High Maintenance (2012–2015) User Reviews

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[startrinalynne · 8/10 · 12 August 2015]

High Maintenance stars Sinclair as "The Guy," a friendly pot dealer whose clients include an eccentric group of characters, revealing the dynamics of their lives. From the unexpected and offbeat to the predictable and mundane, the witty series provides a glimpse into the daily routines of the customers and how they light things up.

HBO previously had another comedy series that dealt extensively with weed, Jonathan Ames' Bored To Death. In its rare move from online to premium cable, High Maintenance joins Showtime comedy Web Therapy.

Love this series. Bravo to them for bringing it to the next level!YES! This is an amazing show.

Enjoyed it! More so about people in NY than the actual weed dealer

[vipran-532-870155 · 9/10 · 4 November 2016]

I really enjoyed this show. Yes the first episode was not the best, but I still enjoyed it enough to watch another. Soon enough, I found myself finishing the whole first season within one day. The show is more so about residents in New York than about just the dealer so it feels like 2 short films in each episodes. It's both funny and depressing. Definitely not what you want if you're looking for a Seth Rogan type of stoner comedy. A lot of the negative reviews here came from people who didn't make it past the first episode or bothered by the explicit gay sex scene. I personally really liked this show though and can't wait for more.

Just found this online! Really cool short stories!

[collectorofsorts · 8/10 · 10 March 2022]

A really cool collection of what happens stories of a New York pot dealer. All the weird people he deals with, the rip-offs, etc. It's really enjoyable!

This web series is like nothing else.

[beetlesnacks · 10/10 · 3 July 2014]

High Maintenance is like nothing I've ever seen before.

This is not a typical "stoner" comedy. Yes, the title. Yes, the one regularly recurring character is "The Guy," a likable, articulate weed deliveryman. Yes, the current poster for this IMDb page features said likable, articulate weed deliveryman smoking a joint. All that aside, this is not Pineapple Express or Harold and Kumar. Nothing against those two films, but High Maintenance is something far more subtle, beautiful even.

Each standalone episode is a window into the daily lives of different New Yorkers. "The Guy" provides that window, as he is the only stranger the characters let in the door.

There are so many things High Maintenance absolutely nails. There's the stellar acting. There's the rich detail in almost every shot. There's the complete lack of melodrama. There's the runtime (6-15min) that feels so natural. There's the way in which it portrays the commonplace struggles of everyday people in such an honest, compelling way. Somehow, this web series is more than the sum of its parts, though. It's authenticity is just so damn captivating.

For me, watching an episode of High Maintenance is like reading a brilliant short story. I finish, slightly entranced, thinking about the characters for days.

Long live this web series.

DO NOT miss this.

[wolfemayor · 10/10 · 20 April 2014]

I can't find the words to describe how good this series is. The freedom of being able to make each episode just as long as it needs to be provides a lot of good returns in terms of the narrative. Weed plays a prominent part in the stories in terms of stringing them together, but it is far from the only thread, and each episode is a hilarious, depressing,or somewhere in between, slice of life. The characters run from archetype New Yorkers to some serious weirdos, both of which can exist in the same person. The dealer and main character played flatly and beautifully by Ben Sinclair is both a kind of a low key superhero, and a deus e machicna that lights the bong in each tale. This is far and away the best web series I've seen, and possibly the most artistic.

This is the future

[merton81 · 10/10 · 15 November 2014]

Every episode I watch I get more excited about this show. From a filmmaking point of view, it's obviously filmed on a budget (compared to other shows) and is absolutely top-notch. Direction, photography, acting, writing. All up there with the best.

From an audience point of view, I couldn't be getting more pleasure from it right now. Every episode contains a new, different, well- rounded story with interesting characters and situations, which is incredible considering the time-limit they have to create them!

Now Vimeo has started their On-Demand service and placed this as their lead show, this is where i'm starting to get really excited. I've paid for the new season and consider it one of the best purchases I've ever made. Seriously, ever. For the price of a couple of coffees there's so much content. In a world in which our attention-spans are getting shorter and shorter (just look at vine taking over phones and facebook), I'll admit that when I'm looking to chill after a long day, or even on the train to work, the appeal of 15 minutes, rather than a season of 10 hour long episodes, is really enticing.

Don't get me wrong, these short-shows won't be replacing anything bigger any time soon, but when talented people like this are getting paid to make incredible content for the internet, I wouldn't be surprised if TV as we know it will be dead in 10 to 20 years time.

Newest HBO Show- best old webisodes ever

[littleprince1977 · 10/10 · 17 September 2016]

HBO just started a "brand new" show called "High Maintenance" with the first HBO showing last night…

Other reviewers have said it better before me since they watched the original 18 VIMEO versions (now only available to view in HBO-GO) before this show came into my view via HBO on Sept. 16, 2016 as an "Episode One". .that turns out to be not the fact.

When I watched my first HBO episode, I thought the show was very good...yet after watching all the eighteen 5-10 min. webisodes that were first shown on VIMEO since 2012...THIS IS A GREAT SHOW! Such a treasure trove of writing

Each episode is named for a slightly seen or talked about character, or usually unseen person…

SPOILER for a webisode, "Elijah"-- If you're Jewish you know an empty chair/place setting is always left for the prophet at Passover (I'm not Jewish, just informed). Example, their dysfunctional "Passover" was titled, of course, "Elijah", the unseen person. And when they opened the door to let in Elijah, as is tradition— there was "THE GUY", the MJ Dealer, who had been called for a pot delivery by the caterer working the party. Turns out one of the family members (Evan-asexual magician) was also one of his clients as well.

it is a husband-actor and wife-casting director who started off in 2012 with one 5 min. show, all have been set in NYC. Initially, they write, shoot and direct using 5-7 people (cast and production crew— the lead actor, "THE GUY" who sells the pot is the husband of the team, and is the original gofer for lunch for cast and crew (not part of the 5 min. show)— so many parts to play, so few players. The apartments/sets are usually their friends or exec. producer— cramped stuffed NYC apt.—but you can't tell it is low budget since the set is well-dressed (e.g, it is using ALL the real owners personal clutter).

Thankfully this well-crafted, extremely well-written, directed and filmed show now has a larger audience. If you've seen it on HBO you have access to HBO-GO. It is a gem...take the time to go on-line and view ALL 18 prior episodes...with a commentary of a minute or so before each webisode...the entire viewing delight should take about 2 hrs. Well worth your time for such a jewel.

if you like easy and light shows ... came this way please

[Lippi_1982 · 10/10 · 12 January 2017]

i was looking for something fresh and new, and i came across with this.

Since i always like to try new TV shows or at least give them a chance.. so i did it,and im glad ;)

Every single episode is different but in each one you will find the most uplifting soundtrack ever! Sometimes you just want something easy and fresh to watch , and i found this show a truly example of that .

Hope you like this and give this show the credit it deserves I gave this a 10 star based on how i felt after watched every single episode of the 1st season ...pure joy:)

thank you

Humanist poetry

[jessespalding · 10/10 · 21 March 2018]

This show is more than just a guy selling weed. It's about interactions we all have between us and what it means to be alive and part of the human experience. The Guy is just another person that passes through these events and is a ubiquitous, yet relate-able, presence throughout the series. Each of these episode's vignettes give us a somewhat voyeuristic look into the lives of many people that happen to be the Guy's customers. The stories are like a short novel that can vary from episode to episode, yet continuously follow the main character as he progresses throughout the series.

Ben Sinclair plays the Guy and is often a soft-spoke yet vocal character that weaves through each episode and offers insight, a laissez faire attitude, and general openness to life. The show is written by both Ben Sinclair, and his wife, Katja Blichfeld. High Maintenance was based on the web series which HBO had picked up after 19 episodes. HBO produced Season 2 and it has recently been renewed for a 3rd season (as of February 21st, 2018).

not for mass consumption

[fantod64 · 23 November 2016]

vis-a-vis an earlier review: if you typically watch, and laugh at, shows like "how i met your mother" or "big bang theory", this show isn't for you. simple as. there is no laugh track. there is no set-up for one-line zingers. the characters are real... they have jobs, use the toilet, pay bills, have unattractive sex, and (of course) get high. each episode is a different length. this is not determined by the attention span of the average American sit-com viewer, but by the amount of time the creators felt was sufficient to convey a single point/humorous scenario. there are no pratfalls, and characters aren't easily labeled (the funny guy, the cute one, the spoiled sassy girl, etc). so, if you're looking for something to hold you over until the next season of whatever kevin james is starring in this year, then look elsewhere. and enjoy your mccomedy.

Short and cool

[pablo_moriano · 7/10 · 6 December 2020]

It's okay to watch something that cool in such a short period of time. The Guy is great despite I don't agree with his activity. But for the sake of having fun and being quite philosophical is worth the watch.

I love this show!

[Thomasduelund70 · 10/10 · 15 May 2015]

I love this show! The stories in this show are so great, you never really know what is gonna happen, and almost every time you are surprised.

the characters and especially the "guy" (the main character) i brilliant.

the next season is on HBO, so really looking forward to what is gonna happen with some more money, but still hope they keep it in the same format.

i have watch the show 4-5 times already, and recommended it for all my friends.

Dreck

[I-like-cake · 1/10 · 18 September 2016]

I love comedies. Even turn your brain off, turn the laugh-track on, formulaic sitcoms have their place. To call this show a comedy is an insult to the genre, there's nothing funny about it. It's possible that it was mislabeled as a comedy, and is really a subtle documentary about how to get your film project funded (hint: gratuitous gay sex scenes won't overcome crap), but the end product is so terrible that I fast-forwarded through it for a second time to make sure I what I saw was the actual show, and not some sort of strange trailer for something else. Then I came here to write this review, because I now have a mission to warn people that this show will suck the life-force out of you.

A web series that will capture your heart

[dgy-54820 · 10/10 · 26 September 2016]

I came across this by happenstance searching for something to fill a gap in my evening. I could not have been more delighted when I stumbled upon this Jewel. Yes. Pot is the common denominator throughout the short 5 minute episodes, however its main focus the window into the lives that our protagonist "The Guy" gives us, is where this show truly shines. Each episode introduces you to a new setting and cast of characters, who honestly are absolutely brilliant. "The Guy" is a lovable character and his facial cues to the situations going on around him, alone are some of the funniest moments in the series. The 5-15 minute range of the episodes just make this work beautifully. There is no filler, it goes right for the jugular and can make you laugh with delight, or make your heart melt, the creators of this show of found a perfect blend of comedy and drama.

I watched the first episode of the HBO and while it started out on a funny note, it quickly declined for me. While it was nice to see a reoccurring character from the web series, too much time was focused on his "Alternative lifestyle". They could have told the story, but with MUCH less graphic detail than was shown. I do still have high hopes for this show. At the very least check out the web series, if you are anything like me, you will breeze through every season, left wanting more.

Its so weird - I love it

[karlatal · 10/10 · 3 March 2021]

The story telling is so weird and intervowen - not like those horrible emsamble movies where at the end you find out the are All connected.

Hey everyone, HBO is scouring webisodes for content.

[winickj-797-80915 · 1/10 · 17 September 2016]

Remember when HBO was innovative programming like The Sopranos. Well those days are gone now its dungeons and dragons and a show about hipsters buying weed and being gay (not that there's anything wrong with that).

So I come to IMDb to read the reviews, guess what, this show started in 2012? So they cruised youtube and are broadcasting that? No wonder Netflix and Amazon are kicking your azz, you refuse to create new content, what's next the Noob videogamer guy?

On to the show, I honestly didn't laugh/smile/chortle even once. There was nothing funny about this.

I'm eager to meet more clients and see more of "The Guy" from Episode 2

[neverendingorgy · 3/10 · 18 September 2016]

I've been eagerly waiting for this show to start airing. Episode 1 opens with just the kind of sequence you'd expect from a "slice of life" look at a pot dealer and it's amazing. I can genuinely say I bought into the characters from the first two scenes. Unfortunately, Client #2 is a gay man and his female roommate who seem a little tacked on and stereotypical as hell. It's not a problem with him being gay, it's a problem with just throwing in the characters and being left wondering where the hell "The Guy" is and where the pot comes in.

...Before you get the answer, you're face-first into the raunchiest gay sex scene on any show ever. BAR NONE. More than Game of Thrones and borderline soft-core porn. It's long, too. The show follows the gay man for a while before you ever see "The Guy" again. This part of the show took up over half the episode and seemed tacked onto "The Guy's" story line just for the sake of being able to use the characters. Then when we finally found out how in the hell "The Guy" is involved with all these shenanigans, they're seemingly made irrelevant to the entire show along with the characters.

It just seemed like a really vulgar way of including some unnecessary sex scenes that destroyed the opening hook. Male or female, and regardless of sexual orientation it seemed way too soon for these people to get their own episode before we even get to know "The Guy".The gay story-line portion should have waited an episode or two before tossing in seemingly pointless sex scenes among fringe characters we may never see again. Who is our rapport supposed to be with?

All the sequences that actually involve "The Guy" are gold. Absolute Gold. I'm definitely eager for episode 2 and more clients. I just hope it's not another HBO wiener-party.

Started Off with a Bang and Now is Just a Whimper

[bshaef · 4/10 · 6 April 2020]

Its as if the writers started running out of gas after the first episode. They lured me in but the following episodes were so boring that the series rated very high on my nap-o-meter. Pretty soon I didn't know what this was about and finally took it off my DVR so as not to be bored for a half hour every week. Maybe the current illness in the US will revive viewership but I will not be one. I'd watch the Tiger King before this one.

See the woke mind virus in action

[TheGMang · 4/10 · 30 June 2023]

I thought This show was interesting and funny when it was online. The first episodes are great but as it goes on and becomes more and more diluted. The vignette style stories become set pieces to nothing. Laughs more and more rare. More and more boring. The worldview becomes suddenly so obviously from the brains of people who don't live in the real world but a fictional version of NYC. Then it starts getting super woke with normalizing cross dressing in front of kids and gender identity nonsense. Way ahead of its time, but has not aged well in 2023. I remembered this being funnier when the world wasn't so infected by woke propaganda, but this show is a great example of how it starts sneaking into civil society. Now just look at what NYC has become. A nightmare post covid hellscape where pizza causes climate change so it must be banned. Can only imagine that Sinclair is working his woke poison on Dave on FX these days which is why that show just keeps getting more and more perverse and less entertaining. After this revisit, there's no way we'll be watching the HBO reboot, but seems the reviews are the same- interesting and fun idea in the hands of writers with a dry well of ideas and an agenda that comes on strong and vapidly pisses itself away just as fast. Yuck.