
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

Past Lives, now on Netflix, ripped my heart out — and I absolutely love it for that
By Michael Balderston published
I can’t recommend the achingly beautiful movie, which is now streaming on Netflix, highly enough.

Netflix adds Steven Spielberg’s first big-screen movie — and no it’s not Jaws
By Michael Balderston published
New on Netflix in May is The Sugarland Express, Steven Spielberg’s first feature-length movie released in theaters from 1974.

What were the Jeopardy! Masters Final Jeopardy clues on April 30?
By Michael Balderston published
Missed Jeopardy! Masters? We've got the Final Jeopardy questions from the April 30 episode of the trivia tournament.

Why James Holzhauer is not on Jeopardy! Masters 2025
By Michael Balderston published
Jeopardy! Masters executive producers explain why Holzhauer isn’t in the field of nine contestants despite qualifying.

Shogun season 2: cast and everything we know about the Japanese period drama
By Michael Balderston last updated
Shogun is heading into uncharted territories for a second and already confirmed third season. Here's everything we know right now about Shogun season 2.

Twinless: release date, cast, plot and everything we know about the Dylan O’Brien movie
By Michael Balderston last updated
Dylan O’Brien stars in the Sundance award-winning dramedy Twinless. Here’s everything you need to know.

Now You See Me: Now You Don’t — release date, trailer, cast, plot and everything we know about the Jesse Eisenberg movie
By Michael Balderston published
Abracadabra, the Now You See Me franchise is back with its third entry, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t. Here’s what to know.

Weapons: release date, trailer, cast, plot and everything we know about the Josh Brolin horror movie
By Michael Balderston last updated
Weapons is the latest from Barbarian director Zach Cregger. Here’s everything you need to know about the movie.

The Smashing Machine: release date, trailer, cast, plot and everything we know about the Dwayne Johnson movie
By Michael Balderston published
Dwayne Johnson heads back into the ring to tell the story of famous UFC fighter Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine. Here’s what you need to know.

Movies to stream in May: our expert's 15 must-watch movies new to Netflix, Prime Video, Max and more
By Michael Balderston last updated
From Netflix to Prime Video, here are 14 movies you are not going to want to miss when they land on streaming in May.

‘Certified Fresh’ thriller starring Meghann Fahy, Drop, now available to watch at home
By Michael Balderston published
Described by some critics as a Hitchcockian thriller with 21st-century tech, you can now digitally buy or rent Drop. Here’s how.

The Accountant 2: how to watch, reviews, trailer, cast, first look and everything we know about the Ben Affleck thriller
By Michael Balderston last updated
Ben Affleck returns as Christian Wolff in the sequel to 2016 action favorite. Here’s what you need to know about The Accountant 2.

Until Dawn: how to watch, reviews, trailer, cast and everything we know about the horror movie
By Michael Balderston last updated
Until Dawn is the movie adaptation of the popular video game. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

The Legend of Ochi: how to watch, reviews, trailer, cast, plot and everything we know about the fantasy adventure movie
By Michael Balderston last updated
A24 does a family fantasy adventure with The Legend of Ochi. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 new movie.

Sinners: how to watch, reviews, trailer, cast and everything we know about the Michael B. Jordan movie
By Michael Balderston last updated
Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler reunite for this "dance with the devil." Find out more about Sinners right here.

Sacramento: how to watch, reviews, trailer, cast and everything we know about the Michael Cera comedy
By Michael Balderston last updated
Michael Angarano stars and directs Sacramento, which also features Kristen Stewart and Maya Erskine. Here’s all you need to know.

Drop: how to watch, reviews, trailer, cast and everything we know about the Meghann Fahy thriller
By Michael Balderston last updated
Meghann Fahy and Brandon Sklenar star in this movie about a date that quickly turns into a nightmare. Here’s everything you need to know about Drop.

Warfare: how to watch, reviews, trailer, cast, plot and everything we know
By Michael Balderston last updated
Warfare is co-written and co-directed by Alex Garland with an Iraq War veteran and features a large ensemble cast. Here’s what you need to know.

Hell of a Summer: how to watch, reviews, cast and everything we know about the Finn Wolfhard movie
By Michael Balderston last updated
Stranger Things star Wolfhard makes his directing debut with campy slashy comedy Hell of a Summer. Here’s what you need to know.

A Nice Indian Boy: how to watch, reviews, cast and everything we know about the rom-com
By Michael Balderston last updated
Karan Soni and Jonathan Groff look for love in the new romantic comedy, A Nice Indian Boy. Here’s everything you need to know.

Freaky Tales: how to watch, reviews, cast and everything we know about the Pedro Pascal movie
By Michael Balderston last updated
A wacky trip back to the 80s awaits in this action, crime, comedy movie. Here’s what you need to know about Freaky Tales.

America’s Most Wanted: Missing Persons three-week special premieres on TV tonight, April 28
By Michael Balderston published
Harris Faulkner hosts this America’s Most Wanted spinoff that focuses on reuniting missing people with their families. Here’s what you need to know.

NCIS: Origins complete season guide: how to watch, cast, plot and everything we know about the NCIS prequel series
By Michael Balderston last updated
The latest NCIS spinoff, premiering in fall 2024, focuses on a young Gibbs. Here is everything we know right now about NCIS: Origins.
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