
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

How to watch Lilo & Stitch
By Michael Balderston published
You can now watch Disney’s resident trouble maker get the live-action treatment. Here’s everything to know how to watch Lilo & Stitch.

How to watch Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning
By Michael Balderston published
Tom Cruise’s final mission is now available to watch, here’s everything you need to know on when, where, how to watch Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning.

Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning review: Tom Cruise stunts salvage a clunker mission
By Michael Balderston published
Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning is overall a big, thrilling blockbuster, though there are some pretty rough stretches.

Conan O’Brien Must Go season 2 complete guide: how to watch and everything we know about the Conan O’Brien travel show
By Michael Balderston last updated
Conan O’Brien Must Go season 2 sees O’Brien go on another global tour to visit some of his fans and their home countries. Here’s everything you need to know.

How to watch the NHL playoffs on Max
By Michael Balderston last updated
You can stream the NHL playoffs from the first round to the Stanley Cup Finals on Max this year. Here’s how.

What were the Jeopardy! Masters Final Jeopardy clues on May 21?
By Michael Balderston published
Missed Jeopardy! Masters? We've got the Final Jeopardy questions from the May 21 episode of the trivia tournament.

I just signed up for the best free streaming service — and it only requires a public library card
By Michael Balderston published
Kanopy is a free streaming service that has a roster of movies that rivals Netflix, Max, Criterion Channel and other popular streamers.

Caught Stealing: release date, trailer, cast, plot and everything we know about the Austin Butler movie
By Michael Balderston last updated
Darren Aronofsky directs the crime thriller Caught Stealing, which sees Butler stuck in the midst of 1990s New York City’s crime scene. Here’s what to know.

Survivor season 48: next episode, cast and everything we know about the reality competition
By Michael Balderston last updated
Head back to the island for Survivor season 48 this spring. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest season.

Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney: next episode, guests, host, trailer and everything we know about the talk show
By Michael Balderston last updated
John Mulaney gets his own regular, live talk show on Netflix after the hit that was Everybody’s in LA. Here’s what you need to know.

The Studio: next episode, trailer, cast and everything we know about the Seth Rogen TV show
By Michael Balderston last updated
Apple TV Plus’ new series is going to be filled with a star-studded cast and cameos from Hollywood A-listers. Here’s what to know about The Studio.

What were the Jeopardy! Masters Final Jeopardy clues on May 20?
By Michael Balderston published
Missed Jeopardy! Masters? We've got the Final Jeopardy questions from the May 20 episode of the trivia tournament.

New Ballerina clips have convinced me — bring on the Ana de Armas vs Keanu Reeves fight
By Michael Balderston published
I was begrudgingly accepting Reeves’ involvement in Ballerina before, but now I’m more invested. Watch the new Ballerina clips to see why.

My 5 favorite Cannes Palme d’Or winners you can stream right now
By Michael Balderston published
As the 2025 Cannes Film Festival takes place, you can watch many past Cannes Palme d’Or winners on streaming right now, though these are my personal favorites.

Highest 2 Lowest: release date, cast, plot and everything we know about the Denzel Washington, Spike Lee movie
By Michael Balderston last updated
Denzel Washington & Spike Lee reconnect for their first movie in 19 years with Highest 2 Lowest, a new interpretation of a classic. Here’s what to know.

Jurassic World Rebirth: release date, trailer, cast, plot and everything we know about the dinosaur blockbuster
By Michael Balderston last updated
Jurassic World Rebirth is set to be the seventh movie in the Jurassic Park franchise, and we've got everything you need to know about it.

Only Murders in the Building season 5: cast and everything we know about the comedy, mystery hit show
By Michael Balderston last updated
Only Murders in the Bulding season 5 sees Charles, Mabel and Oliver with another mystery to solve, with some potential added pressure. Here’s what we know.

The Voice season 27 complete guide: winner and everything to know about the singing competition
By Michael Balderston last updated
Adam Levine returns for The Voice season 27. Who’s joining him? Here’s everything you need to know about the latest season.

A Tom Cruise and Michael B. Jordan movie? I’ll buy a ticket right now
By Michael Balderston published
Could Tom Cruise and Michael B. Jordan make a movie together? Cruise teased the enticing possibility at a Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning premiere.

The 3 meals from the Tucci in Italy Lombardy episode that I want to eat right now
By Michael Balderston published
The Tucci in Italy Lombardy episode was pasta-heavy, which is fine by me, as I found a handful of dishes that I would love to try.

How much each dish from Tucci in Italy Tuscany episode made my mouth water
By Michael Balderston published
Stanley Tucci is once again taking us on a mouth-watering tour of Italy in Tucci in Italy. Here are the dishes that caught my eye from Tuscany.

New on Hulu May 17-23: our expert's picks for 5 TV shows and movies coming to Hulu this week
By Michael Balderston published
Picks for the best new TV shows and movies on Hulu this week include the star-studded return of a Hulu original, plus a 2024 indie movie gem.

American Idol season 23 complete guide: winner and everything to know about the singing competition
By Michael Balderston last updated
American Idol brought back arguably its most famous alum for its eighth season on ABC. Here’s everything you need to know.
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