
Michael Balderston
Michael Balderston is What to Watch’s assistant managing editor and lead movie writer, , 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 Sinners, One of Them Days and Black Bag for movies, and The Pitt on TV. Follow on Michael Balderston on Letterboxd.
Latest articles by Michael Balderston

28 Years Later review: zombie franchise returns with a groggy start
By Michael Balderston published
Danny Boyle and Alex Garland's return to their zombie franchise with 28 Years Later is up and down (with a few more downs).

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia season 17: release date, trailer, cast, plot and everything we know about the comedy series
By Michael Balderston last updated
The gang is back for more shenanigans, including their time at Abbott Elementary. Here’s what to know about It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia season 17.

Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere — release date, trailer, cast and everything we know about the Bruce Springsteen biopic
By Michael Balderston published
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere stars Jeremy Allen White as the iconic rocker. Here’s everything else you need to know about the movie.

Tribute to The Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola airs on TV tonight, June 18
By Michael Balderston published
Francis Ford Coppola, the man behind The Godfather, Apocalypse Now and more, receives the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award.

How to watch Fight or Flight
By Michael Balderston last updated
Josh Hartnett action movie Fight or Flight is now playing, but when and where can you watch it? Here’s what you need to know.

Simpsons did it — new Max reality show is eerily similar to an old Simpsons gag
By Michael Balderston published
The Simpsons may have blazed the trail for Back to the Frontier to follow, as the concept is reminiscent of The Simpsons season 14 episode 5, “Helter Shelter.”

The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping — release date, cast and everything we know about the Hunger Games prequel
By Michael Balderston last updated
With a new Hunger Games book on the way, a movie adaptation is already set. Here's what we know about The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping.

30-year-old ‘Certified Fresh’ thriller lands in Netflix Top 10 — here’s the biggest reason I’m intrigued to check out
By Michael Balderston published
I’d never heard of the 1995 crime thriller Copycat, but plan to catch it on Netflix now, especially to see an out-there performance from one of its stars.

I Know What You Did Last Summer: release date, trailer, cast, plot and everything we know about the horror remake
By Michael Balderston last updated
The 90s horror favorite I Know What You Did Last Summer gets a refresh, with a mix of new and original stars. Here’s what to know.

A Big Bold Beautiful Journey: release date, trailer, cast and everything we know about the Margot Robbie movie
By Michael Balderston last updated
Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie take a magical road trip in A Big Bold Beautiful Journey. Here’s what you need to know about the movie.

How to watch the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals online or on TV: everything you need to know
By Michael Balderston last updated
From schedule to streaming options, here’s everything you need to know on how to watch the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals.

The Naked Gun: release date, trailer, cast, plot and everything we know about the Liam Neeson action-comedy
By Michael Balderston last updated
Liam Neeson takes Leslie Nielsen’s role on Police Squad in reboot of classic comedy The Naked Gun. Here’s what you need to know.

Did you catch these Materialists Easter eggs?
By Michael Balderston published
Celine Song’s latest, Materialists, cleverly includes a couple of nods to her past work. Here’s a breakdown in case you missed them.

Classic comedy This Is Spinal Tap is free to watch ahead of sequel, here’s how
By Michael Balderston published
This Is Spinal Tap is now streaming for free on Kanopy, giving fans the perfect chance to watch the classic comedy ahead of Spinal Tap 2.

Spaceballs 2 announcement references iconic Mel Brooks joke
By Michael Balderston published
Spaceballs 2 is coming, with Mel Brooks returning as Yogurt, but one joke from the announcement is convincing me the sequel will be hilarious.

How to watch How to Train Your Dragon
By Michael Balderston published
You can now watch animation classic How to Train Your Dragon’s live-action remake, and we’ve got all the details on how right here.

How to watch Materialists
By Michael Balderston published
When and where the Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans movie, Materialists, is available to watch right now.

Peacock adds cruelly underrated Coen brother comedy that deserves a second chance
By Michael Balderston published
Drive-Away Dolls, co-written and directed by Ethan Coen, wasn’t embraced by fans initially, but that’s something that should change.

How to Train Your Dragon vs Lilo & Stitch: which live-action remake scored better on Rotten Tomatoes?
By Michael Balderston last updated
Two animated classics got the live-action treatment this summer, but did critics prefer How to Train Your Dragon or Lilo & Stitch?

After Midnight: next episode, guests and everything we know about the Taylor Tomlinson late night show
By Michael Balderston last updated
Comedian Taylor Tomlinson joins late night with CBS' After Midnight. Here's everything you need to know.

Materialists: release date, reviews, trailer, cast, plot and everything we know about the rom-com
By Michael Balderston last updated
Past Lives writer/director Celine Song’s second movie features a trio of A-list stars. Here’s what you need to know.

How to watch the 2025 US Open golf tournament online or on TV
By Michael Balderston last updated
The 125th US Open takes place from June 12-15 at Oakmont Country Club in Pittsburgh. Here’s how not to miss a moment of the golf tournament.

Materialists review: you should say yes to watching Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal’s new romance movie
By Michael Balderston published
Materialists is a mature, intelligent romance movie that feels otherworldly yet will charm you with its honest take on modern love.
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