It’s been just about a year since I discovered the Vimeo webseries "High Maintenance," and quite frankly, I’m pretty pissed no one else has been talking about it. Well, besides that one Buzzfeed article titled, “15 TV Shows You Should Totally Be Watching But Probably Aren’t.” And even that was written over a year ago, and I think I was the only one that ever read it and took the advice seriously. Because basing my life on Buzzfeed articles is the only way I stay alive.
"High Maintenance" is a show about a weed delivery guy in New York City. His name is never mentioned, and he’s just known as the drug dealer or “the guy.” Each episode features a different “client” of his, usually waiting for their delivery or about to buy weed. Some episodes are pretty comical, while others take a more serious tone. So here's why you should stop whatever you're doing and go watch.
1. It’s FREE
All of the episodes are on Vimeo, which doesn't require a paid subscription like Netflix or Hulu. You can watch on your laptop or your phone, whenever you want.
2. It doesn’t need to be watched in order
Every episode centers around a different character or set of characters. The only character that's in every episode is the unnamed weed delivery guy.
3. It’s created/filmed/written/produced by a husband and wife super team
Katja Blichfield won an Emmy for her work on "30 Rock," and Ben Sinclair plays the unnamed weed delivery guy.
4. It's not a huge commitment
Episode lengths vary from just six to 20 minutes. Perfect for binge watching or killing time.
5. HBO just picked it up
Six episodes will be airing on the channel later this year.
6. Random celebrity appearances
Dan Stevens ("Downton Abbey"), Hannibal Buress ("Broad City," "The Eric Andre Show") and Yael Stone ("Orange Is The New Black"), just to name a few.
7. The tone of each episode varies
Some episodes are funny, some are gut wrenching, some are strange, and others are just plain heartwarming. I don’t want to give too much away, but there are some episodes that are so funny you’ll laugh out loud, whereas others make you sad or uncomfortable.
8. Each episode is completely different
There are rich characters and storylines. There’s a great episode about a screenwriter who’s struggling with gender issues, a family, and writer’s block. Another episode centers on a guy who suffers from agoraphobia. One follows a person who becomes obsessed with doomsday prepping. The only thing all these characters have in common? Their drug dealer.
There are definitely more than these eight reasons why you should watch this show. I’m probably not giving the best sales pitch, but if you're finding yourself at a loss for what to watch next, I highly recommend this!
