How To Make It In America Gone Too Soon

 

This past weekend marked 15 years since a hidden gem on HBO debuted How To Make It In America. The show was one of those very under the radar gritty type shows that catered to a specific audience, with the most famous cast members being the guy who bagged Stifler's Mom in American Pie in Eddie Kaye Thomas, Luis Guzman who is one of those actors you see in movies and go oh him. And lastly rapper Kid Cudi, and the funny thing is these actors all played supporting roles. Two guys you likely never heard of in Bryan Greenberg and Victor Rasuk led the cast.

Set in New York City the series followed Greenberg's character Ben who is one of those guys who can't get out of his own way, he's an artist and is floating through life. Then there's his buddy Cam played by Rasuk, who is another guy floating through life hopping from one hustle to another. After a series of events that lead them to realize things aren't going right, they decide to start a clothing line focusing on jeans inspired by the 1970's that they dubbed Crisp.

What followed in subsequent episodes was a story of friendship, entrepreneurship, drive, hope, and the hustle needed to be successful. It was a relevant commentary on life in the 2010's and the young millennial drive to bet oneself and make something happen. The main characters were ambitious and yet naive, and at times in over their heads but didn't quit. 

The story, the characters and the vibe of the show made you care, but after season 2 ended on a high not both for the characters and the show with things looking on the up and up. HBO decided to unceremoniously cancel the show. And just like that everything it built was gone.

Now 15 years later the show is still relevant, maybe more than ever. Fashion sense and style is probably more ingrained in pop culture more than ever. During the show's run facebook was the most active social media app, now we have instagram and tik tok and the rise of influencers. Social Media influencers have 3 traits the show touched on, entrepreneur spirit, creativity, and the hustle. Most people want to be influencers yet don't know about the hustle and the brand awareness you need to build on your own before getting to that status. They have found a new way to make it in America.

Since the series debut it truly has gotten harder to survive in America, let alone make it. So you need that inspiration to help you push forward when life seems like you're constantly hitting a wall. In just two short season's this hidden gem may have been ahead of it's time and yet has left a profound impact on anyone who has seen it. It truly was gone too soon.