Bill Simmons, Joanna Robinson, and Mallory Rubin head to Thailand to recap the Season 3 premiere of ‘The White Lotus.’ They discuss why the Ratliff family is a perfect set of travelers for this series, the intriguing dynamic between the trio of longtime friends, and what connects this season to the previous two (1:46). Along the way, they talk through a few early theories and the major character reveal toward the end of the episode (27:08). Later, they close with a handful of predictions for wha...
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 13 min
Jo and Rob break down the theme of loneliness following the characters' return from the company ORTBO last week (7:56), the best fruit to carve out a head for a Lumon funeral (30:43), and Helena’s desire to return to the severed floor as herself and not Helly R. (52:10). Email us! [email protected] Subscribe to the Ringer TV YouTube channel here for full episodes of ‘The Prestige TV Podcast’ and so much more! Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Kai Grady...
Feb 14, 2025•1 hr 6 min
Jo and Rob head back to Pittsburgh to recap Episodes 3-6 of ‘The Pitt.’ They discuss how the Max series actually works better as a binge, Noah Wyle’s strong performance as the grizzled lead doctor, and why the emergency room is the perfect setting for a workplace drama (1:17). Along the way, they point out which medical staff member's story line they’re most invested in and which character they’re most conflicted by (19:50). Later, they talk through Dr. McKay’s problematic oversharing (35:25). E...
Feb 10, 2025•47 min
Jo and Rob go on an ORTBO to recap the fourth episode of ‘Severance’ Season 2. They discuss why this was such a thrilling episode, Irving’s emotional sacrifice, and one refiner’s identity crisis finally coming to a head (3:35). Along the way, they talk through the biblical imagery present throughout the start of the season and Helena’s most obvious tell (24:20). Later, they break down the final sequence involving Milchick’s removal of the Glasgow Block (51:26). Email us! [email protected] S...
Feb 07, 2025•1 hr 26 min
Jo and Rob hand out missing posters to recap the third episode of ‘Severance’ Season 2. They discuss the highly anticipated return of the goats, the degree of difficulty that accompanies a theory show like this, and what truly differentiates the innies from the outies (2:17). Along the way, they talk about Irving’s growing suspicions and Gwendoline Christie’s introduction as one of the leaders of the goat collective (25:55). Later, they break down the potential ramifications of Mark’s reintegrat...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 29 min
Jo and Rob lay a trap to recap the Season 1 finale of ‘The Agency.’ They discuss their thoughts on the season as a whole, how the final episode compares to the ending of the French series it’s based on, and how the Danny story line left them wanting more (2:37). Along the way, they talk through the dissatisfying payoff of the season-long tease involving Martian’s hospitalization and Richard Gere’s precise usage throughout the season (15:51). Later, they highlight how the show nailed the various ...
Jan 27, 2025•38 min
Jo and Rob broke their lease to recap the second episode of ‘Severance’ Season 2. They discuss the innie vs. outie structure of the season so far, their latest theories on what’s behind the macrodata refinement process, and why Lumon is so interested in Mark S. specifically (9:06). Along the way, they talk about Helena’s potential motivation for going undercover as Helly on the severed floor (28:38). Later, they theorize about who Irving is calling at the end of the episode and what might’ve hap...
Jan 25, 2025•1 hr 18 min
Joanna Robinson and Sean Fennessey grab their tape recorders to revisit the ‘Twin Peaks’ pilot episode, “Northwest Passage.” They discuss what the series represents in David Lynch’s storied catalog of works, the mystery crime drama’s somewhat surprising level of mainstream popularity, and their personal history with the show (5:49). Along the way, they dive into Kyle MacLachlan’s role as Agent Dale Cooper (33:56). Later, they unpack the unforgettable final moments of the episode and the flawed i...
Jan 22, 2025•58 min
Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney play the ball game to recap the Season 2 premiere of ‘Severance.’ They start by briefly looking back at the first season, before discussing some behind-the-scenes context on the three-year hiatus between seasons, their anticipation for its return, and how they felt about the first episode back (2:53). Along the way, they theorize on the introduction of Miss Huang, and the truth behind Helly’s identity (41:03). Later, they talk through how the final shot of the epi...
Jan 17, 2025•1 hr 19 min
Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney work the overnight shift at the emergency room to recap the two-episode premiere of ‘The Pitt,’ the Max original series from much of the creative team behind ‘ER.’ They discuss it as a spiritual successor to the popular ’90s drama, their relationship with the medical procedural genre, and how its high-concept premise is executed (1:35). Along the way, they talk through their favorite and least favorite characters so far (24:15). Later, they consider whether the ba...
Jan 10, 2025•56 min
Rob and Joanna are back from break to discuss what they’ve been watching over the holidays (2:50), and give a quick Golden Globes recap (11:03). Then, it’s time to hop back into ‘Squid Game’ to discuss the rest of Season 2 (14:23), which games were most diabolical (40:20), and a few predictions for Season 3 (58:20). Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 12 min
Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney play life or death games as they look back at their thoughts on season one of Netflix’s ‘Squid Game’ (1:52), before diving into their feelings of Season two (5:58), and discussing which new characters they’re most invested in (40:27). Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Additional Production Support: Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 26, 2024•54 min
Jo and Rob look for a left-field lead to recap the third, fourth, and fifth episodes of ‘The Agency.’ They discuss the recent boom of spy shows this year, how the Showtime drama is balancing its several concurrent plotlines, and why Osman is a perfectly calibrated character (2:31). Along the way, they theorize who Martian is talking to in the flash-forward sequences and touch on Danny’s competence as a young spy (25:40). Later, they break down the decision to make the mystery around Coyote’s dis...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr
Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney take a look back at the year in (prestige) television! They start by reading through listener emails that make the case for shows they missed in 2024 and then debate which streamer won the year (5:39). Along the way, they bid adieu to this year’s various ‘Prestige TV’ emails by ranking them (51:10). Later, they present their top TV moments of the past 12 months (54:57). Email us! [email protected] Subscribe to the Ringer TV YouTube channel here for full episo...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 16 min
Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney leave their family behind to revisit the ‘Breaking Bad’ episode “Ozymandias.” They discuss why it’s such an important piece of TV history, the Rian Johnson of it all, and their relationship with the AMC drama (1:49). Along the way, they talk about how the show would’ve been remembered had this episode been its series finale and its lasting legacy on how dramatic television is structured (12:11). Later, they give out a handful of awards, including best line, most i...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney protect their secret identities as they recap ‘Black Doves,’ the Netflix spy thriller starring Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw. They discuss their overall impressions of the series, why it works so well as a binge, and point out their favorite kill of the show (9:21). Along the way, they rank their top five performances from the season and talk through their thoughts on how ‘Love Actually’ has aged over the years (18:35). Later, they unpack how the various plotlin...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr 4 min
The Ringer TV YouTube channel is here! And to celebrate, we're bringing the 'Watch' and 'Prestige TV' crews together. Chris Ryan, Joanna Robinson, and Rob Mahoney come bearing gifts: a holiday binge guide to get you through the season! Subscribe to the Ringer TV YouTube channel here for full episodes of 'The Prestige TV Podcast' and 'The Watch' and a lot more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 10, 2024•36 min
Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney become CIA agents to recap the two-episode premiere of ‘The Agency,’ the Showtime-produced Paramount+ series starring Michael Fassbender. They start by talking about whom the show is for, the stacked cast, and director Joe Wright’s career as a filmmaker (2:11). Later, they discuss how the espionage drama nails its depiction of practical spy craft and the cliff-hanger at the end of the second episode (38:29). Email us! [email protected] Hosts: Joanna Robins...
Dec 02, 2024•48 min
Juliet Litman and Jodi Walker kick off their sophomore year to recap the Season 3 premiere of ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls.’ They start by talking about where things left off last season two years (!) ago, the impact of Reneé Rapp’s sudden decision to leave the series, and whether her departure was a good long-term move for her career (1:34). Later, they check in on the rest of the main characters in the ensemble and discuss if Kimberly has become the show’s new protagonist by default (16:12)...
Nov 27, 2024•45 min
Jo and Rob reveal the truth to recap the last five episodes of ‘Say Nothing.’ They discuss how the back half of the season landed for them, the adaptive choice to depart from Frank Kitson as the show’s main antagonist, and how the series depicts Gerry Adams distancing himself from the IRA movement (2:38). Along the way, they talk about both the character of Dolours and her real-life counterpart and Marian’s fate at the end of the story (31:40). Later, they unpack how the show handles the mysteri...
Nov 19, 2024•56 min
Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney stare at a spot on the wall to recap the first four episodes of the FX-produced Hulu limited series, ‘Say Nothing.’ They discuss it as an adaptation of the critically acclaimed 2018 book of the same name, give some background context on the Troubles conflict that the story takes place in, and whether each episode feels distinct despite it being a binge drop (6:34). Along the way, they walk through a character-by-character breakdown of the period drama’s main playe...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 14 min
Ben Lindbergh and Van Lathan saddle up for a long-awaited return to the Dutton Ranch for the first of the final (?) six episodes of ‘Yellowstone.’ They discuss the pent-up anticipation for the series following its long layoff (1:00), how the show is handling Kevin Costner’s well-publicized exit (5:00), plot holes and potential plot twists (25:00), their character rooting interests and what the endgame for the season might look like (30:00), the episode’s slow-paced, pastoral flashbacks (39:00), ...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr 4 min
Jo and Rob confront the past to recap the ‘Disclaimer’ finale. They read through listener emails in defense of where the miniseries landed, unpacking the connective thread between most of Cuarón’s works, noting ways in which the ending reframes some of the show’s earlier moments, and much more (2:22). Later, they share their final thoughts on the series as a whole (45:02). Email us! [email protected] Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney Producer: Kai Grady Additional Production Support: ...
Nov 11, 2024•55 min
Jo and Rob wipe their fingerprints away to recap the sixth episode of ‘Disclaimer.’ They open with a few listener emails before discussing a theory on the show’s use of golden hour lighting and why its storytelling mechanics feel both clumsy and outdated (2:18). Later, they talk about a few significant developments regarding Nancy, Stephen’s continued unraveling, and the competing versions of the incident in Italy (22:55). Email us! [email protected] Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney ...
Nov 04, 2024•48 min
Mallory Rubin and Ben Lindbergh crack the case to recap the ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Season 4 finale. They discuss how this season’s central mystery measures up to past seasons, the (at times overly) self-referential aspects of the series, and how it sets up Season 5 (1:46). Later, they award a handful of superlatives, including favorite episode, smartest red herring, best (or worst!) podcasting moment, the season’s fit lord, and much more (22:54). Hosts: Mallory Rubin and Ben Lindbergh Pr...
Oct 29, 2024•1 hr 26 min
Jo and Rob make a fake instagram to recap the fifth episode of ‘Disclaimer.’ They open with a few listener emails before discussing the visceral nature of the show, its struggles with episodic pacing, and how the thematic elements clash with its narrative structure (1:04). Later, they talk about what’s ahead and why a satisfying conclusion is so important for the show to right the ship (24:23). Email us! [email protected] Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney Producer: Kai Grady Additiona...
Oct 28, 2024•42 min
Jo and Rob break out the preserves to recap the third and fourth episodes of ‘Disclaimer.’ They discuss Nancy Brigstocke’s spiral following her son’s death, the potential inconsistencies within the flashback sequences, and Kevin Kline’s career as a whole (4:11). Along the way, they talk about the camerawork as a stylistic choice in these two episodes and what part of the story they’re most drawn toward at this point (27:00). Later, they unpack how Catherine’s unlikability as a character is groun...
Oct 21, 2024•53 min
Jodi Walker and Nora Princiotti fire up the mics to recap ‘Nobody Wants This,’ the Netflix romantic comedy series starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody. They discuss why it’s a rare case where a rom-com works better as a TV show, the intoxicating chemistry between Bell and Brody, and how the show dismantles the concept of the ick (1:12). Along the way, they talk about what it gets right (and wrong) in its portrayal of podcasting (42:58). Later, they examine some of the storytelling decisions that...
Oct 15, 2024•1 hr 8 min
Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney beware of narrative and form to recap the two-episode premiere of ‘Disclaimer,’ the Apple TV+ miniseries starring Cate Blanchett. They discuss Alfonso Cuarón as a filmmaker, his history of loosely adapting works, and the decision to utilize narration throughout the story (1:29). Along the way, they talk about how the show leans into suspense instead of surprise, as well as its stunning visual style (18:41). Later, they break down how each of the main characters ar...
Oct 11, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Jo and Rob hop aboard an airboat and ride off into the sunset to recap the ‘Bad Monkey’ Season 1 finale. They discuss how the Apple TV+ series somewhat overstayed its welcome, whether they want another season of ‘Bad Monkey,’ and Yancy’s significant character moment at the end (1:21). Later, they talk about how Vince Vaughn’s performance anchored the show and their thoughts on where many of the side character arcs landed (16:34). Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney Producer: Kai Grady Additio...
Oct 10, 2024•38 min
