Vinyl (2016)
A gritty, music-soaked HBO drama set in the chaotic heart of 1970s New York, where one man's obsession with sound could save or destroy everything he loves.
Vinyl - Series Information
- Original Title: Vinyl
- First Air Year: 2016
- Last Air Year: 2016
- Created by: Terence Winter, Rich Cohen et al.
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 10
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: February 14, 2016 (United States - TV-MA), February 14, 2016 (United Kingdom - 18), February 14, 2016 (Germany - 18), February 14, 2016 (France - 18), February 14, 2016 (Australia - MA 15+), February 14, 2016 (Brazil - 18), February 14, 2016 (Mexico - D), February 14, 2016 (Spain - 18)
- Networks: HBO
- Alternative Titles: תקליט (IL), VINYL ヴァイナル (JP)
- Production Companies: HBO, Sikelia Productions, Cold Front Productions, Jagged Productions, Paramount Television Studios
- Production Countries: United States of America
Vinyl - Plot
In 1970s New York, jaded record exec Richie Finestra tries to resurrect his failing label and fractured personal life while keeping his finger on the pulse of the city's new sound.
Vinyl - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and hear the sound that defined a decade:
He didn't see the future. He heard it.
Where to Watch Vinyl
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Vinyl - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Terence Winter
- Rich Cohen
- Mick Jagger
- Martin Scorsese
Main Cast
- Bobby Cannavale
- Olivia Wilde
- Ray Romano
- Ato Essandoh
- Max Casella
- P.J. Byrne
- J.C. MacKenzie
- Birgitte Hjort Sørensen
- Juno Temple
- Jack Quaid
Writers
- Terence Winter
- Debora Cahn
- Adam Rapp
- Jonathan Tropper
- George Mastras
Executive Producers
- Allen Coulter
- Emma Tillinger Koskoff
- Victoria Pearman
- Terence Winter
- Rick Yorn
Vinyl - FAQs
Why was Vinyl cancelled after just one season?
HBO cancelled Vinyl in June 2016 despite its high-profile pedigree, citing disappointing viewership numbers and mixed critical reception. The show's expensive production costs — reportedly among the highest per episode in HBO history at the time — made renewal difficult to justify given the audience response.
Is Vinyl based on a true story?
Vinyl is not based on a single true story, but it draws heavily from the real experiences of co-creator Rich Cohen, who worked in the music industry. The 1970s New York setting, the record label world, and many cultural touchstones are rooted in genuine history, blended with fictional characters and drama.
Who are the main actors in Vinyl?
Bobby Cannavale leads the cast as troubled record exec Richie Finestra, with Olivia Wilde as his wife Devon and Ray Romano as business partner Zak Yankovich. The ensemble also includes Juno Temple, Jack Quaid, Ato Essandoh, and James Jagger — son of Mick Jagger — as aspiring rock star Kip Stevens.
Where can you watch Vinyl online?
Vinyl is currently available to purchase on Google Play Movies. For additional viewing options that may vary by region, JustWatch is a reliable resource to check current streaming and rental availability across multiple platforms.
Who created Vinyl and what inspired it?
Vinyl was created by Terence Winter, Rich Cohen, Mick Jagger, and Martin Scorsese. The concept grew from Mick Jagger and Rich Cohen's shared passion for the seismic shifts in the music industry during the 1970s — a decade when rock, punk, disco, and hip-hop were all colliding in New York City simultaneously.
How was Vinyl received by critics?
Critical reception was decidedly mixed. Reviewers praised the show's visual style, period authenticity, and Bobby Cannavale's ferocious lead performance, but many felt the writing was uneven and the pilot's promise wasn't fully sustained. The series earned a modest score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its polarizing impact on critics.
What music era and genres does Vinyl explore?
Set in New York City in the early 1970s, Vinyl immerses viewers in the era's explosive musical landscape — capturing the raw energy of proto-punk, the birth of hip-hop in the Bronx, the glam rock scene, and the soul music underground. The show treats music not just as backdrop but as the central dramatic force.
What are similar shows to Vinyl worth watching?
Fans of Vinyl will likely enjoy Daisy Jones & the Six for its music-world drama, The Get Down for its 1970s New York energy, and The Deuce for its gritty period atmosphere. Wu-Tang: An American Saga also captures the raw ambition of building something new from the streets of New York.
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