Fun
Frisky
Nostalgic
Intense
Adventurous
Choked Up
Curious
Romantic
Weird
How To With John Wilson is truly something special. Premiering tonight on HBO, it’s difficult to adequately describe this innovative six-episode docuseries. Building upon Wilson’s previously released “how to” short films, the series is shot from a first-person perspective as Wilson, who serves as the writer, director, cameraman, executive producer, and narrator, films the lives of his fellow New Yorkers while offering everyday advice to viewers on a variety of seemingly mundane topics like small talk, improving your memory, and, of course, how to put up scaffolding.
An audacious mix of covert cultural observation, cringe comedy, and alternative humor that’d feel right at home on Adult Swim, the candid, sometimes uncomfortably authentic footage of New York City is a soothing balm for our current isolating climate. Who knew that watching a FedEx driver aggressively grab his crotch and mime the jerk off gesture could evoke such a warm feeling of familiar camaraderie? Only in New York, I guess!
The best way to describe the unique tone of the series is Nathan For You meets Joe Pera Talks With You, which in cult comedy circles is the highest of praise. The Nathan For You vibe isn’t a coincidence. How To With John Wilson is executive produced by the creative team behind Comedy Central’s beloved series: Nathan Fielder, Michael Koman, and Clark Reinking. John Wilson’s off-kilter everyman approach to comedy is reminiscent of Fielder’s innovative escapades on Nathan For You, and both comedians share a love for producing shows that are deliberately unpredictable. How To With John Wilson’s meandering style and ability to embrace awkwardness makes it a worthy followup to Nathan For You.
How To With John Wilson celebrates the weird, wonderful awkwardness of life. It’s like going on an aggressively bizarre sightseeing tour of New York City, warts and all. I loved it. And if you’re a fan of Joe Pera Talks With You or Nathan For You, you will too.
How To With John Wilson premieres Friday, October 23 at 11:00 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.
