How to Make It in America: A Retrospective on the HBO Show
The HBO series How to Make It in America asked a question that resonates with dreamers everywhere: how exactly do you make it? Premiering in 2010, the show followed the lives of two friends in New York City as they navigated ambition, reinvention, and the gritty pursuit of success. Though it lasted only two seasons, its honest portrayal of struggle and style earned a lasting cult following.
The Journey of Ben and Cam
The story centers on Ben Epstein (Bryan Greenberg) and his best friend, Cam Calderon (Victor Rasuk). Returning to New York after a failed relationship, Ben moves in with Cam, a charismatic hustler always chasing the next big idea. Together, they try to launch a denim line called Crisp, hoping to build a brand from nothing. Their journey is not glamorous—it involves late-night chaos, dodging debt collectors, and relying on a network of colorful characters.
Among those characters is Domingo (played by Scott "Kid Cudi" Mescudi), a street-smart friend who often delivers unexpected words of wisdom. His presence grounds the show in a realistic view of the city, where talent and luck rarely align neatly. The behind-the-scenes energy of the series, captured in retrospective videos and commentaries from co-star Tommy Taylor Jr., emphasizes how the ensemble cast brought authenticity to the role each character played.
Themes of Ambition and Survival
At its core, How to Make It in America explores the gap between the dream and the daily grind. Ben and Cam represent two sides of ambition: Ben is cautious and grounded, while Cam is impulsive and charismatic. Their bond is tested by financial strain, romantic complications, and the constant pressure to reinvent themselves.
The show also examines the fashion industry from a raw, independent perspective. Unlike the polished runways of Manhattan, the characters operate in a world of wholesale orders, sample sales, and unpaid favors. It celebrates DIY creativity without romanticizing the risks involved. One of the most memorable moments from the series shows Domingo confronting the harsh realities of chasing status, reminding viewers that success
