The Deuce is an American drama television series created by David Simon and George Pelecanos, set in New York City during the 1970s and 1980s. The pilot received a greenlight in January 2016. It is broadcast by HBO in the United States and premiered on September 10, 2017. HBO made the pilot available through its streaming services and affiliates on August 25, 2017.The Deuce features a large ensemble cast including James Franco playing twins and Maggie Gyllenhaal as an ambitious former prostitute who works to become an adult filmmaker. It tells the story of the Golden Age of Porn, the legalization and rise of the porn industry in New York City that began in the 1970s. Themes explored include government and police corruption, the violence of the drug epidemic, and the real-estate booms and busts that coincided with the change. The show's title is derived from the nickname for 42nd Street between Seventh Avenue and Eighth Avenue.On September 19, 2017, HBO renewed the series for a second season, which premiered on September 9, 2018. On September 20, 2018, HBO renewed the series for a third and final season, which premiered on September 9, 2019. The series concluded on October 28, 2019, after three seasons and 25 episodes.