Series synopsis
How To with John Wilson is an American comedy documentary television series that premiered on HBO on October 23, 2020. It ended on September 1, 2023. It was created by John Wilson. It stars John Wilson.
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 ...
Premise
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.
Premise: Hey, New York.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- John Wilson as Self
Guest cast
- Kyle MacLachlan as Self (Swiping MetroCard on the Subway)
- Liz Schack as Self
- Yanjaa as Self
- Mariska Hargitay as Self
- Christopher Meloni as Self
- Maggie Gyllenhaal as Self
- Martha Stewart as Self
- Michael Bloomberg as Self
- Elon Musk as Self (uncredited)
- Ron Howard as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
Episodes
This series spans 3 seasons with 18 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 6 | October 23, 2020 | November 27, 2020 |
| Season 2 | 6 | November 26, 2021 | December 31, 2021 |
| Season 3 | 6 | July 28, 2023 | September 1, 2023 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
How to Make Small Talk John Wilson reflects on the delicate balancing act of making – and safely redirecting – casual conversation, highlighting the rewards and risks of small talk. |
October 23, 2020 |
| 2 |
How to Put Up Scaffolding John Wilson offers a unique history of New York's hideous yet sprawling network of overhead "protection," otherwise known as scaffolding – and contemplates what it might take to reduce its nearly 300-mile eyesore presently overtaking the city. |
October 30, 2020 |
| 3 |
How to Improve Your Memory John Wilson taps into his "Memory Palace" for an unforgettable exploration into our ability – or inability – to remember things. |
November 6, 2020 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
How to Invest in Real Estate After renting the same apartment for years, John contemplates an unexpected opportunity to become a homeowner. |
November 26, 2021 |
| 2 |
How to Appreciate Wine When confronted by the overwhelming and mysterious world of wine, John attempts to master his senses and make informed choices. |
December 3, 2021 |
| 3 |
How to Find a Spot John reflects on the competitive and complex process of parking in NYC, where the possibilities opened by having a car comes with a catch. |
December 10, 2021 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
How to Find a Public Restroom As the availability of public restrooms dwindles in NYC, John tries to find clever ways to relieve himself. |
July 28, 2023 |
| 2 |
How to Clean Your Ears After having his ears properly cleaned, John wonders if better hearing is what he actually wants. |
August 4, 2023 |
| 3 |
How to Work Out John starts working out and tracks the pros and cons of big. |
August 11, 2023 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | HBO |
|---|---|
| First aired | October 23, 2020 |
| Last aired | September 1, 2023 |
| Runtime | 25 minutes |
| Status | ended |
| Schedule | Friday at 23:00:00 |