Why so much hype?

Best movie ever!

Fanciful, disturbing, and wildly original, it announces the arrival of a fresh, bold voice in American cinema.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

Good stuff...really good stuff! Love the premise, the characters, the acting, the whole thing! Intriguing...enlightening...disgusting! What more do you want?! Franco & Franco are awesome! Can't wait for the 2nd season!Having been born in 72, I can relate to the clothing, the cars, the music. Growing up, you occasionally come across stories/history regarding Times Square back then b/f Rudy took over...great period piece to say the least.

There are a lot of reviews that state the show is boring (I binge watched it and was very entertained)....that there is too much sex (it's a show that involves hookers....so there is sex...but I didn't find it excessive) and too much nudity (well....blush your little souls - people tend to be naked whilst doing it). It's not a show for prudes or for people easily offended. So I am not sure why people would watch a show that is focused on the sex industry of the 1970's - if that is not something they want to see. Common sense people.It's a fascinating look into the start of the sexually charged 1970's....here being told in the NYC setting. The introduction of XXX films, heavy prostitution and the corrupt forces that went with it. As well as the ill treatment of minorities. For those who dare delve into the lives of the characters of The Deuce....you will be rewarded with rich story-lines and emotionally charged performances - very well-acted through a stellar cast. You do feel invested in their stories...it blends comedic tones with the dark side of life as well.I would recommend watching at least the first episode. If you do not feel connected with the show at this point - then maybe it's not for you. I was interested from the get go...and I am so glad I didn't listen to the negative reviews for I almost didn't watch it because of them.Looking forward to season 2!

Absolutely the worst series not only on air today, but ever. Dreadful casting, dreadful acting, dreadful story line.. its just plain dreadful. I simply do not care how "real" it looks and "feels" as other reviews say... any show solely relying on shock for ratings violent desensitizing dumbed down depraved sexual acts is a big fail in my book. There is absolutely no substance here. This is not entertainment in the least bit.OH boy! A penis here, a penis there, even fake penises, there's a penis everywhere! We get it now HBO, you just love shoving penises in viewers faces. When all else fails, show a penis! And here I thought HBO working with the shock for ratings hipster tabloid Vice was bad... HBO has now sunk to an all time low with this complete and utter garbage.

Halfway through the fifth episode, and I don't think I'm going to finish it.The series hasn't gone anywhere since the pilot. There's no real story arc or interesting conflicts, so it's not like you're left wanting to know what's going to happen next. There are plenty of likable characters (Gyllenhaal not being one of them) and some slick dialogue, but without any real plot it's not enough to sustain interest. Unless you want to turn every penis sighting into a drinking game.