How to with John Wilson

Very funny, very addictive, very creative. Rarely have I laughed out loud so often at a show. Frankly, it's almost impossible to believe that it ever got picked up by a network - it's that weirdly, wonderfully strange. Brilliant editing.

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.

National Geographic documentaries seduce the viewer into believing that the cameras easily catch the drama and spontaneity of the wild as easily as an American teenager takes a selfie. The reality is that for every adorable clip of baby meerkats playing freely on the savannah, the camera has spent thousands of hours filming everything from empty grass to zoo enclosures to zebras wandering listlessly in the heat. National Geographic doesn't necessarily set out to capture baby meerkats playing. It happens to capture them, and then builds the drama into the documentary the viewer sees.

John Wilson uses the same approach to documenting the wildlife of NYC. Because he doesn't know when he is going to catch the human equivalent of playing baby meerkats, he films everything. And then he tells the story the images he as gives him. It really doesn't matter if that is the story he set out to tell. In the process, he tells us about himself, the people of NYC, the human relationship with garbage, his love for his landlady, risotto. Etc.

The result is hilarious, and, at times, poignant. Wilson treats all of his subjects with dignity, respect and grace, saving the punch line to aim at himself.

Watch it. It will remind you that life is a wonderful/awful mix, and that even the wealthiest person on earth doesn't know what to do with old batteries,

I loved the show because of John's personality. While I was watching the show, I always thought that If I were there instead of him, what would I did? I would automatically judge people's weirdness and it would react awkwardly, they would get angry to me. But because of he is so nice person and he is okey with people whoever they are, whatever their opinion, weird people is cool around him. Suprisingly, I learned a good lesson from this hilarious show. Even if I don't say it directly, judging people makes it impossible for me to get along with some people, and to understand point of view.

Awkward, soothing, interesting, and funny often! I thoroughly enjoy listening to John Wilson and everyone else talk. There's 6 episodes so far and I really hope more gets made!