Set in Vancouver and other parts of western Canada, Buzz Manning follows the adventures of two friends, Kevin, a well-meaning dud, lurching from one wasted opportunity to the next, and Buzz, a guitar playing virtuoso, and all-around good-for-nothing, who has had jobs in his day, but never actually worked. The two men, who 'lack all conviction', are variously supported by women 'full of passionate intensity', as they struggle on in search of the easy life.