Pleasurable, amusing, well conceived and written, though perhaps just a little shy on character development (New York excepted). Give this one time - these guys feel like they're worth getting to know, and the show as well.

The authentic New York locales and voices really make this new half-hour dramedy fly.

I think How to Make It in America has a lot going for it, if show creator Ian Edelman can keep from indulging in New York hipster cliches.

How To Make It delivers a conventional story with uncommon panache. It’s fun, especially for guys, but it’s aiming for boutique liquor and only tastes like high-end latte.

There isn't much of a story, though. The best thing is the terrific song in the opening credits: Aloe Blacc's "I Need a Dollar." It has the sort of itchy desperation that should have driven the whole show.

The show isn’t as self-important and whiny as Hung, or as precious and smug as Bored to Death, or as repulsive as Eastbound and Down (to name a few of HBO’s recent comedy misfires, all of which were renewed). Sadly, this one’s just a bit threadbare.

Rather than art re-creating and explicating reality, How to is art mimicking reality shows, with all their annoyances and posing.

I just discovered this show yesterday and watched all 8 episodes from beginning to end and was craving more. I didn't notice Mark Wahlberg's attachment 'til the 4th episode, I don't like seeing credits until a few episodes in so I don't have a bias when I start a new show. I didn't once get an Entourage vibe from it, and I'm an avid Entourage fan. I actually found this more tasteful for the audience, drugs and sex aren't blasted in your face as most shows aiming towards the youth of today. The main characters Ben and Cam start from nothing, and only have some extra cash to their names in the end of the first season. They're both hustlers like everyone else in the world trying to sell themselves, just because they're hustlers doesn't make it wrong. Martha Plimpton's character Edie even states "There's no right or wrong way to make it in the world of today". Especially in a show set in today's economic world. The show has under tones of different themes in the world today, such as outsourcing in markets around the world, and branching and branding away from the home-front. I myself am a 23yr old Canadian, and found this very relatable growing up in Vancouver and pushing myself today to make something of my life. Because of how rapidly youth is progressing today and what we're exposed to, there is a larger gap in understanding between us and the older generation which is why this show could have a short-coming as it appeals to young entrepreneurs of today who aren't given a voice because we are a coddled generation trying to break free. This show should be given a chance to prove itself as the youth of today should be too. I'm recommending this show to everyone I know.

love how to make it in america! it has a fantastic visual style! i also like the music! story is great and the characters and their actors very convincing! and i can't wait for season two to air!!

Luckily I'm still young and ex-art school student enough to enjoy this show. It's a shame that its third season was cancelled but it is understandable because the target audience is very specific and small.

I really like the show's atmosphere: the visual style, the soundtrack, the New York scenery. All of it. I also like that it is kind of slow paced (fortunately it's airing on HBO or else it would get axed). I find the characters easy to relate to. You feel their desire to make their way in the big city, the moments of self-doubt, the questioning, the ups and downs in friendship. Anyway I guess it's not for everyone but at least I enjoyed it. Season 2 just ended and I can't wait to see season 3.

I like the Dominican aspect of the pilot, but I think the lead character is meh. Wahlberg is trying to portray ordinary Americans instead of stars (Entourage). This takes much more skill as the audience must connect with the characters. I do not think Americans will develop a fondness for the characters, and I think the show will not last long.