High Maintenance (2016)

Overview

High Maintenance is an anthology series aired by HBO, notable for its episodic structure set in different corners of New York City. At the center of the series is an unnamed bicycle-riding marijuana dealer; however, the true focus isn't this character himself, but rather the lives of the different people he comes into contact with in each episode. Each episode presents an independent story focusing on the inner worlds, fears, desires, and small daily dramas of ordinary people living in New York. The show is a television adaptation and expansion of a format that began as a web series. Brought to life by the creative vision of Ben Sinclair and Katja Blichfeld, the production moves away from classic narrative structures, offering intimate, realistic, and at times poetic glimpses into the human condition. A large cast featuring talented actors like Reshma Shetty enriches this mosaic structure, bringing various characters to life across the show's different episodes.

Plot

The plot of High Maintenance unfolds within a framework quite different from traditional series. There is no fixed main character or continuously followed storyline in the show. Instead, each episode briefly enters the lives of people living in different neighborhoods of New York. The common connecting thread is an unnamed character who rides around the city on his bicycle, delivering marijuana to his customers. This character serves as a bridge carrying the viewer from one story to the next. Some episodes bear witness to a single person's moment of crisis in daily life, while in others, the lives of multiple characters intersect. Themes such as loneliness, relationships, the search for identity, loss, and acceptance are explored in different ways throughout the show. The character played by Reshma Shetty is also part of this human mosaic, accompanying the viewer with her own distinctive story.

Why Watch It?

High Maintenance offers a unique experience for viewers looking to break away from conventional series formats. The fact that each episode is crafted like an independent short film gives the viewer the feeling of stepping into a new world each time. One of the show's greatest strengths is the realism of its characters and how easy it is to empathize with them; no character is simply categorized as good or bad—everyone possesses their own particular state of humanity. Its cinematic portrayal of New York's different layers, various socioeconomic groups, and lifestyles turns the city into almost a character in its own right. Moreover, the show's humor is subtle, and its drama is free of artificiality. It stands out as a production that reminds viewers just how meaningful life's small moments can truly be.

Who Is It For?

High Maintenance might seem unexpected at first glance for viewers seeking fast-paced, action-packed stories with a clear resolution. However, it is ideal for those who love character-driven, realistic, and thought-provoking content. Those with an interest in short story formats, independent cinema, or anthology-style productions will enjoy this show. It also offers rich content for viewers curious about New York's city culture, different ways of life, and human psychology. Since the marijuana theme is used not merely as a surface-level comedic element but as a gateway into the characters' lives, viewers who don't approach this subject with prejudice will find it easier to follow the show.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Each episode offering an independent and original story gives the viewer a sense of variety and freshness.

2. The depth and realism of the characters allow viewers to connect with them even in a short amount of time.

3. Cinematography and atmosphere that reflect New York's different facets in an intimate and heartfelt way.

Cons:

1. For those who want to follow a consistent main story or character, the episodic structure can sometimes create a feeling of disjointedness.

2. The intensity and thematic variety of some episodes can make it difficult for viewers to become equally attached to every story.

Genre and Tone

The show can be positioned within the comedy-drama genre, though it doesn't fully fit into classic categories. Its tone is generally calm, observational, and heartfelt. While sharp humor occasionally comes to the forefront, some episodes evoke a deep melancholy or an existential questioning. The overall atmosphere of the show is realistic; it prefers to reflect the natural flow of life while avoiding exaggerated dramatic moments. This balance gives the show an identity that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Runtime and Viewing Experience

Episodes are generally short in format, around thirty minutes, making the show quick and easy to watch. Thanks to each episode's independent structure, viewers can start from whatever episode they like or pause and continue later without having to follow the entire series in order. This flexibility is a major advantage for viewers with busy schedules. However, to truly understand the show's real value, it's recommended to watch several episodes in a row, so as to see how the different stories come together to form a cohesive whole.

Similar Productions

• Master of None

• Easy

• Atlanta

• Girls

• Love

• Insecure

Final Assessment

High Maintenance is an intimate and original production that breaks away from traditional series storytelling to focus on human stories. Skillfully reflecting the spirit of New York through the lives of its different characters, the show opens a new window for viewers with every episode. The cast, enriched by the contributions of talented actors like Reshma Shetty, strengthens the show's human-centered approach. For viewers who don't expect quick resolutions or major twists, but instead focus on life's small yet meaningful moments, High Maintenance offers a thought-provoking and intimate television experience that can be enjoyed with pleasure.