All Seasons

Season 1

  • S01E01 How To Make Small Talk

    • October 23, 2020
    • HBO

    John Wilson reflects on the delicate balancing act of making – and safely redirecting – casual conversation, highlighting the rewards and risks of small talk.

  • S01E02 How To Put Up Scaffolding

    • October 30, 2020
    • HBO

    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.

  • S01E03 How To Improve Your Memory

    • November 6, 2020
    • HBO

    John Wilson taps into his “Memory Palace” for an unforgettable exploration into our ability – or inability – to remember things.

  • S01E04 How To Cover Your Furniture

    • November 13, 2020
    • HBO

    While trying to live peacefully with his furniture destroying cat, John Wilson explores the challenges of keeping an object in pristine condition.

  • S01E05 How To Split the Check

    • November 20, 2020
    • HBO

    John Wilson attempts to make sense of the intricacies – and fairness practices – behind the complex art of splitting the check.

  • S01E06 How To Cook The Perfect Risotto

    • November 27, 2020
    • HBO

    To thank his elderly landlord for all the times she has cooked and cleaned for him, John attempts to make her favorite dish.

Season 2

  • S02E01 How To Invest in Real Estate

    • November 26, 2021
    • HBO

    After renting the same apartment for years, John contemplates an unexpected opportunity to become a homeowner.

  • S02E02 How To Appreciate Wine

    • December 3, 2021
    • HBO

    When confronted by the overwhelming and mysterious world of wine, John attempts to master his senses and make informed choices.

  • S02E03 How To Find a Spot

    • December 10, 2021
    • HBO

    John reflects on the competitive and complex process of parking in NYC, where the possibilities opened by having a car come with a catch.

  • S02E04 How To Throw Out Your Batteries

    • December 17, 2021
    • HBO

    Seeking a solution to the universal conundrum of battery disposal, John ponders the value of things we hold onto – and what we throw away.

  • S02E05 How To Remember Your Dreams

    • December 24, 2021
    • HBO

    After years of rooting his life in non-fiction, John drifts from the world of rational thought in hopes of finally remembering his dreams.

  • S02E06 How To Be Spontaneous

    • December 31, 2021
    • HBO

    Though determined to let fate be his guide, John’s attempt at spontaneity doesn’t go as planned.

Season 3

  • S03E01 How To Find a Public Restroom

    • July 28, 2023
    • HBO

    As the availability of public restrooms dwindles in NYC, John tries to find clever ways to relieve himself.

  • S03E02 How To Clean Your Ears

    • August 4, 2023
    • HBO

    After having his ears properly cleaned, John wonders if better hearing is what he actually wants.

  • S03E03 How To Work Out

    • August 11, 2023
    • HBO

    John starts working out and tracks the pros and cons of big.

  • S03E04 How To Watch the Game

    • August 18, 2023
    • HBO

    John’s discovery of the deeply-embedded rituals and bonding in sports leads to a greater appreciation of the game.

  • S03E05 How To Watch Birds

    • August 25, 2023
    • HBO

    After realizing too much of his life is spent inside, John tries out birding, which opens up a world of possibility...and dubious claims.

  • S03E06 How To Track Your Package

    • September 1, 2023
    • HBO

    After having a delivery stolen, John investigates how to keep his packages secure.