watch later

Not interested / seen

How To with John WilsonHow To with John Wilson

How To with John Wilson

An idiosyncratic docu-comedy that finds wisdom and wonder in the strange beauty of everyday existence

Comedy, Documentary

best
THE VERY BEST

8.5

show

United States of America
English
Docu-series, Funny, Lighthearted
2020
25 min

Synopsis

rotten tomatoes
imdb
wikipedia
In a uniquely hilarious odyssey of self-discovery and cultural observation, documentary filmmaker and self-described "anxious New Yorker" John Wilson covertly and obsessively films the lives of his fellow New Yorkers while attempting to give everyday advice on relatable topics. The awkward contradictions of modern life are eased by Wilson’s candid, unpolished commentary. Building upon Wilson’s previously released "how to" short films, each episode takes wildly unexpected turns but is grounded in John's refreshing honesty.

Our Take

8.5
The Staff

Made up entirely of B-roll and random, unglamorous footage of New York City, as well as the intentionally awkward, stuttering narration of its creator, How To with John Wilson might be the most unlikely series to offer touching, life-affirming insights about human connections and the simple beauty of the world we live in. As Wilson sets off at the start of each episode trying to provide advice on a mundane topic, his curiosity and self-effacing nature land him in increasingly odd places with different strangers around the city. The show may seem like nothing more than a bunch of vignettes loosely strung together at first, but upon closer look there’s truly clever wit and intelligence that goes into every single transition. How To’s power sneaks up on you—quietly teaching us the value of community and how we’re always a part of something much more interesting.

Comments

What did you think? Who should watch it?

Next up

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

best

8.3

An inspired revival of the fun, inspirational, episodic format that made Star Trek a phenomenon in the first place

Searching for Soul Food

best

8.0

A warm and educational travelogue about soul food around the world

Let’s Get Divorced

5.0

A toothless take on divorce, though with a promising premise and stunning views of Ehime

I’m a Virgo

best

8.0

This surrealist show about a 13-foot tall teenager uses its wacky premise to politically skewering effect

Skull Island

best

8.0

An exciting action adventure forcing explorers to survive on Skull Island or become its latest meal

See You In My 19th Life

7.5

A romantic reincarnation K-drama with a mysterious twist, grounded in modern times

Platonic

7.5

A funny and fresh take on the age-old “will they or won’t they?” dilemma

Count Abdulla

best

8.0

A fresh spin on the horror genre and a welcome addition to TV’s growing roster of by-Muslims-for-Muslims comedies

Deadloch

7.8

The deft balance between its quippy humor, progressive sensibility, and compelling mystery ground this ambitious Aussie show

Pretty Freekin Scary

4.4

A bland, tonally bizarre family sitcom that doesn't give its enthusiastic young cast enough to do