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Doug Ellin, the creator of HBO’s “Entourage,” has publicly criticized a recent advertisement featuring actors Jeremy Piven and Adrian Grenier. The three-minute commercial, produced for gambling app Betr, reunites the two performers in a scenario that closely mirrors the dynamic and tone of the original series, despite the actors technically playing themselves rather than their iconic characters.
In a passionate response shared on social media, Ellin expressed his displeasure with what he described as a “cheap, shitty imitation” of his show. He stated that receiving hundreds of messages about the advertisement prompted him to speak out, emphasizing that he had no involvement in its creation. Ellin stressed that he was not motivated by financial concerns, but rather frustrated that the hard work invested by the show’s writing team and cast development was being reduced to what he called an “embarrassing” knockoff.
Ellin also suggested that Piven, who won three Emmy Awards for his role as super agent Ari Gold, had distanced himself from “Entourage” following the series’ conclusion in 2011. According to Ellin, Piven initially resisted joining the show and later avoided discussing it publicly, only to return for the commercial opportunity. Betr responded to Ellin’s criticism by defending their spot, noting it had generated nearly 10 million organic social media views within 24 hours.
On social media platform X, Ellin continued his critique, calling the advertisement “trash and theft,” and urging creators to develop original content instead of imitating existing work.
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Originally reported by Variety →
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