it's niche or core audience. if your 18-30 yrs old it speaks to desire to make something out of life in this world of chaos we live in. greenberg is playing to that guy who has potential but has so many hang ups and baggage he can't see how bright the future is and rasuk is that guy we all know and want to be, slick, street smart and never say die attitude. this show will be a success it just has to stay true to the city, have a story to tell and stay out of it's own way. Loved every minute of it.

[mmmara]

show is so great...really captures the essence of grinding it out in NY. the characters, scenery, issues are all real and gritty. love it.

[JAKE]

By all means let's let the "Wahlberg' connection be the deciding factor.
And you wonder why it's hard for something good to get a shot?

[big aristotle]

My sister asked me to watch this show. She says it reminds her of me. I currently suspended by studies to start a businesses in assisting local businesses market themselves efficiently online. I also happen to be working in a retail store part-time as I do this. Art imitating life...haha, who knows.

[big aristotle]

Oh..ya, It is also really good. Although early on, it didn't have me wanting more life entourage did, but by episode 4, I started to get that. Can't wait for season 2.

[Michael Brown]

I absolutely love this show and I hope HBO renews it. But I was telling my friends weeks ago that I wouldn't be surprised if HBO cancells it because it's so New York that it would probably only appeal to those in the tri-state area. Great show and HBO needs to give it a second season.

[Pierce]

This is an awesome show. I just blew thru the 8 episodes
this morning and I need to see more! Definitely has a wahlberg flair to it.

[Drew]

Dump this show and bring back "Deadwood" ;)

[TC]

They better do something about making that second season! After watching all of the Entourage seasons a minimum of four times thru.... I got siked up about How to make it...

I believe in heavy marketing. People cant watch what they dont see! I found out about the show thru California Apparel news letters. Aside from the point..... Make the 2nd SEASON!!!! Totally worth every penny.... Do your thing Mark and make it happen!!!! Love your work :)

[Tom]

Great show. I personally think lake bell (total butherface) and find someone hotter for Greenberg. Rasuk and Greenberg are a good pair, i think greenbergs dryness makes him seem like a cooler guy. Plus if they cancel this we will never see CuDi act again.

[Jon A.]

Freakin love this show!!!!

Can't wait for the second season.

[F2k8]

I love this show, it gives me a beautiful view of America, Im from the UK and most people hate America but I just simply love America!

This show really did entertain me every Monday night!

[charmaine]

I love this show!!! I'm so glad it's staying...I wish people would stop comparing it to Entourage
Its also great to watch a show that's actually on location...Did I say I love it???