Vinyl

Network: HBO
Episodes: 10 (hour)
Seasons: One

TV show dates: February 14, 2016 — April 17, 2016
Series status: Cancelled

Performers include: Bobby Cannavale, Olivia Wilde, Ray Romano, Ato Essandoh, Max Casella, P.J. Byrne, J.C. MacKenzie, Birgitte Hjort Sørensen, Juno Temple, Jack Quaid, James Jagger, and Paul Ben-Victor.

TV show description:      
This drama series is set in New York in the 1970s and revolves around the music business of that era — a time of sex and drugs, at the dawn of punk, disco, and hip-hop.

The founder and president of American Century Records, Richie Finestra (Bobby Cannavale) once had a passion for music and discovering talent but that’s gone by the wayside. With American Century on the precipice of being sold, Richie has a life-altering event that reignites his love of music, causing severe damage to his personal life.

His wife is former actress and model Devon Finestra (Olivia Wilde). She was part of Andy Warhol’s Factory scene in New York City in the 1960’s. Now a mother of two and living in the suburbs, Richie’s personal and professional crisis causes strain on their relationship, propelling a desire for her to return to her Bohemian roots.

Head of Promotions and a partner at American Century, Zak Yankovich’s (Ray Romano) experience and hundred dollar handshakes within the industry make him an invaluable part of the company. In Richie’s shadow, their professional relationship is strained, due to disagreements on how to guide the company through the changing music landscape of 1973.

Richie first signed musician Lester Grimes (Ato Essandoh) in the early 1960’s. He once possessed a powerful singing voice and virtuoso guitar skills.Ha ving parted ways after a business disagreement, a chance encounter in the South Bronx reignites their decade old feud.

Nurturing, with an explosive temper and an encyclopedic knowledge of music, Julius “Julie” Silver (Max Casella) is the Head of A&R at American Century. He struggles to stay hip and relevant in the young man’s game of rock ‘n roll.

Company Attorney and a junior partner at American Century, Scott Levitt’s (P.J. Byrne) legal maneuvering and abrasive personality continually test Richie’s patience. He’s culturally adventurous in his personal life. Professionally, Scott wants to transition to A&R, but lacks an ear for spotting talent.

Head of Sales and partner at American Century, Skip Fontaine’s (J.C. MacKenzie) savvy and (sometimes questionable) business practices always inflate American Century’s profits. They also put some money in his pocket along the way.

Jamie Vine (Juno Temple) is an ambitious assistant in the A&R Department of American Century. She uses her keen abilities to blend into the various subcultures of the New York music scene. Her goal is to break through the glass ceiling and get ahead at the record label.

A graduate of Yale, Clark Morelle (Jack Quaid) is a junior A&R executive with misguided ambition. He struggles for a foothold in the competitive environment of American Century.

British import Kip Stevens (James Jagger) is the founder and lead singer of The Nasty Bits, a raw rock band formed in New York City. Kip’s desire for the Nasty Bits to succeed, and hostile attitude towards record executives trying to clean their image, are continually at odds with Richie and the American Century staff.

Maury Gold (Paul Ben-Victor) is Richie’s mentor and the owner of Rondelay Records (whose silent partner is New York mob boss, Corrado Galasso). Maury’s charm is matched with his ability to be brutally unsentimental when it comes to artists.

A member of Andy Warhol’s Factory scene in the 1960’s, Danish born Ingrid (Birgitte Hjort Sørensen) is a former friend of Devon and Richie. She remains part of the vibrant artistic scene of 1970’s New York City, visiting the trendiest art galleries and nightclubs.

What do you think? Do you like the Vinyl TV show? Do you think it should have been cancelled or continued for a second season?