The Deuce

A deep and gritty realism multifaceted narrative take on the evolving of the porn industry on 42nd street and Times Square in New York.

I have looked at ALL the reviews and literally every single one below 6 stars is the same type of "critique":

1: Why is Maggie G. in the cast, she is not pretty 2: James Franco is bad he ruins it all 3: There is only sex and drugs and no plot 4: Nothing happens I stopped in episode 3

The only difference is just the formality of it, how was it formulated and smaller circumstances.

It seems silly to me, rating a show badly because they didn't cast someone sexy and like-able to play a prostitute on the streets of N.Y.

If you do not appreciate the shows aesthetics or the actors working on it then these reviews are probably helpful for you - But they are still very misleading and does NOT represent the show at all. The actual craftsmanship and writing on this show is amazing and is on par with the first season of True Detective, the Sopranos or the Wire. Maggie was cast exactly for that reason, that she is not chiseled by Michelangelo himself but has the realistic look to her.

A dive into NYC before gentrification, while TImes Square was dangerous, dirty and full of life. I like to think Vincent's bar was inspired by CBGB.

The Deuce is one of the most underrated HBO shows there is. It's obviously not one of their best because they have done so many great shows, it's just among their most underrated. The entire cast is excellent, especially James Franco who plays twin brothers. The acting and writing are so good that you really come to care what happens to these characters. The attention to detail in this is terrific, even though I wasn't born yet it really does look and feel like the 70's. It went for three seasons which was perfect for a show like this, it didn't get watered down trying to go too long and the ending was perfect.

This is a superb series. So informative, impressive, moving, funny, compelling, beautifully written, directed, acted. We also loved The Wire so we're not surprised. (We're on Season 2, Episode 10). If you are not comfortable with the realities of sexuality (and sexuality-and-money), or with the perspectives of poor black (and white) street criminals and victims, please watch this and learn. The first three episodes, explicit on the gritty awful violent demeaning desperate lives of the young and poor and ignorant caught up in the sex trade are hard to take, but staying with the series is so rewarding. Like life, the series is paradoxical, which is where the wonderful wit comes through. I so appreciate the talents assembled here to make this brilliant and worthwhile "long movie" and bring it to life. I have no complaints, only the deepest respect and appreciation for this long all-American story. Can't wait to finish Season 2 and looking forward to many more seasons!

Great all around at least most of the time especially by a superb creator of The Wire which is masterful! The cast, soundtrack, writing, and innuendos are done so well! I'm surprised there wasn't more seasons easily could've. James Franco and Maggie Gyllenhaal are so delightful this is very different for them.