
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

New Billy Joel Documentary premieres on TV tonight — its timing couldn’t be any better
By Michael Balderston published
Two part HBO documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes arrives as the iconic musician takes a break from touring to recover from a medical condition.

Hulu adds gripping 2025 spy movie that I think got overlooked in movie theaters
By Michael Balderston published
Rami Malek plays a CIA analyst out for revenge in The Amateur, now streaming on Hulu in the US. It’s worth a watch for fans of old-school spy movies.

Smurfs: how to watch, reviews, trailer, cast and everything we know about the Rihanna movie
By Michael Balderston last updated
The classic animated characters the Smurfs are getting a brand-new movie. Here’s everything you need to know.

I Know What You Did Last Summer: how to watch, reviews, 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.

Eddington: how to watch, reviews, trailer, cast, plot and everything we know about the Ari Aster movie
By Michael Balderston last updated
Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone and Austin Butler all star in Eddington. Here’s everything else you need to know.

Mortal Kombat II: release date, trailer, cast and everything we know about the Karl Urban movie
By Michael Balderston published
Urban’s Johnny Cage debuts in the action sequel, but there’s plenty more to know about Mortal Kombat II, all of which is right here.

How to watch Smurfs
By Michael Balderston published
Is the Smurfs the next big family movie of 2025? You can find out as you can watch Smurfs right now.

High Potential season 2: release date, cast and everything we know about the Kaitlin Olson crime drama
By Michael Balderston last updated
High Potential was one of the hit new shows of 2024-2025 and is coming back for more. Here’s everything you need to know about High Potential season 2.

Tron: Ares — release date, trailer, cast, plot and everything we know about the Jared Leto movie.
By Michael Balderston last updated
Tron: Ares is the third movie in Disney's groundbreaking science-fiction franchise. Here's what we know about it right now.

I Know What You Did Last Summer quiz: how did characters die?
By Michael Balderston published
Match the gruesome death with the I Know What You Did Last Summer character in this quiz from What to Watch.

How to watch I Know What You Did Last Summer
By Michael Balderston published
The I Know What You Did Last Summer franchise is back, with the legacy sequel now playing. Here are the details you need to know about how to watch the movie.

How to watch Eddington
By Michael Balderston published
Get all the details on when, where and how to watch Eddington, Ari Aster’s modern western starring Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal.

Alien: Earth — release date, trailer, cast, plot and everything we know about the Alien TV series
By Michael Balderston last updated
Noah Hawley brings the Alien franchise to TV with a star-studded cast. Get everything you need to know about the series right here.

Eddington review: Joaquin Phoenix & Pedro Pascal face off in contemplative, complicated Western
By Michael Balderston published
Ari Aster’s Eddington is a unique take that will hold your attention and give you some stuff to think about, but probably bit off more than it had to.

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey movie tickets now on sale, beginning movie fans' epic wait till its release
By Michael Balderston published
In a rare move, select tickets can now be purchased for Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, a year ahead of the movie's release.

Roofman: release date, trailer, cast, plot and everything we know about the Channing Tatum movie
By Michael Balderston last updated
The true crime story of the roofman gets a big screen adaptation. We’ve got the details on when it’s coming out and more right here.

Wake Up Dead Man: release date, cast and everything we know about Knives Out 3
By Michael Balderston last updated
The Knives Out franchise continues with its third entry, Wake Up Dead Man, coming in 2025. Here's everything we know about the movie.

How to watch the 2025 Open Championship golf tournament on TV or online
By Michael Balderston last updated
Golf’s final major of the year takes place at Royal Portrush in Ireland from July 17-20. Here’s how to watch every swing of the Open Championship.

After the Hunt: release date, trailer, cast, plot and everything we know about the Julia Roberts movie
By Michael Balderston published
Andrew Garfield and Ayo Edebiri also star in After the Hunt, the latest movie from Luca Guadagnino. Here’s what you need to know.

25 best movie endings of all time ranked
By Michael Balderston published
Endings are hard, but WTW's lead movie writer has picked 25 of the best movies endings of all time. Check out the rankings right here.

I watched The Blues Brothers and was surprised to learn of its Star Wars connection
By Michael Balderston published
The Blues Brothers cameos include plenty of music legends, one iconic film director and an iconic Star Wars actor.

How to watch the 2025 Emmy-nominated TV shows
By Michael Balderston published
Time to catch up this year's slate of Emmy nominees before awards are handed out in September.

Why The 1% Club is not new tonight, July 15
By Michael Balderston published
The 1% Club has been bumped from its regular time slot because of another game that is only played once a year. Here’s what you need to know.
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