No matter what you're into, I recommend you give this series a shot. John Wilson is a timid, socially awkward, but simultaneously brave and empathetic, weirdo living in New York City. He's taken candid footage that he shot over the course of two years (from early 2018 to early 2020) and turned it into a creative docu-series that rides a unique line between satire, exploitation, education, and, well...art.
The show was produced by Nathan Fielder (Nathan For You), who in my opinion is the most brilliant person currently working in TV. It's only 6 episodes, 26 minutes each, so it's not a very demanding watch - less than 3 hours. But, since it was all made from the mind of one man, the series as a whole functions as a perfectly structured whole.
What's most fascinating about what John Wilson has done here, is turned something that feels like it should be purely exploitive at it's subject's expense, into something that is primarily endearing, heartwarming, and informative. It also does an immense job of diving into true New York City culture and exposing the viewer to the humanity of it all, and the many walks of life it consists of.
The last episode ends as the COVID-19 pandemic begins, so there is a surreal and reflective sadness that may wash over you, as you spend the first 5 episodes having voyeuristic experiences out in the (now seemingly pleasant) chaos of public Manhattan, only to watch it organically lead up to our current state of life.
I've really never seen anything quite like this, to be honest. It's a very straight-to-the-point experience that is quite calming, almost meditative. It really just feels like hanging out with strangers, in a fully positive way. I heard it got picked up for a second season, and I've got say - it really deserves it.
