How To Make It In America: What the Show Was About
How To Make It In America was a drama series created by LeBron James and produced by Mark Wahlberg that aired on HBO from 2010 to 2011. The show followed two aspiring entrepreneurs, Ben (Bryan Greenberg) and Cam (Victor Rasuk), as they navigated the fast‑paced world of New York City’s fashion and street‑wear scene. Each episode combined gritty realism with a hip‑hop soundtrack, aiming to portray the modern “American Dream” from the perspective of young hustlers trying to break into the industry.
Critical Reception and Fan Response
When the series premiered, critics praised its stylish cinematography, authentic dialogue, and the chemistry between Greenberg and Rasuk. Reviewers highlighted the show’s willingness to explore the economic realities of millennials, noting that it felt “more honest than many network dramas.” Fans responded positively on social media, often quoting the series’ catch‑phrase “You can make it if you want to.”
- Rotten Tomatoes: 71% fresh
- Metacritic: 68/100
- Strong online fan communities on Twitter and Reddit
Ratings and Viewership Trends
Despite critical acclaim, the series struggled to attract a large live audience. The first season averaged roughly 800,000 viewers per episode, while the second season’s numbers fell to about 500,000. In the era before streaming dominated, HBO relied heavily on live ratings and subscription growth to justify renewals. The modest viewership made it difficult for the network to justify a third season.
Why Was How To Make It In America Cancelled?
Several factors contributed to the decision to end the series after two seasons:
- Low Live Ratings – As mentioned, the show did not meet HBO’s internal benchmarks for live viewership, which affected advertising and subscriber acquisition metrics.
- High Production Costs – Filming on location in Manhattan, securing fashion‑industry consultants, and using a large ensemble cast increased the budget per episode. When ratings dip, high costs become a liability.
- Network Programming Strategy – In 2012 HBO shifted focus toward limited‑run series and prestige dramas that could generate buzz quickly. “How To Make It In America” was a serialized, multi‑season narrative that didn’t align with the new strategy.
- Creative Direction – Interviews with the creators, including a recent appearance on Ebro In The Morning with Bryan Greenberg and Victor Rasuk, revealed that the writers felt the story had reached a natural conclusion after two seasons. They preferred to end on a high note rather than stretch the premise.
