If you loved the hustle, ambition, and urban charm of How to Make It in America (2010), this list is for you. The show captured the essence of chasing dreams in New York City, blending entrepreneurship, friendship, and style. Here, we’ve curated 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same gritty yet aspirational energy, perfect for fans craving more underdog stories and city-life drama.

Entourage (2004)
Description: A comedy-drama series that follows the lives of a group of friends navigating the entertainment industry, blending humor with the struggles of ambition and success.
Fact: The show was loosely based on Mark Wahlberg's experiences in Hollywood. It popularized the term 'Viking Quest' as a euphemism for a wild night out.


The League (2009)
Description: A raunchy comedy about a group of friends obsessed with fantasy football, blending crude humor with the dynamics of friendship and competition.
Fact: Much of the show's dialogue was improvised by the cast. The series featured numerous cameos from real-life NFL players and celebrities.


Louie (2010)
Description: A semi-autobiographical series that blends stand-up comedy with surreal, often melancholic vignettes about life, love, and the challenges of adulthood.
Fact: Louis C.K. wrote, directed, edited, and starred in the series. The show was praised for its unique storytelling style and willingness to tackle dark themes.


Silicon Valley (2014)
Description: A satirical look at the tech industry, focusing on a group of friends trying to make it big with their startup, filled with witty humor and sharp observations about ambition.
Fact: Many of the tech startups and jargon featured in the show were inspired by real Silicon Valley companies. The show's creators consulted with real tech entrepreneurs to ensure authenticity.


Broad City (2014)
Description: A raunchy comedy about two best friends navigating life in New York City, filled with absurd humor, relatable struggles, and a strong focus on friendship.
Fact: The show was based on a web series created by its stars, Ilana Glazer and Abbi Jacobson. Amy Poehler served as an executive producer and mentor to the creators.


Ballers (2015)
Description: Centers around the lives of professional athletes and their entourages, exploring themes of wealth, fame, and personal growth in a high-stakes environment.
Fact: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson not only starred in but also executive produced the series. The show was often compared to a sports version of a popular Hollywood-centric series.


Atlanta (2016)
Description: A genre-blending series that mixes comedy and drama, following an aspiring rapper and his cousin as they navigate the music scene, with a focus on authenticity and cultural commentary.
Fact: Donald Glover based much of the show on his own experiences growing up in Atlanta. The series won multiple Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Glover.


Insecure (2016)
Description: A comedy-drama that delves into the personal and professional lives of two best friends, tackling themes of relationships, career struggles, and self-discovery with humor and heart.
Fact: Issa Rae initially created the show based on her popular web series 'Awkward Black Girl.' The show's soundtrack features a mix of emerging and established Black artists.


Crashing (2017)
Description: A comedy series about a struggling stand-up comedian trying to make it in New York, filled with awkward humor and a candid look at the grind of pursuing a creative career.
Fact: Pete Holmes, the show's creator and star, drew heavily from his own experiences as a comedian. The series features real-life comedians playing fictionalized versions of themselves.


High Maintenance (2016)
Description: An anthology-style series that explores the interconnected lives of various New Yorkers, blending humor with poignant moments and a focus on urban life.
Fact: The show started as a web series before being picked up by HBO. Each episode features a different set of characters, all connected by a single weed delivery guy.
