HBO gets hustling in ‘How to Make it’

By Guy D’Astolfo

New York City provides the canvas and the entrepreneurial spirit for “How to Make it in America,” the new HBO drama that premieres at 10 p.m. Sunday.

The series follows Ben and Cam, two likeable, Brooklyn 20-somethings who are hustling to get rich. Played by Bryan Greenberg and Victor Rasuk, the two street-smart best friends are on the fringe of the fashion industry, although they usually wind up substituting boldness for market knowledge.

In the first four episodes, they peddle skateboard decks, jeans and art, while trying to keep Cam’s gangster cousin (played by Luis Guzman) — to whom they owe money — off their back.

Can Ben and Cam pull off their long-shot dreams? It doesn’t matter. “How to Make It” is all about the small successes and setbacks they encounter on the journey.

Each half-hour episode only teases at the depth of the source material. There is a lot to explore, and at 30-minute increments, it’s going to take a long time.

As a result, each episode seems to end too quickly. It might be more satisfying to record two or three and watch them all at once.

Ben and Cam’s schemes occasionally necessitate dealing with some nefarious characters. But “How to Make It” does not delve into violence or criminality (much).

It’s buoyant, hip and fun but doesn’t linger on any scene long enough to get heavy.

A really good hip-hop soundtrack sets the tone, and the action is never far from the city’s vibrant streets.

The series also stars rapper Kid Cudi as Ben and Cam’s well-connected friend.

The HBO exclusive is executive produced by Stephen Levinson, Rob Weiss, series creator Ian Edelman, director Julian Farino, Jada Miranda and Mark Wahlberg.