How To Make It In America (Sunday, HBO, 10PM) — Is it me or is TV reeeeally boring right now? You haven’t heard from me in a while, mostly because I’ve been busy, but also because TV is just very uninspiring right now. American Idol is lame, the CW is worse than ever, and ABC is a complete snooze. The only exciting show on television lately has been Lost (and that’s because we dedicated the last 5 years of our lives to watching it and all it’s done for us is make us feel incompetent and stupid… apparently, the last 7 episodes will make us think we’re smart again), until a show called How To Make It in America came along.

Marky Mark and HBO have done it again. Though it’s hard not to because of its roots, I refuse to compare HTMIA to Entourage (or worse… Entourage meets Sex and the City). Sure, there’s a small crew of guys who grew up together and yes, the backdrop is Manhattan, but they’re not rolling into private parties on sunset or sipping cosmos at the Gramercy Park Hotel. They’re childhood buddies, born and raised… on the LES (lower east side)… trying to make it in NYC… whether it’s flipping skateboard decks, starting a japanese denim line, working at Barneys, or printing classic t-shirts… they’re trying and they try with style. Fine, it’s a bit Entouragy, but HTMIA is way less flashy, sunny and pretty. And if you’ve ever been to the LES, you know it’s a far, far, FAR cry from the Hollywood Hills.

Main character, Ben, realizes he’s a failure after reuniting with a friend from high school (Eddie Kaye Thomas), so he raises his ambition bar from working at Barney’s to starting his own line of clothing. He’s got talent, but does he have enough determination and connections to get it done? He might… with the help of relentless buddy Cam, they’ve managed to meet/eat with designer John Varvatos and find the only place to get 50/50 classics for wholesale prices. Not bad for twentysomethings just trying to make it. I literally love everything about the show but here are 3 reasons to watch:

1) Bryan Greenberg — It’s about time! Bryan is a CW alumn (One Tree Hill, October Road) who’s finally landed a great role. And if you’ve ever seen Bride Wars you know just how awesome that movie was… I mean just how awesome he is.

2) Martha Plimpton — She’s been awesome ever since playing Stef in The Goonies (so stupid Mouth!) and she’s perfect for this part… Edie, Rachel’s crazy boss, who pops pills, smokes weed, drinks “espressos rimmed with Ritalin” and is pure entertainment all the way through.

3) The Music — From the catchy opening track (“I Need a Dollar”, Aloe Blacc) to classic and current hip-hop tracks including A Tribe Called Quest, Talib Kweli, and Digable Planets, the music is just as much a main character as Ben, Cam and the city of New York. Oh, Kid Cudi is also part of the cast. Fan it on Facebook and you can download the mixtape for free.

I believe there’s only 1 episode left, but it won’t be hard to find it on HBO or HBO On Demand. I really hope it gets a season 2. I really do. Did I mention Martha Plimpton was in this?

Other Highlights

90210 — How is 90210 becoming my favorite show on TV? I’m hearing something vicious involving Naomi is gonna go down and I can’t wait.

The Office — When Michael put on the Kangol hat I LOL’d like never before… certainly for the first time this season.

This will be the final season of The Hills. Rejoice!

This will be the last season of 24. I think it’s time… but we’re getting a movie!

Katherine Heigl is finally leaving Grey’s Anatomy. Seattle Grace will be a much better place without her.

My friend Moneka’s dream of meeting ANY cast member of Modern Family came true when she randomly had coffee beside Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Mitchell). If only Cam were there too!

Lowlights

Gossip Girl — It’s over. I’ve dropped it… about a year too late, but I did it. I dropped it. Now if only I can get my husband to do the same.

Tune of the Week

“Animal” by Mike Snow… heard this week in both Parenthood and Cougar Town.

What to Watch, Week of 3/29

Lost — I think it’s safe to say, watch every week… we’re so close! 7 more episodes until the 2-hour series finale… mark your calendars, Blackberries, iPhones, Outlooks, planners… whatever it takes to remind you. I’m already thinking about what I’m going to have for dinner that night.

March Madness — The Michigan State Spartans make it to the Final Four for the second year in a row. Being married to the biggest State fan is always fun (when they win) and Mercury Bar East, the official Michigan State bar in NYC, is showing their support… check it out below. GO SPARTANS!

Michigan State Sweet 16 — Mercury Bar East NYC

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