Series synopsis
How to Make It in America is an American drama comedy television series that premiered on HBO on February 14, 2010. It ended on November 20, 2011. It was created by Ian Edelman. It stars Bryan Greenberg, Victor Rasuk, Lake Bell and Eddie Kaye Thomas.
Trying to make a name for themselves in New York's competitive fashion scene, Ben Epstein and his friend and business partner Cam Calderon use their street knowledge and connections to bring their ambitions to fruition. With the help of Cam's cousin Rene, who is trying to market his own high-energy drink, and their well-connected friend Domingo, the burgeoning entrepreneurs set out to make it big, encountering obstacles along the way that will require all their ingenuity to overcome.
Premise
Trying to make a name for themselves in New York's competitive fashion scene, Ben Epstein and his friend and business partner Cam Calderon use their street knowledge and connections to bring their ambitions to fruition. With the help of Cam's cousin Rene, who is trying to market his own high-energy drink, and their well-connected friend Domingo, the burgeoning entrepreneurs set out to make it big, encountering obstacles along the way that will require all their ingenuity to overcome.
Premise: Dream big or go home.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Bryan Greenberg as Ben Epstein
- Victor Rasuk as Cameron 'Cam' Calderon
- Lake Bell as Rachel Chapman
- Eddie Kaye Thomas as David 'Kappo' Kaplan
- Shannyn Sossamon as Gingy Wu
- Kid Cudi as Domingo Brown
- Luis Guzmán as Rene Calderon
- Edgar Garcia as Eddie
Supporting cast
- Nick Chinlund as Yosi
- Andrea Navedo as Debbie Dominguez
- Tuffy Questell as Jabar
- Nicole LaLiberte as Lulu
Guest cast
- Martha Plimpton
- Michael Carbonaro
- Joanna Gleason
- Richard Portnow
- Eddie Marrero
- Samaire Armstrong as Jane
- Jason Pendergraft as Darren Hall
- Miriam Colon as Cam's Grandma
- Cobie Smulders as Hayley (uncredited)
- Joy Suprano as Christen
- Margarita Levieva as Julie
- Jonathan Bender as Student
Episodes
This series spans 2 seasons with 16 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 8 | February 14, 2010 | April 4, 2010 |
| Season 2 | 8 | October 2, 2011 | November 20, 2011 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Pilot Brooklynites Ben and Cam decide to use their entrepreneurial skills to get a hold of some quick cash to pay back a loan. Also, Ben's ex-girlfriend decides to finally move on from Ben. |
February 14, 2010 |
| 2 |
Crisp Ben and Cam find themselves in debt again to Rene and search for investors to get their jean line off and running. Later, Ben meets with Rachel to discuss their latest encounter. |
February 21, 2010 |
| 3 |
Paper, Denim & Dollars Rene tries to buy out his marketing partners. Rachel rethinks her future when she sees Ben. Ben and Cam work on finding a tailor for their denim business. |
February 28, 2010 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
I'm Good Ben and Cam look for a way to market their CRISP attire in New York after a promising debut in Tokyo. Meanwhile, Rene's new Rasta Monsta billboard is a hit with everyone except his girlfriend; and Rachel returns from a soul-searching trip abroad, but she's still not over Ben. |
October 2, 2011 |
| 2 |
In or Out Ben and Cam are stuck between two sales reps and a hard place; Rene leans on a client; Rachel lands a new job at Biscuit magazine, and lights up with Domingo. |
October 9, 2011 |
| 3 |
Money, Power, Private School CRISP lands a promising but unpaid gig; Rachel gives Ben a lavish gift; Cam raises money for a river-view apartment; Rene shoots a Rasta Monsta viral video. |
October 16, 2011 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | HBO |
|---|---|
| First aired | February 14, 2010 |
| Last aired | November 20, 2011 |
| Status | canceled |
| Schedule | Sunday at 22:30:00 |