From the Web to HBO, stories with ‘High’ standards

“High Maintenance” is hardly the first Web series to find its way to mainstream TV — however that’s defined this week.

HBO has ordered up six episodes, which will premiere on Friday, Sept. 16.

Ben Sinclair, who plays the Guy, created “High Maintenance” in 2012 with his now-wife, Katja Blichfeld.

The Guy is a pot dealer who tools around on his bike, attending to the needs of preciously neurotic customers in New York City.

[...] he looks like the guy ahead of you in line at Whole Foods.

In Friday’s premiere, two best friends are finding their relationship at a breaking point.

A young Muslim girl named Eesha (Shazi Raja) is gasping for the kind of freedom other college students enjoy, but she’s living a smothered life with her strict aunt and uncle.

First she tries cigarettes, hiding the pack on the roof to smoke in secret.

In the same episode, the Guy also delivers to an insufferable couple named Gigi (Amy Ryan) and Leo (Lee Tergesen), who are having a group of people over for Leo’s birthday.

A very brief appearance by the Guy links it to the rest of the “Maintenance” episodes.

David Wiegand is an assistant managing editor and the TV critic of The San Francisco Chronicle and co-host of “The Do List” every Friday morning at 6:22 and 8:22 on KQED FM, 88.5 FM in San Francisco, 89.3 FM in Sacramento.