The BEST Episodes of How to Make It in America
Every episode ever - ranked by fan votes!
Last Updated: Dec 18, 2020
Network: HBO
Entourage masterminds Stephen Levinson and Mark Wahlberg are behind this HBO project about two up-and-comers in their 20's living in New York City. This pair of industrious friends hustle their way to success, striving to achieve the American dream.

#1 - Never Say Die
Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired Apr 4, 2010
Cam suspects Rene of having something to do with the theft of the Rasta Monsta truck.

#2 - It's Not Even Like That
Season 2 - Episode 4 - Aired Oct 23, 2011
Ben and Rachel's platonic friendship is tested; Cam scores a plum location for CRISP shoot; Renee collects debt.

#3 - Keep On Truck'n
Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired Mar 28, 2010
While Ben is getting tight with Julie, Rachel is put off by Darren's sudden offer to let her and Edie design a hotel. To pay off an overdue debt to Rene, Cam and Ben agree to hand out Rasta Monsta samples at Union Square, but cut the job short to retrieve their tees from the silk screener. Rene agrees to meet with John Lardner, the Jamaica-based owner of Rasta Monsta, about taking over North American distribution rights to the drink. But Rene's parole officer Norm wants to be part of the meeting.

#4 - I'm Good
Season 2 - Episode 1 - Aired Oct 2, 2011
Ben and Cam look for a way to market their CRISP attire in New York after a promising debut in Tokyo. Meanwhile, Rene's new Rasta Monsta billboard is a hit with everyone except his girlfriend; and Rachel returns from a soul-searching trip abroad, but she's still not over Ben.

#5 - I'm Sorry, Who's Yosi?
Season 2 - Episode 6 - Aired Nov 6, 2011
Ben senses a conflict of interest when Nancy sets CRISP up with a manufacturer named Yosi. Determined to bring some spice to Biscuit, Rachel disregards her boss and pursues an edgy lead. The Feds catch up with Kapo, Lulu warns Cam against selling out and Rasta Monsta incites the ire of the East Flatbush Caribbean League.

#6 - Good Vintage
Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired Mar 21, 2010
Despite a fresh infusion of cash from Kaplan, Ben and Cam find it hard to meet Hidemi's vintage-tee quota of 300, until Julie, an attractive retail employee, helps bail them out. Rene gets advice on handling an impending schoolyard showdown with Flaco, the contractor he suspects of stealing his (illgotten) money. Rachel's field trip to Connecticut to check on a behind-schedule carpenter ends with Darren taking her to his childhood home - and then popping a commitment question on their drive back to Manhattan.

#7 - What's in a Name?
Season 2 - Episode 8 - Aired Nov 20, 2011
In the second-season finale, Ben wonders how to rescue CRISP and his friendship with Cam. Meanwhile, Domingo and Cam launch a PR blitz to clean up Rasta Monsta's image; Rachel seeks advice from a former mentor; and Kaplan parties one more time before going to jail.

#8 - Big in Japan
Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired Mar 14, 2010
After running into a successful designer on the street, Ben and Cam hook up with Hidemi, a top Japanese buyer, but their business takes a surprising detour when they show him their none-too-Crisp jean sample. Meanwhile, Rene runs into unexpected problems locating cash stashed in the basement of a woman who's divorcing his ne'er-do-well cousin Tito. Rachel, hoping to bring fresh energy to her relationship with Darren, is flummoxed by his euphoric reaction to the party drug Ecstasy.

#9 - The Friction
Season 2 - Episode 7 - Aired Nov 13, 2011
Ben and Cam debate CRISP's future; Rene tracks down the origin of the Rasta Monsta tincture; Rachel celebrates a setback.

#10 - Unhappy Birthday
Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired Mar 7, 2010
Edie, Rachel's boss, is throwing her a birthday party, and Ben is upset to learn that Rachel's new boyfriend Darren is going to attend it. Ben tries to occupy his time by hanging out with Kaplan, Cam and Domingo.

#11 - Mofongo
Season 2 - Episode 5 - Aired Oct 30, 2011
Ben and Cam charm two young out-of-towners; Rene tries to make amends with Debbie; Rachel goes from lost to alive in a single day.

#12 - In or Out
Season 2 - Episode 2 - Aired Oct 9, 2011
Ben and Cam are stuck between two sales reps and a hard place; Rene leans on a client; Rachel lands a new job at Biscuit magazine, and lights up with Domingo.

#13 - Money, Power, Private School
Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired Oct 16, 2011
CRISP lands a promising but unpaid gig; Rachel gives Ben a lavish gift; Cam raises money for a river-view apartment; Rene shoots a Rasta Monsta viral video.

#14 - Crisp
Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired Feb 21, 2010
Ben and Cam find themselves in debt again to Rene and search for investors to get their jean line off and running. Later, Ben meets with Rachel to discuss their latest encounter.

#15 - Paper, Denim and Dollars
Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired Feb 28, 2010
Rene tries to buy out his marketing partners. Rachel rethinks her future when she sees Ben. Ben and Cam work on finding a tailor for their denim business.

#16 - 3 Grand
Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired Feb 14, 2010
In the series premiere, Brooklynites Ben and Cam, decide to use their entrepreneurial skills to get a hold of some quick cash to pay back a loan. Also, Ben's ex-girlfriend decides to finally move on from Ben.