
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

Why South Park is not new tonight, July 30
By Michael Balderston published
After premiering on July 23, South Park is skipping a week before it premieres episode 2 on August 6.

Together: how to watch, reviews, trailer, cast, plot and everything we know about the horror movie
By Michael Balderston last updated
Real-life married couple Alison Brie and Dave Franco star in this horror movie about co-dependency. Here's what you need to know.

The Naked Gun review: Liam Neeson is the right amount of stupid in reboot of classic comedy franchise
By Michael Balderston published
Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson star in a new take of The Naked Gun that does about as well as you could hope living up to Leslie Nielsen’s iconic movies.

How to watch Together
By Michael Balderston published
The Alison Brie and Dave Franco horror movie Together, one of the best reviewed movies of the year, is now playing. Here’s how to watch.

Slow Horses season 5: release date, cast, first look and everything we know about the Gary Oldman spy drama
By Michael Balderston last updated
Jackson Lamb and his Slow Horses are coming back for another mission with Slow Horses season 5. Here's everything you need to know.

Presumed Innocent season 2: cast and everything we know about the courtroom drama
By Michael Balderston last updated
A new case is going to serve as the center of Presumed Innocent season 2. Here's everything we know about it.

Down Cemetery Road: release date, cast, plot and everything we know about the crime thriller
By Michael Balderston published
Emma Thompson stars in the new Apple TV Plus series Down Cemetery Road, based on the Mick Herron book series. Here’s what you need to know.

Chad Powers: release date, cast, plot and everything we know about the Glen Powell sports comedy
By Michael Balderston last updated
Chad Powers stars Glen Powell in a role that, believe it or not, was originally portrayed by Eli Manning. Here’s everything you need to know.

The Life of Chuck: how to watch, reviews, trailer, cast, plot and everything we know about the Tom Hiddleston movie
By Michael Balderston last updated
The Life of Chuck is based on a Stephen King book. Here’s everything you need to know about its movie adaptation.

Blue Moon: release date, trailer, cast, plot and everything we know about the Ethan Hawke movie
By Michael Balderston last updated
Ethan Hawke reunites with Richard Linklater in this movie about a Broadway legend. Here’s what you need to know about Blue Moon.

Apple TV Plus offers a tantalizing first look at new thriller from creators of Slow Horses
By Michael Balderston published
Emma Thompson stars as private investigator Zoë Boehm in new series Down Cemetery Road, and now we have our first look and a release date for the series.

Eternity trailer has me convinced — November has the best lineup of movies this year
By Michael Balderston published
From award-hopefuls to action movies to family fare, the November 2025 movie calendar looks like it has something for just about everyone.

Eternity: trailer, cast and everything we know about the Elizabeth Olsen movie
By Michael Balderston published
In the A24 movie Eternity, Elizabeth Olsen has a tough choice between Miles Teller and Callum Turner. We’ve got all the details you need to know.

Murder in a Small Town season 2: release date, cast and everything we know about the crime drama
By Michael Balderston published
Rossif Sutherland’s Karl Alberg is back on the case. Here’s everything you need to know about Murder in a Small Town season 2.

The best pro golfer cameo in Happy Gilmore 2 is a brilliant callback to the original
By Michael Balderston published
I loved John Daly and a funny Scottie Scheffler bit, but Will Zalatoris had the best cameo in Happy Gilmore 2.

Movies to stream in August: our expert's 12 must-watch movies new to Netflix, HBO Max and more
By Michael Balderston published
From Netflix to Prime Video, running down the New 2025 releases, streaming originals and all-time classics to watch this month.

Avatar: Fire and Ash — release date, trailer, cast and everything we know about the James Cameron movie
By Michael Balderston last updated
The third chapter in James Cameron’s Avatar series arrives in 2025. Here’s what you need to know about Avatar: Fire and Ash.

The Long Walk: release date, trailer, cast and everything we know about the Stephen King adaptation
By Michael Balderston last updated
Stephen King’s 1979 novel The Long Walk finally gets its first-ever movie adaptation. Here’s what you need to know.

New on Hulu July 26-August 1: our editor's picks for 7 TV shows and movies coming to Hulu this week
By Michael Balderston published
Picks for the best new TV show and movies on Hulu this week include a new period drama and true crime docuseries, along with some fun movies.

Train Dreams: release date, cast and everything we know about the Joel Edgerton period drama
By Michael Balderston published
The team behind Sing Sing makes the period drama Train Dreams, which is generating strong buzz. Here’s what to know.

I watched Waterworld to see if it’s as bad as I’ve always heard and I’ve got some takes
By Michael Balderston published
The Kevin Costner waterlogged sci-fi epic is turning 30 years old, but does it deserve to be looked at in a new light?

Oh, Hi!: how to watch, reviews, trailer, cast, plot and everything we know about the Molly Gordon comedy
By Michael Balderston last updated
Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman star in Oh, Hi!, which kind of looks like a romantic comedy version of Misery.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps — how to watch, reviews, trailer, cast and everything we know about the Marvel movie
By Michael Balderston last updated
The Fantastic Four makes its MCU debut in Fantastic Four: First Steps, here’s everything you need to know.
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