• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Forum
  • Design Studio
  • Upholstery Jobs
  • Newsletter
  • Sponsors

The Hog Ring

Auto Upholstery Community

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Auto Upholsterer Turns CA Serial Killer

November 19, 2015 By Nadeem Muaddi

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Wicked City

I always said that auto upholstery professionals were underrepresented on television, but I never meant for them to be profiled like this: ABC premiered new crime drama “Wicked City” last month, in which the main character is a “manager of an auto upholstery shop by day and a sadistic killer by night.”

The show, which is set in seedy West Hollywood in the 1980’s, follows Kent Grainger, played by actor Ed Westwick, as he goes “praying on naive young girls looking for their big break…being whoever his victims need him to be and promising to make their dreams come true.” But he’s not just a serial killer, he’s a necrophiliac too!

The show is dark and gritty, and of course doesn’t focus so much on auto upholstery. The fact that Grainger works in a shop is more of a happenstance than an essential element of the story. However, it’s a good thing he does — because he sometimes murders his victims in his car, and we all know how difficult it is to remove bloodstains.

Check out the trailer below:

I know, I know… you’re all rolling your eyes. Me too actually. But I’m also kind of amused that the main character is an auto upholsterer. Though I do wish it was more of a flattering role… right??

You can only watch “Wicked City” on ABC’s website, as it was pulled off television this month due to low ratings. ABC will broadcast a new episode online every Tuesday at 10|9c. Check it out… or not… whatever.

Filed Under: Archive, Odd News Tagged With: Auto Trim, Auto Upholstery, Car Interior, Wicked City

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. rocketkustom says

    November 20, 2015 at 1:47 am

    Sounds like they’ve borrowed a bit from the Hillside Strangler case.. Actual auto upholsterers turned serial killers in LA.

    • Nadeem Muaddi says

      November 20, 2015 at 6:05 am

      Yup. In fact, the police in the first episode liken the auto upholsterer to a copycat of the Hillside Strangler.

Primary Sidebar

THR Sponsors

NC Sewing Machines
Miami Corporation - Right Rail Ad 3
  • MasterTech Expo 2026
  • OEM+ Banner Ad - The Hog Ring
  • Hyde Leather
  • Keyston Bros
  • Albright's Supply
  • Douglass Interior Products

THR Favorites

4 Measuring Tools Every Trim Shop Needs

Measure twice and cut once – it’s good … [more] about 4 Measuring Tools Every Trim Shop Needs

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - M&M Hot Rod Interiors

Shop Profile: M&M Hot Rod Interiors

Since 1982, M&M Hot Rod Interiors in … [more] about Shop Profile: M&M Hot Rod Interiors

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - 1974 Lamborghini Espada

Lambo Stitching with Brent Parker 2

Earlier this month, Brent Parker of Brent … [more] about Lambo Stitching with Brent Parker 2

Harley-Davidson on the Nature of Leather

I found a tag attached to the bottom of a … [more] about Harley-Davidson on the Nature of Leather

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - Ish Jimenez - West Coast Customs

Talking Shop with Trimmer Ish Jimenez 2

In part one of our three-part interview … [more] about Talking Shop with Trimmer Ish Jimenez 2

Auto Upholstery - The Hog Ring - VW Bus

JNG Creations 1961 VW Bus Resto-Rod

After converting a 1961 Volkswagen single-cab … [more] about JNG Creations 1961 VW Bus Resto-Rod

Categories

Footer

Recent Articles

  • Nexus Fastening Co. Introduces Solid Gold Hog Rings for Luxury Cars
  • Everything We Covered in March 2026
  • WyoTech Taps Dominic Olson for Upholstery Program, Installs New NC Machines
  • MasterTech Expo 2026 Draws Global Crowd and Raises the Bar Again
  • Free SEMA Webinar: How to Start Your Own Auto Shop

Recent Comments

  • Edward Munday on Hidden Mouse Nest? How to Charge for the Extra Dirty Work
  • Jack on Keyston Bros. Acquires DLT Corporation
  • Brodie Smith on Aston Martin Just Introduced a New Convertible DB12
  • THE CAPTAIN on 6 Tips for Turning Callers into Customers
  • Dmei on Star Wars Seat Covers are ‘So Wizard’

Advertise With Us!

We're always looking for companies to collaborate with. Watch this short video about the benefits of sponsorship and then email us to say hi.

Copyright © 2026 · Magazine Pro On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in