
Michael Balderston
Michael Balderston is What to Watch’s assistant managing editor and lead movie writer, covering movies coming to theaters, writing movie reviews and highlighting new and classic movies on streaming services; he also covers a range of TV shows, including those in the Taylor Sheridan universe, Slow Horses, Only Murders in the Building, Jeopardy!, Saturday Night Live and more, as well as the best ways to watch some major US sporting events.
Based outside of Washington, D.C., Michael's previous experience includes writing for Awards Circuit, TV Technology and The Wrap.
Michael’s favorite movie of all time is Casablanca, while his favorite TV show is Seinfeld. Some 2025 favorites include One of Them Days and Black Bag for movies, and The Pitt on TV. Follow on Letterboxd to keep up with what I'm watching.
Latest articles by Michael Balderston

Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues — release date, cast, plot and everything we know about the comedy sequel
By Michael Balderston last updated
Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues, a sequel to the classic rock-and-roll mockumentary, is on the way. Here is everything we know about it.

Here are the guests for Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney on Netflix tonight, March 12
By Michael Balderston published
Who is appearing on the first episode of John Mulaney’s Netflix talk show? Here’s the complete list of guests.

Disney Plus adds animated blockbuster Moana 2 for the perfect family movie night
By Michael Balderston published
After grossing $1 billion at the worldwide box office, Moana and Maui head to Disney Plus, making it available to stream for the first time.

1883 ending explained: "This Is Not Your Heaven"
By Michael Balderston last updated
We’ve reached the end of 1883, read our recap and breakdown for the season finale, "This Is Not Your Heaven."

1883 episode 9 recap: "Racing Clouds"
By Michael Balderston last updated
Circle the wagons for the penultimate episode of 1883 season 1.

1883 episode 8 recap: "The Weep of Surrender"
By Michael Balderston last updated
On 1883 episode 8, big choices lead to new paths for the Duttons and the rest of the wagon train.

1883 episode 7 recap: "Lightning Yellow Hair"
By Michael Balderston last updated
1883 episode 7 continues to impress with about as entertaining and packed an episode as you'll see on TV.

1883 episode 6 recap: "Boring the Devil"
By Michael Balderston last updated
In 1883 episode 6, Elsa struggles to cope with her grief as the wagon train stocks up before heading into Native American lands.

1883 episode 5 recap: "The Fangs of Freedom"
By Michael Balderston last updated
The characters of 1883 enter the land of no mercy and pain, quickly learning what that means in 1883 episode 5.

1883 episode 4 recap: "The Crossing"
By Michael Balderston last updated
The wagon train meets the river in 1883 episode 4, the western's first truly great episode.

1883 episode 3 recap: Dutton and Shea butt heads
By Michael Balderston last updated
In 1883 episode 3, after a little more character building, it's westward ho. We break it all down right here.

1883 episode 2 recap: what has Brennan gotten himself into?
By Michael Balderston last updated
In 1883 episode 2, some additional prep work is needed before the real journey begins for the Duttons and the wagon train.

1883 episode 1 recap: the Duttons head west
By Michael Balderston last updated
In 1883 episode 1, the Yellowstone prequel series, hitches up the wagon for an epic journey with a previous generation of the Dutton family.

With Hacks season 4 premiering in April, there’s one thing I wish would change about the show
By Michael Balderston published
Hacks has been a critically acclaimed mega-hit for Max, and I adore the show, but I can’t help but daydream about the show on HBO.

Riff Raff: how to watch, reviews, trailer, cast and everything we know about the star-studded comedy
By Michael Balderston last updated
Jennifer Coolidge, Pete Davidson, Ed Harris, Bill Murray and Gabrielle Union star in the crime comedy Riff Raff. Here’s what to know.

My Dead Friend Zoe: how to watch, reviews, trailer, cast and everything we know about the dramedy
By Michael Balderston last updated
This movie about veteran recovery stars Sonequa Martin-Green, Natalie Morales, Ed Harris and Morgan Freeman. Here’s what you need to know.

The Unbreakable Boy: how to watch, trailer, cast and everything we know about the Zachary Levi movie
By Michael Balderston last updated
The Unbreakable Boy is a new family movie about a young boy with autism who inspires those around him. Here’s what to know.

The Monkey: how to watch, reviews, trailer, cast and everything we know about the Theo James horror movie
By Michael Balderston last updated
The Monkey is the next movie from Longlegs writer/director Osgood Perkins and stars Theo James. Here's what you need to know.

Captain America: Brave New World — how to watch, trailer, cast and everything we know about the Marvel movie
By Michael Balderston last updated
Anthony Mackie dons the shield in Captain America: Brave New World, his first solo MCU movie. Here is everything we know about it.

How to watch Parthenope
By Michael Balderston last updated
When and where is Parthenope playing? Here’s everything you need to know to watch Paolo Sorrentino’s latest movie.

Parthenope: how to watch, review, trailer, cast and everything we know about the Gary Oldman movie
By Michael Balderston last updated
Oscar-winner Gary Oldman teams with Oscar-winner Paolo Sorrentio for Parthenope. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

How to watch Love Hurts
By Michael Balderston last updated
Ke Huy Quan leads action comedy Love Hurts, now playing. Here’s where and when you can watch it.

Love Hurts: how to watch, reviews, trailer, cast and everything we know about the Ke Huy Quan action movie
By Michael Balderston last updated
Ke Huy Quan nabs his first leading man role in the action movie Love Hurts. Here’s everything you need to know about the movie.
Get the What to Watch Newsletter
The latest updates, reviews and unmissable series to watch and more!