Entourage ran for six seasons on HBO, following the life of Vincent Chase, a young actor who becomes a movie star after landing a leading role in The Sweetest Thing. His agent, manager, publicist and friend Eric, Turtle, Johnny and Drama make up the titular group, and the show follows their business and personal lives through deals, parties and the occasional family drama.
The show was created by Doug Ellin, and it ran from 2004 to 2011. It starred Mark Wahlberg as Eric, Adrian Grenier as Vincent, Kevin Connolly as Eric, Jerry Ferrara as Turtle, and Kevin Dillon as Johnny. It was executive produced by Mark Wahlberg, Michael C. McTiernan and Doug Ellin.
Trailer, via Iznaow.
The Early Years
The first few seasons lean on the contrast between the characters. Eric is the smart one, managing the business while Vincent enjoys the fame. Turtle is the comic relief, Johnny is the gruff father figure and Drama is the frustrated older brother who wants a career in acting. The dynamic holds up early on, but the show relies heavily on the cast’s chemistry rather than strong writing.
Hollywood as a Playground
The show’s strength is its setting. It captures the excess of Los Angeles, from the beach houses to the red carpets, and the characters live in a world where success is measured in money, status and connections. The show often plays the industry as a playground, and the humor comes from watching the characters navigate it.
The Later Seasons
As the series went on, the stakes grew smaller. Deals became more about the deal itself than the people involved, and the personal stories started to feel repetitive. The season finale with Drama’s wedding, and the final episode of the series, both try to bring everything together, but they land less as conclusions and more as endings that were rushed.
The Writing Problem
The show’s weakest element is its writing. The dialogue can be thin, and the plots often rely on coincidence rather than character. Some episodes feel like filler, with jokes that don’t land and storylines that don’t resolve. The show is fun to watch, but it rarely demands attention.
The Cast Carries It
The cast is the reason the show works at all. Adrian Grenier brings charm to Vincent, and Mark Wahlberg gives Eric a warmth that anchors the show. Kevin Connolly and Jerry Ferrara play off each other well, and Kevin Dillon’s Johnny provides the show’s best comic moments. Without them, the show would collapse.
The Legacy
Entourage was a cultural touchstone in its day, and it remains a staple of cable television. Its influence can be seen in later shows about the entertainment industry, though none have matched its specific tone. The show is often cited as a prime example of the excess of Hollywood, and it has been referenced in other media, from movies to television to music.
The Final Word
Entourage is a show that is better in memory than on screen. It has some great moments, some funny jokes and a cast that deserves better material. But the writing never rises to meet the talent, and the show feels dated now in ways it didn’t when it was on air.
Key Facts
- Creator: Doug Ellin
- Network: HBO
- Seasons: 6
- Premiere: 2004
- Finale: 2011
- Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Jerry Ferrara, Kevin Dillon
- Score: 6.8/10
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.
