Vinyl 2016
“He didn't see the future. He heard it.”
What is Vinyl?
Vinyl is a television series that premiered in 2016. The program is set in 1970s New York City and focuses on the professional and personal life of a record executive named Richie Finestra.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 2016
- Status
- Canceled
- Episodes
- 10
- Runtime
- 60 minutes
- First aired
- Feb 14, 2016
- Last aired
- Apr 17, 2016
- Original language
- EN
- Origin
- US
- Networks
- HBO
- Genres
- Drama
- Updated
Where to watch
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How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 10 episodes and an average 60-minute runtime.
Trailer
Overview
Vinyl is a television series that premiered in 2016. The program is set in 1970s New York City and focuses on the professional and personal life of a record executive named Richie Finestra. As a jaded industry figure, Finestra attempts to resurrect his failing record label. The narrative follows his efforts to maintain his standing in the music business while simultaneously navigating a fractured personal life. Throughout the series, Finestra strives to keep his finger on the pulse of the city as it develops a new sound. The show explores the challenges of the music industry during this specific era. While the title shares its name with various commercial music products and retail categories, including online stores for physical media and record collections, the 2016 television production remains a distinct entity focused on the fictionalized experiences of its central character. The series depicts the intersection of the protagonist's career struggles and the evolving cultural landscape of the decade.
Should you watch it?
“A burned-out music exec navigates the chaotic 1970s New York music scene.”
- Vivid period recreation of 1970s New York
- Strong central performance anchoring the chaotic energy
- Captures the authentic grit of the music industry
- Pacing can feel uneven
- Some storylines lack resolution
You're drawn to character studies set against vibrant cultural backdrops.
Contains mature themes and period-appropriate content including substance use and strong language.
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Is Vinyl worth watching?
Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 10 episodes
Open the complete Season 1 guide →- E1 Pilot Feb 14, 2016
- E2 Yesterday Once More Feb 21, 2016
- E3 Whispered Secrets Feb 28, 2016
- E4 The Racket Mar 6, 2016
- E5 He in Racist Fire Mar 13, 2016
- E6 Cyclone Mar 20, 2016
- E7 The King and I Mar 27, 2016
- E8 E.A.B. Apr 3, 2016
- E9 Rock and Roll Queen Apr 10, 2016
- E10 Alibi Apr 17, 2016
Frequently asked questions
Is this show based on a true story?
The series is fictional but draws heavily from the real music scene of 1970s New York.
What genre of music is featured?
The show prominently features rock, punk, and emerging hip-hop from the early 1970s.
How many seasons are there?
The series ran for one season.
Is the main character likable?
Richie Finestra is deliberately written as a flawed and often unlikable protagonist.
Does it accurately portray the 1970s music industry?
The show aims for authenticity in depicting the excess and creativity of the era's music business.