What is The Hype?
The Hype is a reality TV show streaming on HBO Max that places streetwear designers in competition with each other for $150,000 and a co-sign from huge names in the fashion industry. Namely Bephie Birkett, Marni Senofonte and Offset – co-signers and the show’s judges.
This competition show is the first of its kind: fashion designers that excel in the category of streetwear. In the first season, top names from street fashion made cameos including Dapper Dan, Bobby Hundreds, A$AP Ferg, and Cardi B.
These prolific guests often served as judges or mentors for challenges. Their reputations as top names in today’s streetwear fashion provided designers with insights on both design and curb appeal.
I loved The Hype because it was intimate and current. Unlike other fashion competition series, there were only 9 designers featured on The Hype. That size group makes the possibility of getting familiar with each designer’s work possible, and more exciting to watch progress.
Also, the streetwear focus wasn’t limiting. Because designers had to stay in the street fashion world, their designs were inventive and superb. I loved that the show explored one theme in depth rather than spreading itself over too many categories.
Overall, it was a fantastic first season! The Hype premiered on HBO Max in August 2021, and I’ve been anxiously anticipating news of the second season since then. I was unsure whether it had been renewed. Until I recently found out, it has!
When Does The Hype Premiere?
The Hype season 2 premieres on HBO Max on Thursday, September 23. The first three episodes of the season will be immediately available for streaming. Unlike other HBO shows like Game of Thrones and Rap Sh!t, The Hype is made exclusively for HBO Max. Meaning it doesn’t premiere on HBO first before being available to stream on HBO Max.
The second season will pick up where the first season left off with up-and-coming designers, iconic guest judges and innovative fashions. The prizes will also remain the same: $150,000, a co-sign from top names in fashion, and select designs sold immediately on StockX.
We look forward to witnessing it all on September 23!