Entourage is an American comedy-drama television series that premiered on HBO on July 18, 2004 and concluded on September 11, 2011, after eight seasons. The series was created by and largely written by Doug Ellin and chronicles the acting career of Vincent Chase, a young A-list movie star, and his childhood friends from Queens, New York City, as they navigate the unfamiliar terrain of Los Angeles, California.
Mark Wahlberg and Stephen Levinson served as the show's executive producers, and its premise is loosely based on Wahlberg's experiences as an up-and-coming film star.[1][2] The series deals with themes of male friendship and real-life situations in modern-day Hollywood. The show is known for its array of guest stars, usually featuring at least two celebrities per episode.
According to Mark Wahlberg, Entourage was initially conceived when his assistant asked if he could film Wahlberg and his friends, calling them "hilarious"."[3] Other reports credit Eric Weinstein, a long-time friend of Wahlberg's, with the idea of filming the actor's group of friends.[4][5] In order to be more satirical of the Hollywood lifestyle, a fictional approach was chosen rather than a straight documentary in order to keep the content light, and avoid directly depicting Wahlberg's violent past.[4]
Vincent Chase was envisioned to be more similar to Wahlberg, but it was decided that some of his and his friends' activities (particularly some elements of their criminal past) would not work well on television.[3] A lighter approach was subsequently decided upon.[3]
However, according to Donnie Carroll, who was the inspiration for the Turtle character, the idea for a show involving an actor and his friends had come from him.[6] It had originated as a book idea, centered on Carroll's own life and his experiences with Wahlberg, titled From the 'Hood to Hollywood, A Soldier's Story.[6]
Entourage revolves around Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier).[7][8] His best friend and manager is Eric Murphy (Kevin Connolly).[9] "E," as his friends call him, is based on Mark Wahlberg's friend and executive producer Eric Weinstein.[6] He's also been reported to be inspired by Stephen Levinson, Mark Wahlberg's manager.[4]
Vincent's older half-brother Johnny "Drama" Chase (Kevin Dillon), is Vince's personal chef, trainer and bodyguard. Johnny is a C-list actor who was in the fictional show Viking Quest during his younger days. His role in the new fictional hit show Five Towns has begun to resurrect his fame and career, although he still receives less acknowledgment than he would like for it. This character is based on Johnny "Drama" Alves (cousin of Mark Wahlberg), whom Donnie Wahlberg had hired to keep his younger brother out of trouble.[2][6][7]
Rounding out the entourage of friends is Salvatore "Turtle" Assante (Jerry Ferrara), who is another of Vince's old friends from childhood. Turtle's official role is as Vince's driver and assistant, though his value as such is often brought into question. This character is based on Mark Wahlberg's former "gofer" Donnie Carroll aka "Donkey."[2][6][7][10] Carroll auditioned for the role, but the Boston native was turned down when it was decided the actors would have to be New Yorkers.[6] Carroll died on December 18, 2005, after an asthma attack.[10]
Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven) is Vince's abrasive but lovable agent. The role has led to several nominations and Emmy Awards for Piven. Ari is based on Wahlberg's real-life agent Ari Emanuel.[5][6][9]
Kevin Connolly, Adrian Grenier, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara, and Jeremy Piven are credited in every episode in the opening credits of the entire series. Debi Mazar, who had a recurring guest star role as Shauna in season 1, began to receive opening credits billing in season 2. Her appearances in season 3 were limited due to her pregnancy and Mazar made her final regular appearance in episode 42 (season 3 finale). Mazar has made appearances in seasons 4 through 8 and is credited as a special guest star. Melissa Gold (Perrey Reeves) and Lloyd (Rex Lee) had recurring roles in the first two seasons. Starting in season 3, Reeves and Lee were credited as "starring" in the end credits in the episodes that they appeared in. After Debi Mazar left on maternity leave, Reeves replaced Mazar in the opening credits starting with season 4. Rex Lee was added to the opening credits starting with season 5. In season 4, Rhys Coiro's recurring character Billy Walsh was given a bigger role in the storyline, and Coiro was credited as "starring" in the first six episodes of the season. However, when his character returned in episode 52 (season 5, episode 10), he was again credited as a guest star; he returned in season 7 as a recurring special guest star and is credited as "starring" in the end credits again with season 8. Gary Cole guest starred in three episodes of season 5 as agent Andrew Klein, beginning with season 6 he was credited as "starring" in the end credits and returned in season 7 as a special guest star. Emmanuelle Chriqui has portrayed E's on-again, off-again girlfriend Sloan McQuewick (daughter of Malcolm McDowell's character Terrance McQuewick) as a recurring guest star from season 2 to 5, and beginning with season 6 she was credited as "starring" in the end credits. Scott Caan guest starred in two episodes of season 6 as Scott Lavin, and beginning with season 7 he was credited as "starring" in the end credits.
Entourage features many recurring characters. Some are fictional, such as Malcolm McDowell as Terrance McQuewick while other actors, such as Bob Saget, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Mandy Moore, Sasha Grey and Seth Green appear as fictional versions of themselves.
Entourage typically has at least one celebrity guest per episode, such as actors, film directors, film producers, musicians and professional athletes playing themselves. Appearances include Ali Larter, Peter Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Mark Wahlberg, Kanye West, Tom Brady, Chuck Liddell, Jessica Alba, Gary Busey, Larry David, Scarlett Johansson, James Cameron, Dennis Hopper, Martin Scorsese, Matt Damon, Eminem, LeBron James, Mark Cuban, John Cleese, and many others.
The first season chronicles Vincent Chase's adventures as he climbs the celebrity ladder after his first successful film: Head On. At the forefront of the first few episodes is the conflict between Vince's best friend "E" and his agent Ari, who are both working to get the best for Vince, but often differ on how to accomplish this.
Vince's next project is decided halfway through the season: Queens Boulevard. Signed on is indie director Billy Walsh (Rhys Coiro), who comes into immediate conflict with E. Eventually their differences are put aside and the season ends with the crew leaving for New York to start production on Queens Boulevard, with E having become Vince’s official manager (with salary).
Running subplots include: Turtle's laziness and quest for marijuana; Drama's struggle to follow in his younger brother's footsteps; E dating Ari's assistant Emily (Samaire Armstrong); and Vince's many and varied girlfriends.
The second season focuses on Vince's proposed role in the film adaptation of Aquaman as the eponymous hero. Ari's inability to close the contract leads to trouble, but Vince manages to convince the film's director, James Cameron, that he is right for the part. However, new problems arise when the role of the leading lady goes to Mandy Moore, Vince's ex-girlfriend, for whom he still has feelings, but who is engaged to be married. Mandy and Vince resume their romance after Mandy's engagement shows signs of problems, but she eventually returns to her boyfriend. Initially devastated, Vince finds the will to go on with the film in the end.
However, Ari has his own problems in the form of his boss and partner, Terrance McQuewick (Malcolm McDowell), who is trying to steal Vince away from him. Near the end of the season, their conflict reaches a head and Ari is fired from the agency after another agent, Adam Davies, leaked information suggesting that Ari may be plotting against Terrance. E, meanwhile, begins dating Sloan (Emmanuelle Chriqui), McQuewick's daughter.
Meanwhile, Drama continues to try to become a star, even considering getting his calves augmented. He is eventually dropped by his agent, Adam Davies, after Vince decides to stick with Ari after Ari is fired. Turtle starts a career of his own, as manager of rapper Saigon.
File:EntourageAquamanAd.jpg
An advertisement promoting
Aquaman's box office success appeared in
Variety on June 19, 2006, to coincide with episodes from
Entourage's third season.
The third season continues with the Aquaman plotline as the film premieres and becomes a huge hit, attaining the highest-grossing opening weekend in movie history. Problems arise, however, when Medellin, Vince's dream project about the life of Pablo Escobar, conflicts with the schedule of Aquaman 2. The end result is that Vince is unable to star in either and is fired by Warner Bros.
E's relationship with Sloan comes into question when he has a threesome with her and her friend Tori (Malin Åkerman), to whom E is attracted. Tensions rise further when E is confronted by Sloan's stalker Seth Green.
Near the end of the season, Drama finally lands his big break as he's signed on to the new TV series Five Towns. Turtle's career as a music manager ends unceremoniously when he is forcefully bought out by Saigon's original manager. Ari meanwhile has to juggle his new, initially failing, business with keeping Vince happy. Even though Ari manages to set up a successful new agency with the help of Barbara Miller (Beverly D'Angelo), it leads him to neglect his star client. In the season finale, he is fired as Vince's agent after his abrasive methods result in failure to secure a film about punk band The Ramones.
The second part of the third season focuses almost entirely on Vince and Ari and the troubles surrounding Medellin. Attempting to get Vince back, Ari convinces him that he can secure the film after all. Vince's new agent, Amanda (Carla Gugino), tries to steer Vince towards a different film, but he ends up refusing. To compound their problems, Vince and Amanda both admit to a mutual attraction, and have a relationship. When Medellin once again slips Vince's grasp, he questions Amanda's motives. After proving her innocence, she drops him as both client and boyfriend. With the help of Ari, who is once again hired, Vince and E finally secure their dream project when they buy the rights to the film Medellin themselves. Billy Walsh is signed on as the director with E given his first shot at producer.
In the continuation of the previous part's subplot, Drama's star rises, and Five Towns becomes a hit. E moves in with Sloan.
The fourth season continues the Medellin plotline as production of the film finally begins. Conflicts quickly arise when E admits to being dissatisfied with the first cut after Walsh reluctantly agrees to a midnight screening. Vince and E subsequently clash over the creative direction and financing of the film in an arc which escalates through the season. There is much contention over the ending of the script, and Stephen Gaghan is brought in briefly, at which point Walsh comes up with what he believes to be a good ending.
When the Medellin trailer leaks to the public via YouTube, an opportunity is presented to leverage the resultant hype to broker a deal attaching Vince to a new big-budget project. The deal, however, is unexpectedly sold on the strength of not just Vince, but the "Medellin Dream Team" — also involving E as producer and Walsh as director — at the point when animosity between E and Walsh begins to come to a head. Consequently, E must decide between jeopardizing the deal, and the prospect of working on another project with Walsh, which he had previously sworn he would never do again.
Meanwhile, Ari contends with various complications in his personal and professional lives, including the incapacitating relationship troubles of his indispensable assistant, Lloyd, the uncertainty of his son's acceptance into the exclusive private school his daughter attends, and interpersonal conflicts among employees of his agency.
E navigates unfamiliar waters as he clumsily attempts to expand the representation of his fledgling management agency beyond Vince, his only client at the time. By chance he comes to meet and subsequently represent Anna Faris, but when his loyalty to Vince and his personal feelings for Faris are set at odds with one another and compromise his professional judgment, he is ultimately fired by Faris.
Drama and Turtle are featured throughout the season in various subplots that see them engaging in the type of antics typical of their characters, such as procuring marijuana and engaging in furry fetishes via Craigslist on a bet.
In the season finale, the entourage travel to the Cannes Film Festival to promote Medellin, and sign a distribution deal. However, the film bombs with the Cannes audience, and they are forced to accept an offer from producer Harvey Weingard (Maury Chaykin) of a mere one dollar for the film.
The fifth season begins with Vince and Turtle on a beach in Mexico, while Eric and Ari try to get Vince an opportunity to get his career back on track back in California. In the six months since the Cannes fiasco, Medellin has gone straight-to-DVD and made numerous worst-of-the-year lists, with Vince's performance coming under fire from critics as well. Drama is also in Hollywood, continuing production of Five Towns while maintaining a long-distance relationship with his French girlfriend, Jacqueline. Ari and E remain unsuccessful in convincing Vince to return to the States until Ari gets a sit-down for Vince with producer Carl Ertz about a new film titled Danger Beach. When Vince and Turtle return, they all realize that Ertz was not actually interested in Vince but was instead using him to secure Emile Hirsch for the role. Seemingly at a dead end, Vince returns to basics and begins reading scripts Ari claims are already taken. Eric, however, finds interest in a script sent to him directly from unknown screenwriters trying to get a break in Hollywood called Nine Brave Souls. Meanwhile Drama's nervousness about Jacqueline possibly cheating on him leads to their break-up and he works himself through a guilty frenzy that reaches its peak when he breaks down during a guest appearance on The View. Eric sees potential in Nine Brave Souls and approaches the writers to begin representing them. He gets Edward Norton and Amanda Daniels (Carla Gugino) interested, and they change the name of the film to Smoke Jumpers. When Ari finally reads the script of Smoke Jumpers he convinces Eric to start a bidding war for the film with Vince attached. Amanda refuses to participate and passes on it until later reconsidering and making an offer. However, Alan Gray (Paul Ben-Victor), the man who fired Vince from the sequel to Aquaman, outbids them.
Ari asks for the second lead in Smoke Jumpers for Vince but Alan Gray says no. Vince is offered a role in a new "Benji" film, but after considering it, he realizes that Smoke Jumpers is still the film he really wants. Ari, determined to get Vince the role he desires, challenged Alan to a round of golf for the part. Alan brings PGA Tour pro Phil Mickelson along as a coach and beats Ari. Venting his anger, Alan begins to yell at Ari for even bringing up Smoke Jumpers, knowing he hates Vince; but suddenly drops dead of a heart attack. At Alan's funeral, Ari takes the opportunity to ask John Ellis, Alan's boss, about giving the role to Vince. Ellis instead offers him Alan's position as president of the studio, with Amanda as the number-two choice for the job. Rather than accepting the offer and abandoning his clients, Ari instead gets Dana Gordon (Constance Zimmer) the job, therefore locking up Smoke Jumpers for Vince. Meanwhile, Turtle meets Jamie-Lynn Sigler on an airplane and the two hit it off, but their potential relationship is ruined when Turtle tells the guys she jerked him off, they tell everyone. It was revealed to be true.
Smoke Jumpers begins filming and Vince becomes increasingly angry when his co-star, Jason Patric, steals several of his lines. He discovers that the director, Verner Vollstedt (Stellan Skarsgård), gave his lines to Patric. Vince talks to Verner about his frustration over how few lines he's been given, and rather than giving him more, he tells Vince about his bad acting habits. Ari signs his old colleague Andrew Klein (Gary Cole) as a new partner in MGA.
Verner eventually fires Vince from Smoke Jumpers when one scene is shot several times without good results and Vince gets angry. Ari flies in but cannot convince Verner to give Vince another chance, so he seeks Gordon's intervention. She scolds Verner, who barges into Ellis' board meeting to explain himself. Furious, Ellis stops production of the movie. Meanwhile, Jamie-Lynn forgives Turtle for opening his mouth and is interested in a relationship with him if he keeps quiet, so they spend the day together and consider spending the weekend together. However, their plans are cut short when he receives a call from Vince explaining the situation and they all fly back to Queens for a week.
With Vince's future in acting looking dim, his relationship with Eric is tested when Vince pursues a role in Gus Van Sant's new film. Eric persistently tracks down Gus in an attempt to convince him to meet with Vince, despite Ari's opposition. Gus refuses, saying he has seen all of Vince's work and he is not a fan, but agrees to see the Smoke Jumpers footage. Meanwhile, Jamie-Lynn reveals her relationship with Turtle to the guys. Gus calls back saying he loves the footage and claims that he would love to work with Vince, but not on his current project. Vince becomes upset and fires Eric, believing that Eric had made him look desperate. A frustrated Eric returns to Hollywood to concentrate on another client, a young and rising comedian named Charlie (Bow Wow). Vince later apologizes after learning that Eric's persistence led to an offer by Martin Scorsese for a lead in his next feature, a re-envisioning of The Great Gatsby set in the Upper West Side of New York City. The episode ends with them all back in Hollywood to celebrate.
The sixth season is mostly divided into individual storylines. Vince, back to A-list status after Gatsby, is preparing for his next role, starring in an Enzo Ferrari biopic (to be directed by Frank Darabont). Left to his own devices by his friends, Vince spends much of the season relaxing.
Meanwhile, Eric, prompted by ex-girlfriend Sloan, moves out on his own. Midway through the season, he disbands his company and goes to work for veteran manager Murray Berenson (George Segal). While he starts a relationship with his neighbor Ashley (Alexis Dziena), Eric still pines for Sloan, and tries to win her back.
Turtle, who dreams of starting his own business, starts college. He is still together with Jamie-Lynn Sigler and is quickly becoming a celebrity in his own right. While at college, he meets Brooke, who attempts to seduce him. He turns her down. When Jamie-Lynn is offered a role, to be filmed in New Zealand, she breaks up with Turtle.
Jamie-Lynn also factors into Johnny Drama's storyline, as she guest-stars on his show Five Towns. When the head of production, Dan Coakley, jokes to Drama about wanting to have sex with Sigler, Drama attacks him. Coakley then takes it on himself to ruin Drama's character on the show. Finally, Drama leaves Five Towns with some help from Ari, and after a successful audition, receives an offer to star in his own television show pending studio approval.
Ari also faces trouble at work. Lloyd, his assistant, wants to become an agent and Ari has him go through a series of demeaning tests. As a result, Lloyd quits. Meanwhile, Andrew Klein, whose standing with Barbara Miller (Ari's partner) is precarious, cheats on his wife. His marital problems interfere with his work and only Ari's intervention saves him from being fired. Klein redeems himself by signing writer Aaron Sorkin.
In the final episodes of the season, Ari is approached by his old boss, Terrance McQuewick, who wants him to buy out his agency. Despite bitterness over being fired over his agency revolt years before, Ari finally agrees, and goes out firing employees who might not fit in after his takeover, with Adam Davies also getting the boot. He is now on the road to becoming the most powerful agent in Hollywood. In the end, he also resolves his issues with Lloyd, whom he makes an agent.
The season ends with Vince and Drama traveling to Rome, to start shooting the Ferrari film. Turtle is to meet them there. Only E stays behind, having successfully proposed marriage to Sloan.
As Vince shoots an action movie called The Takeover directed by Nick Cassavetes, he is asked to perform a dangerous driving stunt. Eric and Ari intervene as they do not want him to perform the stunt, but Vince does it anyway; as a result, he crashes the car into the set, but emerges feeling emboldened and invincible. The incident also pushes Vince to seek out new thrills, including sky-diving, purchasing a Harley-Davidson, popping Vicodin pills, and striking up a relationship with pornographic star Sasha Grey. Vince is then introduced to a new project, Air-Walker, by Eric's associate Scott Lavin (Scott Caan), creating a hostile relationship with Eric; they eventually bury the hatchet and temporarily work together to help further Vince's career. This friendship eventually ends once Eric realizes Scott possibly supplied Vince with cocaine at a party.
Now running a fledgling car service business, Turtle is frustrated when an employee named Alex (Dania Ramirez) causes problems for him; however, she quits after an inappropriate advance he makes towards her. Turtle's business eventually fails, but after reconciling with Alex, she introduces him to some friends in Mexico, who wish to make Vince the face of their tequila company: Avion. Turtle agrees, and he uses Vince's Twitter account to spread the word on Avion. Turtle's promotions creates a huge demand for it in Southern California, which cannot be met by the company's production unless a new factory is built. Looking for potential investors, Turtle pitches the company to Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and his business partner Ken Austin (Bob Odenkirk). Cuban likes the company and meets with one of Avion's owners, Carlos. The meeting ends badly, as Carlos (Miguel Sandoval) is passionate about running his family business as he wishes. Turtle eventually convinces Cuban of this, who gives Carlos the $5 million he needs to build a new factory.
Meanwhile, Lizzie Grant, the promising young agent who had a turbulent affair with Andrew Klein, quits after Ari refuses to promote her to the head of the TV department of the agency (Klein's former position) despite her stellar performance. Lizzie attempts to steal some of Ari's clients, prompting Ari to take action. Ari learns that Lizzie had gone to Amanda Daniels to try and bring down Ari; however, this alliance is short-lived, as Lizzie decides she wants no part in Amanda's revenge plots. An anonymous person sends tapes to Deadline Hollywood, revealing Ari's foul-mouthed rants. Ari, who was nearing a deal with Jerry Jones to bring an NFL team to Los Angeles, suddenly finds his life in a tailspin. This incident leads Ari's wife to "seriously re-evaluate their marriage", causing Ari to spend more time with his family and attempting a friendlier work environment. His newfound peace is broken when he confronts Amanda at an upper class restaurant, accusing her of sending the tapes and stealing his NFL team. She reveals that her ex-assistant sent the tapes and that the NFL was reconsidering Ari for their team (with the help of Amanda). She has now lost complete respect for Ari, and the outburst leaves Ari looking foolish in front of many Hollywood executives. Ari's relationship with his wife ends on the fence as well as she tells him she wants a break from him.
Drama wants a job since his holding deal will expire in eight weeks. He finds out new shows are being made by the network, but not for him. Lloyd finds an Emmy award winning writer (Jeff Garlin) to write something for Drama, though Drama is disappointed that he hasn't written anything since 1991 and that the proposed show would be a comedy. The script turns out to be a good fit for Drama and John Stamos is suggested as a co-star; however, Bob Saget is given Drama's role instead due to his friendship with Stamos. Billy Walsh makes a return after starting a family and becoming an ordained minister. Looking for work so that he can provide for his family, he looks to create a new show for Drama. The show, a cartoon called Johnny's Bananas, is conceptually a hit with the network but it takes a while (and persuasion from Eric's assistant) for Drama to get on board. After accepting the offer, Drama, Turtle, Alex, Billy and Lloyd celebrate back at Vince's house, where Lloyd discovers a large bag of cocaine belonging to Vince.
Vince's drug problems continue to grow, as Air-Walker director Randall Wallace becomes suspicious of Vince's behavior. Randall quits when Vince refuses to take a drug test and is replaced with Peter Berg. When Vince discovers that Sasha is seriously considering a role in an upcoming porn film, he tries to land her a role in Air-Walker instead. He succeeds, but Sasha sees this as a way for Vince to control her life, as evidenced by Vince's reckless behavior on the set of Sasha's new movie. As a result, Sasha ends their relationship. The guys attempt to stage an intervention for Vince, who refuses to listen to them and decides to spend the night at a hotel.
During this Scott wants to put the past behind him and offers Eric an opportunity to supplant Murray Berenson at the management company, having already convinced everyone else in the office to go along. Eric refuses as he gets along with Murray because he is Sloan's godfather. However, Terrence McQuewick asks Eric to sign a pre-nuptial agreement with Sloan as both he and Murray feel that Eric may just rely on Sloan's family money to get by. Eric gets angry over the fact that people like Terrence and Murray have made a living off of other people's work and takes Scott up on his offer.
During rapper Eminem's party at the hotel, Vince starts a fight with him, and gets beaten up by him and his security, which includes NBA players Jordan Farmar, Kevin Love, and rapper Royce da 5'9". Then, Vince gets taken to the hospital where the police find a bag of cocaine that was in his sweater.
Vince is sober after spending three months in rehab and returns home ready to work. He pitches a movie idea to his friends about miners, but they all think it is not a good idea. Eric and Sloan have broken up, mainly because Eric refused to sign a prenuptial agreement and took over Murray Berenson's agency with Scott's help. Johnny's new show, Johnny's Bananas, is a potential hit in the making. Still separated, but wanting to get back together, Ari learns his wife is seeing chef Bobby Flay. Hurt, Ari begins seeing Dana Gordon. Turtle burns down part of the house when he accidentally throws out his joint onto the drapes.
Vince writes a script for the miner movie and receives several tips from Billy Walsh, most notably that the movie would be better served with Drama as the lead, rather than Vince himself. Eric and Sloan have one last "fling" before she tells him that she is moving to New York. Ari makes Lloyd the head of the TV department. Avión owner Carlos reluctantly pushes Turtle to retire, and reveals to him that Alex has left him for someone else. Turtle presents an idea to Vince to start a new company after he sells his stock from Avión. Johnny begins recording Johnny's Bananas and finds out that the show will be getting its first test screening; co-star Andrew Dice Clay signs with Scott Lavin. Dice pushes Johnny and E to ask the network for more money, they turn him down. Staying true to his word, Dice leaves the show before it airs. Johnny is not happy with his replacement.
Carl Ertz (Kim Coates) meets up with Vince again and later at his house, offers to produce his TV movie for Johnny, but in return wants Vince to star in the film Taxman. After realizing his mistake and feeling bad, Ertz runs off to the bathroom to get high and subsequently shoots himself in the head. After the shooting, Vince is required to take a drug test by his parole officer as there was cocaine in Ertz's house. Worried he will fail the test, as he smoked a joint earlier in the week, he ends up using a device to pass the drug test against E's approval.
Ari continues his fling with former flame, Dana Gordon. After a bad session of couples therapy, Ari takes Dana out to Bobby Flay's restaurant to get back at his wife. Dana learns of Ari's real motives and storms out. Mrs. Ari then accuses Ari of cheating on her with Dana while they were still together, which Ari immediately denies.
Vince has an interview with Vanity Fair. He opens up to the writer and tells his story only for the article to call him an "insecure womanizer". Ari's personal and professional lives collide when he realizes that he might lose his share in the company after his divorce is finalized. Eric takes a meeting with Melinda Clarke and ends up having sex with her instead. He is unnerved when he realizes afterwards that her true intentions were to get back at her ex.
Drama tries to get Andrew Dice Clay back on his show, and instead ends up going on strike alongside him. However, Phil Yagoda (William Fichtner) and CBS agree to pay them more, ending the strike and green-lighting Johnny's Bananas once again. Vince tries to meet with Sophia (the Vanity Fair writer) to change her perception of him, but is instead rejected. Turtle meets with his new business partners, but they're more interested in the "Hollywood glam" than anything else. Things get worse when he realizes that Avión has gone public and that he sold his share too soon.
Vince and Ari realize that Phil is upset with Drama going on strike, so Vince offers him $100,000 in exchange for him forgiving Drama and producing the miner movie with him. In the meantime, Turtle and Drama each speak with Sophia, and try to steer her towards going out with Vince, which she ultimately does. Turtle is sulking over the Avión deal, until Vince tells him that he never sold his share, and bought Turtle's share for him as well. Vince's original investment of $1.1 million is now worth $15 million and Turtle's $300,000 is worth $4 million. Vince, Drama and Turtle toast to redemption. Meanwhile, Eric gets word that Sloan is out with his client Johnny Galecki, so he and Melinda crash their date. Tensions mount and Eric finds out that Sloan is pregnant with his child and that she still intends to move to New York without him.
In the final episode, Vince tells the gang that he's flying to Paris in a few hours to marry Sophia. Eric quits his job and announces that he's moving to New York to try to be a good father for his child. Turtle and Drama try to convince Sloan to forgive Eric and fly to Paris for the wedding. She's on the fence, until Vince seals the deal by giving her a heartfelt speech about Eric. In the meantime, Ari quits his job for his family and reconciles with his wife. In the end, the entourage meets up at the airport where Sloan forgives Eric and together they fly away to a destination of their choice, compliments of Vince. Meanwhile, Vince, Sophia, Drama, Turtle, Ari and Mrs. Ari fly to Paris for Vince's wedding.
In the post-credits scene, Ari and Mrs Ari are busy resting on the Amalfi Coast when John Ellis suddenly calls up Ari. John explains to Ari that he wants to retire, and wants him to take his place as chairman and CEO of Time Warner. The final scene shows Ari contemplating the offer.
Creator Doug Ellin has stated that he is planning to write a film after the series ends.[11] In November 2010, Kevin Dillon said no film has been confirmed.[12] In July 2011, Emmanuelle Chriqui stated that there is a "definite possibility" of a film after the series concludes its eighth season.[13] In September 2011, Adrian Grenier confirmed there will be a film, a script just needs to be written first.[14] Mark Wahlberg confirmed that a film is in the works and said "I will do everything to get this film made".[15]
A recurring theme in Entourage is the strength of male camaraderie and its importance over work. Series creator Doug Ellin stated, "Entourage works because it's about male friendship. The Hollywood setting is entertaining but it's really about the relationship between these guys".[16] He later added that, "Ultimately, the show's theme is friendship and family. The characters may have the bling, but they're grounded guys who look out for each other. That's the backbone of the show. If it was just about fantasy lifestyles, it wouldn't be relatable".[16][17]
This view was supported by Jeremy Piven, who plays the talent agent, Ari: "If it was just a show about wish fulfillment and guys getting (sex) because their best friend was famous, it wouldn't be that interesting."[17]
To strengthen the bond between the actors, only actors with ties to New York were chosen.[6][16][17]
Episodes of Entourage focus, besides the friendship between the four main characters, on their lifestyle in Hollywood. Specifically, the various parties and film premieres they visit, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of being, or being connected to, a star on a person's social status. To lend credence to the show's situations and locations, most episodes of Entourage feature at least one celebrity guest star, appearing as him or herself.
Entourage has generally received favorable reviews from critics, scoring 73/100 for season 3,[18] 71/100 for season 5[19] and 61/100 for season 7[20] and season 8[21] on the review aggregator site Metacritic. Ken Tucker of Entertainment Weekly, called season 3 "Almost preposterously enjoyable."[18] In 2009, Tucker remarked regarding the sixth season premiere, that "the show really isn’t that funny anymore".[22] The Wall Street Journal commented on the writing, saying it "is almost always smart, sharp and funny."[18] Season 7, while still gaining generally favorable reviews, had a much more mixed reception than the earlier seasons because "it all feels maybe a little too familiar."[20]
The series has been nominated for 25 Primetime Emmy Awards, in categories such as acting, directing, writing and for Outstanding Comedy Series. Jeremy Piven was nominated four consecutive times for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, winning the award three times in a row in 2006, 2007, and 2008. Kevin Dillon received three consecutive nominations in 2007, 2008, and 2009, for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. The series was nominated in 2007, 2008, and 2009 for Outstanding Comedy Series. It has also received six directing nominations and one writing nomination.
It has been nominated for 14 Golden Globe Awards, with Jeremy Piven and the series being nominated every year. Piven won the Supporting Actor award in 2008. Kevin Dillon received a nomination in the Supporting Actor category alongside Piven in 2008, while Kevin Connolly was nominated alongside Piven in 2009.
It has also been nominated for six Screen Actors Guild Awards–Jeremy Piven independently and the ensemble cast, four Directors Guild of America Awards, four Producers Guild of America Awards–winning in 2006, and four Writers Guild of America Awards.
Eight DVD releases have been released for the first seven seasons of the series; with the third season being released in two parts. The sixth and seventh seasons have also been released on Blu-ray Disc.
| Season |
Release dates |
Episodes |
Bonus features |
| Region 1 |
Region 2 |
Region 4 |
| 1 |
May 10, 2005 |
October 30, 2006 |
September 6, 2006 |
8 |
Commentary by creator Doug Ellin and executive producer Larry Charles on "Entourage (Pilot)", "Busey and the Beach" and "New York"; Behind-the-scenes interviews with cast and crew |
| 2 |
June 6, 2006 |
February 26, 2007 |
September 6, 2006 |
14 |
The Mark Wahlberg Sessions – Wahlberg talks to the cast and crew about the series |
| 3: Part 1 |
April 3, 2007 |
November 26, 2007 |
March 7, 2007 |
12 |
Commentary by creator Doug Ellin and actors Kevin Dillon and Jerry Ferrara on "One Day in the Valley", "Vegas Baby, Vegas" and "Sorry, Ari"; "Vegas Baby, Vegas" featurette – behind-the-scenes with cast and crew on location in Vegas |
| 3: Part 2 |
October 2, 2007 |
April 7, 2008 |
November 6, 2007 |
8 |
Commentary by creator Doug Ellin, and actors Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon and Jerry Ferrara on "Manic Monday", "The Resurrection" and "Adios Amigos"; Museum of Television & Radio Panel Discussion with the Cast; Behind-the-Scenes look at the Season Finale |
| 4 |
August 26, 2008 |
October 6, 2008 |
November 5, 2008 |
12 |
Commentary by creator Doug Ellin, and actors Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon and Jerry Ferrara on "Welcome to the Jungle", "The Day Fuckers" and "The Cannes Kids"; Meet the Newest Member of Entourage! – a short featurette on Doug Ellin's son, Lucas (who plays Ari's son); The Making of Medellin; Medellin Trailer; U.S. Comedy Arts Festival Panel with the cast and crew |
| 5 |
June 30, 2009 |
September 14, 2009 |
September 1, 2009 |
12 |
Commentary by creator Doug Ellin, producer Ally Musika, and actors Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly and Jerry Ferrara on "Tree Trippers", "Play'n with Fire" and "Return to Queens Blvd."; The Celebrity Factor – behind-the-scenes interviews with cast and crew |
| 6 |
June 22, 2010 |
September 6, 2010 |
July 20, 2010 |
12 |
Commentary by creator Doug Ellin, executive producer Ally Musika, and actors Jeremy Piven, Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara and Bob Saget on "No More Drama", "Scared Straight" and "Give a Little Bit"; "Life at the Top" – A look at the making of Season 6 featuring interviews with cast and crew; "A Day at the Speedway" – Behind-the-scenes with the Entourage cast and crew as they race Ferraris at the Auto Club Speedway; ONEXONE PSA (directed by Matt Damon) |
| 7 |
July 12, 2011 |
September 12, 2011 |
July 13, 2011 |
10 |
Commentary by creator Doug Ellin, executive producer Ally Musika, and actors Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Jerry Ferrara and Jeremy Piven on "Hair", "Porn Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" and "Lose Yourself"; "Inside the Hollywood Highlife" — behind-the-scenes of season seven with interviews with cast and crew; "The Shades of Sasha Grey" – an inside look into the world of adult film star Sasha Grey |
| 8 |
June 12, 2012 |
June 11, 2012 |
June 13, 2012 |
8 |
"Hollywood Sunset: Farewell Tribute to Entourage"; commentaries (Blu-ray only) |
Entourage is syndicated in many other countries around the world, often broadcast on HBO. In some countries nudity and/or profanity is edited out. The series was syndicated on WGN America,[23] but was removed from the schedule due to low ratings.[24] The series was also syndicated on Spike TV in an attempt to improve their late night ratings.[25]
Kevin Dillon and Jerry Ferrara appeared as their Entourage personalities in a set of commercials for the video game Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit. In the commercials, the guys are valets during the day, and racers (Turtle) and interceptors (Drama) at night.[26]
Nike SB collaborated with creator Doug Ellin to commemorate the final season with an Entourage branded version of their Nike SB shoes, which will be featured on the series. However, these shoes are only exclusive for the families of the cast and crew.[27]
- ^ Gilbert, Matthew (July 16, 2004). "Flunkies go to Hollywood in HBO's 'Entourage'". boston.com. http://www.boston.com/ae/tv/articles/2004/07/16/flunkies_go_to_hollywood_in_hbos_entourage/. Retrieved February 1, 2007.
- ^ a b c Bianculli, David and Gross, Terry (2008-02-08). "Oscar Nominee Mark Wahlberg". Fresh Air. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7269639. Retrieved September 6, 2010. Wahlberg discusses "The Departed," life and career.
- ^ a b c Wadler, Joyce with Ryzik, Melena Z. (July 2, 2004). "But Until We Do, You Go Get the Car". The New York Times. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9A02E2DC1138F931A35754C0A9629C8B63. Retrieved August 28, 2008.
- ^ a b c McKinley, Jesse (July 11, 2004). "With Friends Like These". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/11/arts/television-with-friends-like-these.html?pagewanted=1. Retrieved September 6, 2010.
- ^ a b Levin, Gary (July 15, 2004). "Hangers-on as comedy hook". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2004-07-14-entourage_x.htm. Retrieved August 28, 2008.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Fee, Gayle and Raposa, Laura (June 5, 2005). "For old pal, life's lonely outside Wahlberg's `Entourage'". Inside Track (The Boston Herald). http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/bostonherald/access/849503731.html?dids=849503731:849503731&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jun+05%2C+2005&author=Gayle+Fee+and+Laura+Raposa&pub=Boston+Herald&desc=INSIDE+TRACK%3B+For+old+pal%2C+life%27s+lonely+outside+Wahlberg%27s+%60Entourage%27&pqatl=google. Retrieved August 28, 2008. Archived at rezawardawgz.com.
- ^ a b c McKinley, Jesse (July 16, 2004). "Life and times of a star's posse". International Herald Tribune. http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-96517480.html. Retrieved August 28, 2008.
- ^ Keck, William (August 13, 2004). "No need for his own 'Entourage'". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2004-08-12-adrian-grenier_x.htm. Retrieved August 28, 2008.
- ^ a b De Vries, Hilary (September 5, 2005). "'Entourage' Chillingly Realistic, Insiders Say". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/05/arts/television/05agen.html. Retrieved August 28, 2008.
- ^ a b Fee, Gayle; Raposa, Laura; Hayes, Erin (December 20, 2005). "‘Entourage’s’ Turtle inspiration dies in asthma attack". Inside Track (The Boston Herald): p. O18. http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/bostonherald/access/944117371.html?dids=944117371:944117371&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Dec+20%2C+2005&author=Gayle+Fee+and+Laura+Raposa+with+Erin+Hayes&pub=Boston+Herald&desc=INSIDE+TRACK%3B+%60Entourage%27s%27+Turtle+inspiration+dies+in+asthma+attack&pqatl=google. Retrieved August 28, 2008.
- ^ Hibberd, James (August 7, 2010). "Official: 'Entourage' series will end next summer". The Hollywood Reporter. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/live-feed/official-entourage-series-summer-54219. Retrieved September 6, 2010.
- ^ Shyong, Frank (November 3, 2010). "Kevin Dillon and Jerry Ferrara talk possible 'Entourage' movie and 'Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit'". Entertainment Weekly. http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/11/03/entourage-need-for-speed-hot-pursuit/. Retrieved December 19, 2010.
- ^ "Chriqui states that film is a "definite possibility"". Pop Sugar. July 22, 2011. http://www.popsugar.com/Emmanuelle-Chriqui-Interview-Entourage-Season-Eight-Video-18401510. Retrieved July 24, 2011.
- ^ Joseph, Matt (September 10, 2011). "Adrian Grenier Confirms Entourage Movie". We Got This Covered. http://wegotthiscovered.com/movies/adrian-grenier-confirms-entourage-movie/. Retrieved September 10, 2011.
- ^ Maitland, Sashana (September 21, 2011). "'Entourage' movie will happen, confirms executive producer Mark Wahlberg: 'We're working on' it". New York Daily News. http://articles.nydailynews.com/2011-09-21/entertainment/30202237_1_mark-wahlberg-entourage-movie-johnny-drama-chase. Retrieved October 5, 2011.
- ^ a b c Hughes, Sarah (September 7, 2006). "Hollywood exposed; 'Entourage'". The Independent. http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/entourage-hollywood-exposed-414985.html. Retrieved August 29, 2008.
- ^ a b c Strauss, Gary (April 5, 2007). "'Entourage' men hug it out in a manly way; Friendship truly does matter". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/life/20070405/d_cover05.art.htm. Retrieved August 29, 2008.
- ^ a b c "Entourage: Season 3". Metacritic. http://www.metacritic.com/tv/entourage/season-3. Retrieved June 2, 2010.
- ^ "Entourage: Season 5". Metacritic. http://www.metacritic.com/tv/entourage/season-5. Retrieved June 2, 2010.
- ^ a b "Entourage: Season 7". Metacritic. http://www.metacritic.com/tv/entourage/season-7. Retrieved June 3, 2010.
- ^ "Entourage: Season 8". Metacritic. http://www.metacritic.com/tv/entourage/season-8. Retrieved August 29, 2011.
- ^ Tucker, Ken (July 13, 2009). "Entourage' season premiere: Are you still pals with these guys?". Entertainment Weekly. http://watching-tv.ew.com/2009/07/13/entourage-season-premiere-hbo/. Retrieved August 10, 2010.
- ^ "Entourage". WGN America. http://www.wgnamerica.com/shows/entourage/. Retrieved September 2, 2011.
- ^ "WGN America Fall 2011 Schedule; MeTV Network Celebrates Lucille Ball's 100th Birthday With 100 Episodes of Lucy Series". SitcomsOnline.com. July 26, 2011. http://blog.sitcomsonline.com/2011/07/wgn-america-fall-2011-schedule-metv.html. Retrieved September 11, 2011.
- ^ Gorman, Bill (September 13, 2010). "How Badly Did Spike Overpay For Entourage?". TV by the Numbers. http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/09/13/how-badly-did-spike-overpay-for-entourage/63093/. Retrieved May 2, 2012.
- ^ Bertz, Matt (November 1, 2010). "Entourage Sidekicks Star In New Need For Speed Commercials". Game Informer. http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2010/11/01/entourage-sidekicks-star-in-new-need-for-speed-commercial.aspx. Retrieved December 19, 2010.
- ^ "Entourage x Nike SB ‘Lights Out’ Dunk Low". NSB. June 16, 2011. http://hrlife.com/entourage-x-nike-sb-lights-out-dunk-low. Retrieved September 11, 2011.
|
Entourage
|
|
| Characters |
|
|
| Related articles |
|
|
|
|
|
| 1970s debuts |
|
|
| 1980s debuts |
|
|
| 1990s debuts |
|
|
| 2000s debuts |
|
|
| 2010s debuts |
|
|
| Current |
|
|
| Upcoming |
|
|
|
|
|
![Entourage Season 7 Episode 1 ending credits song - 'Above The Clouds' by Gang Starr [HD]](http://web.archive.org./web/20130414035532im_/http://i.ytimg.com/vi/mryL0uOc1l4/default.jpg "Entourage Season 7 Episode 1 ending credits song - 'Above The Clouds' by Gang Starr [HD]")
