The HBO show about drug dealing is High Maintenance.
This critically acclaimed series explores the lives of various New Yorkers, connected by their interactions with a cannabis dealer known only as "The Guy."
High Maintenance: An HBO Original Series
High Maintenance originated as a popular web series before being picked up by HBO, where it further developed its unique storytelling approach. The show doesn't focus on the dealer's life in a traditional narrative arc but rather uses his deliveries as a gateway into the diverse and often quirky lives of his clients across New York City.
Premise and Unique Structure
The series follows a fluid, episodic structure, often shifting protagonists from one episode to the next. Each installment typically introduces viewers to a new set of characters, offering a brief, intimate glimpse into their routines, relationships, and personal struggles. "The Guy" serves as a consistent, albeit often peripheral, presence, silently observing the human condition as he conducts his business. This approach allows the show to:
- Explore diverse urban lives: From struggling artists to affluent professionals, each character offers a unique perspective on contemporary urban living.
- Showcase the mundane and the profound: The episodes often balance everyday routines with moments of unexpected emotional depth or humor.
- Highlight human connection (and disconnection): Despite the brief encounters, the show often touches on themes of loneliness, community, and the subtle ways people interact.
Key Aspects of the Show
- Genre: Comedy-drama
- Central Character: "The Guy" (Ben Sinclair), a benevolent and observant cannabis deliveryman.
- Setting: Various neighborhoods and subcultures within New York City.
- Themes: Urban isolation, community, modern relationships, mental health, and the varied experiences of city dwellers.
Why It Fits "Drug Dealing"
While "The Guy" is a drug dealer, the show rarely focuses on the illicit aspects of his trade. Instead, the act of delivering cannabis is merely a vehicle through which the series explores a broader tapestry of human experiences. It delves into why people use cannabis and who they are, rather than the mechanics or dangers of drug dealing itself. This makes it a nuanced portrayal that transcends typical crime dramas about the drug trade.
Quick Facts Table:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Title | High Maintenance |
| Network | HBO |
| Genre | Comedy-drama |
| Protagonist | "The Guy" (a cannabis deliveryman) |
| Setting | New York City |
| Focus | Vignettes of diverse lives connected by drug delivery |
| Seasons | 4 (3 on HBO, preceded by its web series iteration) |
For more information, you can visit the official HBO website for High Maintenance, which details its episodes, cast, and creative team.
