The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
The LatestTV

TV Review: ‘High Maintenance’ [Episode 1]

by Jon Barr September 17, 2016
by Jon Barr September 17, 2016 0 comments
2.6K

The stoner-anthologyΒ web series returns to HBO with a fantastic set of new, superbly human stories.

Those unfamiliar withΒ High Maintenance, the web series that preceded the new series, need not worry about being left in the dark. The revamped HBOΒ series doesn’t require you to have any previous knowledge of what’s come before. In its pilot episode, “Meth(od),” the audience is introduced to the old characters, new faces, and the exceptionally unique tone that makesΒ High MaintenanceΒ a must-see television series.

The show’s pilot perfectly sets up the world surrounding one marijuana delivery man, known only as The Guy. Much likeΒ Big Lebowski’s The Dude, The Guy (portrayed by creator Ben Sinclair) is a relaxed, drug-loving fellow. He bikes all across New York City, delivering weed to a host of varied folks. While The Guy is the protagonist, he’s rarely the focus of any episode.Β High Maintenance primarily focuses on his customers, all the people that are linked by his product. The GuyΒ is a relatively simple character, especially compared to the surrounding cast. By serving as a bridge, The Guy functions as a well-balanced conductor for the stories in the show.

image from bustle.com

image from bustle.com

The blend of comedy and drama, along with the shorter character spots, makes the series incredibly unique. The series combines hilarity with heartbreak easily. While there’s plenty of jokes within the pilot, there’s also very well-done storytelling. Even though The Guy’s role is relatively minimal, “Meth(od)” highlights his character wonderfully. His interactions with the muscle heads he sells to highlight his humorous social awkwardness. The body-builders themselves have dynamic personalities, unique and well-defined.Β High Maintenance has a fantastic grasp on everyΒ character, no matter how minimal their role is.

As funny as the body-builder plot line is, the stars of “Meth(od)” are Max Jenkins and Helene York. The two play Max and Lainey, characters from the original web series. The two return to the world ofΒ High Maintenance when Max hooks up with a new man. As Max joins his one night stand at his A.A. meeting, Max has second thoughts about how close he is with the self-destructive Lainey. He and Lainey have a very co-dependent relationship, living in their vulgarity together. Through this episode, we see not only the humorous side of both, but the crushing reality of their situation. Jenkins and York’s portrayal of these characters help bring the diverse tone ofΒ High MaintenanceΒ to life.

With “Meth(od),” High MaintenanceΒ succeeds in its varied storytelling technique. The blend of genre, coupled with exquisiteΒ character study, makes the series one well worth checking out. It’s unlike anything else on television, which is what makes it so crucial to watch.Β The series premieres tonight, Friday the 16th, at 11PM. Be sure to watch the premiere, and follow it on a weekly basis. Also, be sure to check out The Knockturnal’s exclusive interviews with the show runners and stars.

ben sinclairHBOhelene yorkhigh maintenancekatja blichfieldmax jenkins
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Jon Barr

previous post
On The Scene: Backstage at Naeem Khan for NYFW
next post
On The Scene: Kith’s New York Fashion Week Debut

Related Posts

I Can’t Stop Thinking About β€˜After the Hunt’

October 7, 2025

Broadway Show “ART” IS A WORK OF ART

October 7, 2025

First Look: Inside Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth Makeover β€”...

October 6, 2025

Late Development Presents Jamz & Conversation Featuring Legendary...

October 5, 2025

‘Law & Order’ Pop Up Serves Delicious Fun

October 4, 2025

Ferrero Rocher’s Oculus Pop-Up Celebrates New Chocolate Squares

October 4, 2025

EXCLUSIVE: Stars Talk β€˜Blue Moon’ at New York...

October 4, 2025

Black Theatre United Hosts 3rd Annual Gala

October 4, 2025

Netflix’s “A House of Dynamite” Movie Premiere at...

October 4, 2025

An Evening with Avantgarde Refined TΓΌrkiye: A Celebration...

October 4, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joa Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joachim Trier for their sixth cinematic journey, co-writing Sentimental Value, a poignant exploration of family, memory, and reconciliation. 

-
#Screenwriting #Storytelling #WritingForFilm #FilmWriting #NYFF2025 #NewYorkFilmFestival #IndieFilm
At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to l At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to life in Sentimental Value, portraying a character whose journey through family complexities and personal discovery resonates deeply. 

-
#RenateReinsve #NYFF #SentimentalValue #NoraBorg #FilmFestival #Actress
@nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as @nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as a director, bringing his story to life with precision, collaboration, and attention to every frame. 

The film reflects his dedication to emotion, storytelling, and cinematic craft. πŸŽ₯

-
#JoachimTrimmer #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Director #Filmmaking
We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the emotional process behind her latest film. ✨

-
#IngaIbsdotterLilleaas #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Cinema
Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling β€” @ Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling β€” @ellefanning in conversation at this year’s @thenyff.

-
#ElleFanning #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #RedCarpet #Cinema
✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performa ✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performances, the 2025 #TeenVogueSummit brought together voices shaping fashion, culture, and activism today. πŸ’¬πŸŽΆ

πŸ”—: https://theknockturnal.com/2025-teen-vogue-summit-recap-full-of-fun-fashion-and-connection/

✍️: Zipporah Pruitt

-
#TeenVogue #TeenVogueSummit2025 #TeenVogueEvents
#TeenVogueCommunity #TeenVogueStyle
Visit the @Complex x @Aepsa_official Pop-Up for β€˜Rich Man’ in LA with The Knockturnal! βœ¨β€¨
From exclusive merch and photo cards to signatures and more β€” ~ 100% worth the visit 

⏰ Sept 16–17 | 11 AM – 7 PM PTβ€¨πŸ“ 433 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles

#Aespa #Complex #RichMan #KPopMerch #AespaInLA #KPopFans #Kpop #Karina #Giselle #Winter #NingNing
NYFW magic ✨ @aliceandolivia by Stacey Bendet tr NYFW magic ✨ @aliceandolivia by Stacey Bendet transformed the runway into a dazzling celebration of bold prints, playful silhouettes, and timeless style. From Surrogate’s Court to the city streets, the collection truly captured the spirit of the modern woman. πŸ’„

πŸ”—: https://theknockturnal.com/stars-stripes-and-alice-olivia-by-stacey-bendet/

✍️: ElizaBeth Taylor

-
#NYFW #AliceAndOlivia #StaceyBendet #RunwayStyle #FashionWeek
Some things are just a perfect matchβ€”milk & cook Some things are just a perfect matchβ€”milk & cookies, Oreos & a cold glass of milk… and @nickbarrotta on the red carpet celebrating 30 years of the iconic milk mustache. πŸ₯›πŸͺ

πŸ”—: https://theknockturnal.com/got-milk-celebrates-30-years-with-stars-and-everyday-californians/

✍️&🎀: Ashley Lopez

-
#GotMilk30 #GotMilk #NickBarrotta #TylerPerrysTheOval #MilkMustache
On the red carpet, Stranger Things star @priahferg On the red carpet, Stranger Things star @priahferguson spoke with us at the @gotmilk 30th Anniversary Milk Mustache Celebration, where the campaign unveiled its bold new focus on everyday Californians as the real icons. πŸ₯›βœ¨

πŸ”—: https://theknockturnal.com/got-milk-celebrates-30-years-with-stars-and-everyday-californians/

✍️&🎀: Ashley Lopez

-
#GotMilk30 #PriahFerguson #StrangerThings #MilkMustache #RedCarpet #GotMilk
First-time nominees dominated the 77th Emmys, turn First-time nominees dominated the 77th Emmys, turning the spotlight on breakout stars and fresh wins. 🎬πŸ₯‡βœ¨

Read about the rising talent redefining televisions biggest night.

πŸ”—: https://theknockturnal.com/emmy-awards/

✍️: Danielle Biondi

-
#Emmys #Emmy #EmmyAwards #Emmys2025 #EmmyWinner #Film #AwardWinning #AwardSeason
We had the honor of celebrating VMAs weekend with We had the honor of celebrating VMAs weekend with @bacardi and @mtv! πŸ’«
History met history last night πŸ—½πŸŽ¬βœ¨ The Ha History met history last night πŸ—½πŸŽ¬βœ¨

The Hamilton movie premiere transformed the Delacorte Theater into a stage of its own, as the original cast and creative team reunited to celebrate a story that changed Broadway forever. From the first note to the final bow, the revolution continues. πŸŽ­πŸ“œ

πŸ”—: https://theknockturnal.com/under-the-stars-at-the-delacorte-theater-hamilton-premiere-original-cast-in-attendance/

✍️: Lauren Wire

-
#Hamilton #Broadway #HamiltonMovie #DelacorteTheater #LinManuelMiranda #BroadwayLegends #StageToScreen #MusicalTheater
✨ Disney magic meets coffee culture β˜•πŸ­ @dis ✨ Disney magic meets coffee culture β˜•πŸ­ @disneyfamily x @lalalandkindcafe are serving up the sweetest collab of the season β€” from Mickey drink sleeves to Munchlings surprises 🎁 Don’t miss it before it’s gone Sept. 16!

πŸ”—: https://theknockturnal.com/mickey-friends-bring-whimsy-to-la-la-land-kind-cafe/

✍️: Ashley Lopez 

-
#Disney #LaLaLandKindCafe #DisneyCollab #DisneyMagic #CoffeeLovers #MickeyAndFriends #DisneyFoodies
From @iamcardib undeniable reign to @wutangclan ev From @iamcardib undeniable reign to @wutangclan everlasting impact, the 2025 Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players Awards celebrated the artists and executives shaping the culture today. 🎀🎸πŸ’₯

With honorees like @leonthomas and @gelo alongside hip-hop’s legends, the night was a reminder that the genre’s future is just as powerful as its past. 🀩

πŸ”—: https://theknockturnal.com/cardi-b-leon-thomas-gelo-wu-tang-clan-more-honored-at-2025-billboard-rb-hip-hop-power-players-awards/

✍️: Nishat Baig

-
#Billboard #RnB #HipHop #PowerPlayers #CardiB #WuTangClan #LeonThomas #Gelo #RnBMusic #HipHopCulture #MusicAwards
PSA!!! We have another #knockgiveaway and this tim PSA!!! We have another #knockgiveaway and this time it’s for tickets to see LU KALA πŸ’₯

We’re giving away a pair of tickets to see her at Mercury Lounge in New York City on September 10th! Join us as we dance the night away to some of her top hits like Pretty Girl Era and Hotter Now 🎢

To enter hit the link πŸ”— in our bio and fill out the form. Winners will be contacted through email! 

πŸ“MUST BE IN NEW YORK CITY
🎢 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin 🎢 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin brought charisma, control, and creativity to every second of his Shrine set.

Kai On Tour gave fans in LA a front-row seat to his evolution as an artist, and it was nothing short of iconic. πŸ‘

πŸ”—: https://theknockturnal.com/kai-on/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-

#KaiOnTour #KAI #KAIatTheShrine #KpopInLA #EXO #KpopSoloist #KpopConcert #KAI2025 #ShrineLA
πŸ—žοΈ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with πŸ—žοΈ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with β€œThe Paper” β€” the sharp new workplace comedy making headlines. πŸ–‹οΈ We sat down with the cast + creators in an exclusive video interview to talk inspiration, improv, and bringing chaos to the copy desk. 🎬✨

πŸ“Ί Watch the full interview now 

πŸ”—: https://theknockturnal.com/the-paper-puts-a-newsroom-spin-on-classic-workplace-comedy/

✍️: Alyssa Threadgill

-

#ThePaper #VideoInterview #WorkplaceComedy #BehindTheScenes #IndieTV #ComedySeries #CastInterview #OnSet #TVTalk #MakingTheShow #WritersRoom #BTS #NewSeries
πŸŽ₯✨ Austin Butler and the cast of Caught Steal πŸŽ₯✨ Austin Butler and the cast of Caught Stealing open up about stepping into this gritty new story, the challenges on set, and why this film is unlike anything they’ve done before.

Catch our exclusive video interview now!

πŸ”—: https://theknockturnal.com/austin-butler-cast-talk-new-movie-caught-stealing-video/

✍️: OJ Williams

-
#AustinButler #CaughtStealing #MovieInterview #ExclusiveInterview #FilmFeature #BehindTheScenes #Hollywood #OnSet #NewMovies #EditorialContent #CastInterview
Vegas was just crowned the No. 1 nightlife spot in Vegas was just crowned the No. 1 nightlife spot in the world. We put our detective skills to work at @resortsworldlv to see if it lives up to the hype 🎰 πŸͺ©πŸ₯‚πŸ’ƒπŸ•Ί

Read the full review on our website ✍️ 

#lasvegas #resortsworld #hilton #sliving #zoox #zouk #stubbornseed #alle #nightlife #vegas #elderbrook
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

Β© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch