The dream is over — at least for Ben Epstein and Cam Calderon. HBO has cancelled How to Make It in America after two short seasons on the air.
How to Make It in America follows two 20-somethings (Bryan Greenberg and Victor Rasuk) as they try to hustle their way into New York City’s fashion scene. They’re determined to achieve their version of the American Dream and make a name for themselves in the competitive industry. Others in the series include Scott Mescudi, Lake Bell, Luis Guzman, Eddie Kaye Thomas, and Shannyn Sossamon.
The first season of America attracted an underwhelming 0.3 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 646,000 total viewers. Despite lackluster numbers, HBO renewed the series for another season of eight episodes. This season hasn’t done any better — a 0.3 rating and 534,000 million — so the pay-for-view channel has decided to throw in the towel.
HBO also cancelled low-rated Hung and Bored to Death today as well but renewed freshman comedy Enlightened for a second season. The latter has even worse numbers than America did it seems likely that Enlightened will have to draw more viewers if its to survive to see a third year.
UPDATE: Greenberg tweeted about the cancellation and wrote, “Thanks to @HBO for the 2 seasons of #HowToMakeIt It was a unbelievable experience playing Ben Epstein… Thank you to all of the fans of How To Make It. We aimed to capture the spirit of a generation. Never stop going for your dreams.”
What do you think? Did you watch How to Make It in America? Are you sorry that it’s been cancelled? Why do you think it didn’t catch on?
Image courtesy HBO.
Wow what a shame, finding the show in 2015 and rewatching both seasons in 2020 is the voice of hustlers and dreamer in their 30’s. Not sure how HBO marketed the show but if social media was not used with highlighted trailers especially using Kid Cudi as a teaser or cluck bait then ball dropped, opportunity missed. This should have gone for 3-5 seasons EASY!
Such a shame. I feel that after two seasons, that I came to late, the show was real and painter a great picture of New York life I’m nearly 50 and have spent time in NY and love the cross section of people. This show really showed that dreams are built one step at a time.
Ben and Cal deserve to ride again.
Jay
This was one of the well-done, successful shows, from top to toe: excellent cool actors, excellent screenplay, excellent post-production. I was expecting to be at least 10-15 seasons. WHYYYYYY?! I am so frustrated when I’m seeing something valuable with such a short presence.
I streamed both Season 1 and 2 and was getting into Crisp and the ambitious youngsters. Too bad it’s over 🙁