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The Watch

The Ringerwww.theringer.com
Every week, The Ringer's Andy Greenwald and Chris Ryan -- longtime friends and pop culture addicts -- break down the latest in TV, movies, and music.

Episodes

The Challenges of Adapting ‘The Three-Body Problem,’ Plus ‘Ted Lasso,’ ‘All or Nothing,’ and Previewing ‘The Boys’ Season 2

News that David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are going to adapt the sci-fi series ‘The Three Body Problem’ for Netflix was met with trepidation online (10:32). Production of ‘The Batman’ has hit a snag after Robert Pattinson tested positive for COVID-19 (26:47). Plus: a tale of two different types of soccer shows in ‘Ted Lasso’ and ‘All or Nothing’ (37:10), and previewing Season 2 of ‘The Boys’ (57:12). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adc...

Sep 04, 20201 hr 10 min

Remembering Chadwick Boseman With Reggie Ugwu. Plus: ‘I May Destroy You’ Finale and an Interview With the Killers' Brandon Flowers.

Chris and Andy are joined by New York Times culture reporter Reggie Ugwu to talk about the life and career of Chadwick Boseman, who passed away on Friday following a private battle with colon cancer (1:32). Plus, Chris and Andy break down the finale and phenomenal season of ‘I May Destroy You’ (25:36), and Andy is joined by the Killers' lead singer Brandon Flowers to talk about their new album, ‘Imploding the Mirage’ (53:16). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guests: Reggie Ugwu and Brandon F...

Aug 31, 20201 hr 29 min

Are TV Shows the New Movies? A Podcast Crossover Special, Part 2.

In a special mega-pod, Chris and Andy are joined by Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins for a two-part conversation about the way that movies seems to be aping the modes and styles of TV, and vice versa. (For Part 1, check out 'The Big Picture' on The Ringer Podcast Network.) Hosts: Andy Greenwald and Chris Ryan Guests: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 28, 202057 min

The 'Lonesome Dove' Megapod | Bonus Episode

Welcome to the Summer of Dove. All four segments of Chris and Andy talking about the book and miniseries 'Lonesome Dove.' Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 26, 20203 hr 34 min

The Next Era of the DC Universe Is Here. Plus, ‘Lovecraft Country’ Episode 2, and an Interview With George Pelecanos.

The teaser trailer for ‘The Batman’ was released over the weekend, along with some other DC Universe news (1:57). It leaves us wondering what we want from the latest Batman property (16:55). After a strong pilot episode, ‘Lovecraft Country’ hit some snags in the second (29:30). Plus, Andy talks with George Pelecanos about his new anthology series, ‘DC Noir’ (39:57). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: George Pelecanos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 24, 20201 hr 16 min

Affleck Back to Batman? A New Spider-Woman? Plus, Lonesome Dove Pt. 4

Following announcements about upcoming Spider-Woman, Kraven the Hunter, and Batman projects, Chris and Andy weigh in on the news and the stars who could be behind each project (8:15). Then, in preparation for the finale of 'I May Destroy You,' they break down the latest episode and discuss the success Michaela Coel has had in her first season (27:50). Plus, the last installment of the 'Lonesome Dove' series (38:40). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit pod...

Aug 21, 20201 hr 15 min

Breaking Down ‘Lovecraft Country” with Showrunner Misha Green. Plus, the Third Installment of ‘Lonesome Dove’

‘Lovecraft Country’ is a big, chewy show in a similar vein to other HBO shows, such as ‘The Outsider’ and ‘Watchmen’ (10:37). Creator Misha Green joins to help break down the first episode (29:26). Plus, the third installment of our ‘Lonesome Dove’ series (49:38). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 17, 20201 hr 29 min

'I May Destroy You Never Lets Up', Jake Johnson on ‘Hoops', and 'Lonesome Dove' Pt. 2

Chris and Andy talk about HBO Max’s troubles, including its distribution struggles (02:39). Then actor Jake Johnson joins to introduce his Netflix show ‘Hoops,’ about a foul-mouthed basketball coach (12:07). And they continue their discussion about ‘Lonesome Dove,’ focusing on the miniseries’ second episode and the second chunk of the acclaimed book (46:45). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Jake Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 13, 20201 hr 21 min

What Just Happened at HBO Max, Justin Charity and Micah Peters on ‘Sound Only,’ and Part 1 of ‘Lonesome Dove’

Chris and Andy discuss the recent executive shake-up at HBO Max, HBO’s confusing transition of their streaming platform, the HBO Max original film ‘American Pickle,’ the end of a well-executed season of HBO’s ‘Perry Mason,’ and more (0:06). Next, Chris is joined by The Ringer’s Micah Peters and Justin Charity to discuss the relaunch of their podcast ‘Sound Only,’ the evolution of art criticism, their entertainment consumption during the pandemic, and more (43:48). Finally, Chris and Andy embark ...

Aug 10, 20202 hr 52 min

If 'High Fidelity' Can't Survive in Hollywood, What Can? Plus, an Interview With Timothy Simons About 'Yes, God, Yes'

Hulu announced this week that it's canceling the critically loved show ‘High Fidelity’ starring Zoë Kravitz. It begs the question: What type of TV show can survive in the current television landscape (12:06)? Plus, we break down the most recent episode of ‘I May Destroy You’ (26:18) and an interview with Timothy Simons about ‘Yes, God, Yes’ and being a working actor during a pandemic (32:02). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Timothy Simons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podca...

Aug 06, 20201 hr 12 min

Our Nostalgia for Syndicated Television, Plus: X-Men Past, Present, and Future With Jason Concepcion

Chris and Andy reminisce about the comfort of after-school television and the cartoons they used to watch (5:51). Then, they are joined by Jason Concepcion to talk about how they were introduced to X-Men comic books (16:39), when they were most obsessed with the franchise (34:13), and what they want from future X-Men properties (59:02). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Jason Concepcion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 03, 20201 hr 16 min

What Do the Emmy Nominations Tell Us About the Current TV Landscape? Plus ‘I May Destroy You’ and ‘Perry Mason.’

We break down the 2020 Emmy nominations, including some very obvious snubs (8:01) and what they tell us about our current TV landscape (18:14). ‘I May Destroy You’ gives us a type of intimacy rarely seen on TV (33:11), and it’s clear that HBO spent a lot of money on ‘Perry Mason’ (45:00). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 30, 202052 min

Thoughts on ‘Folklore,’ the ‘Tenet’ Dilemma, and Rediscovering Sitcoms

Some thoughts on Taylor Swift’s surprise album ‘Folklore’ and the art of a quarantine album release (9:01). ‘Tenet’ perfectly encapsulates the dilemma much of pop culture is currently facing (24:31). Plus, rediscovering the simple pleasure of sitcoms (34:21) and discussing how ‘Palm Springs’ is a high-quality hangout movie (52:49). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 27, 20201 hr

The End of Cable as We Know It? Plus, Wrapping up ‘Dark’ Season 3 and an Interview With Mark Duplass.

Chris and Andy explore the phenomenon that is ‘Yellowstone’ (6:28) before having a broader conversation about the state of cable television (15:27). Then, they talk about the final episodes of ‘Dark’ Season 3 and reflect on the season as a whole (25:20). Finally, they are joined by Mark Duplass to talk about ‘Room 104’ and the current state of the TV industry (47:16). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Mark Duplass Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 23, 20202 hr 35 min

'Game of Thrones' Prequel News and the State of TV IP, Plus 'Dark' S3

Andy shares a bit of news about ‘Briarpatch’ (7:27). Then, the guys talk about the ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel news and the never-ending search for hit TV IP (18:58). Plus, ‘Perry Mason’ is actually good (36:29) and breaking down episodes 3 to 5 of ‘Dark’ Season 3 (43:17). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 21, 202055 min

Do We Have Old-TV-Show Fever? Plus, ‘Dark’ Season 3 and ‘I May Destroy You’

With Netflix adding ‘Supermarket Sweep’ to its catalog and Peacock debuting a large library of old TV shows, are TV shows from the '90s the most valuable thing for a streaming service to have right now (19:51)? Plus, we break down the latest episode of ‘I May Destroy You’ (31:36) and the first two episodes of ‘Dark’ Season 3 (38:48). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 16, 202053 min

What Are the Secrets of the Peacock Library? And an Interview With Roy Wood Jr. of ‘The Daily Show’

Though it’s dense and complicated, ‘Dark’ is still an enticing show (3:25). NBC’s streaming service, Peacock, will be here soon, along with a large back catalog of shows and the sneaky-popular ‘Yellowstone’ (13:04). Plus, an interview with Roy Wood Jr. (25:34). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Roy Wood Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 14, 20201 hr 9 min

Michaela Coel's 'I May Destroy You' Continues to Be Brilliant. Plus, Parsing 'Dark' and an Interview With Ramy Youssef.

Before we jump into Season 3 of 'Dark,' we need to mentally prepare ourselves for how twisted this show is (10:23). 'I May Destroy You' continues to capture the moment in an incisive and elegant way (17:03). Plus, Chris talks with 'Ramy' creator and star Ramy Youssef about the show's second season (35:16). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Ramy Youssef Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 10, 202051 min

In the Streaming World, How Do We Decide When It’s Time for a TV Show to End? Plus, ‘Betty’ Director Crystal Moselle

Netflix announced this week that both ‘Dead to Me’ and ‘Ozark’ will be airing their final seasons. It begs the question of how streaming services make the decision of when to end TV shows that could seemingly go on forever (11:06). Plus, ‘Hamilton’ is finally widely available on Disney+ (26:23) and Andy talks to the director of ‘Betty,’ Crystal Moselle (35:24). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Crystal Moselle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 07, 202055 min

Top Five TV Shows of the Year, Plus: Sarah Snook on ‘Succession’

As The Ringer discusses their top shows of the year, Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald follow suit and break down their top five shows thus far (2:00). Then, Sarah Snook joins the show to talk about her role as Shiv Roy in 'Succession' and the potential plans for a third season (36:12). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Sarah Snook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 30, 20201 hr

‘Betty’ Is a Love Letter to Being Young in New York. Plus: Peacock News and ‘I May Destroy You’

‘Betty,’ a show on HBO about a pack of skateboarding teen girls, is joyous and depicts being young in New York as a real adventure (3:18). Plus, Peacock is hoping that ‘Brave New World’ can be it’s ‘Game of Thrones’ (26:42) and ‘I May Destroy You,’ just keeps getting better (41:30). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 26, 202052 min

‘Perry Mason’ Is Dark, but to What End? Plus: the Top Chef, Melissa King.

‘Perry Mason,’ the HBO reboot starring Matthew Rhys, is very expensive and very dark. Will either of those aspects make for a popular TV show (1:50)? Plus, we welcome the winner of ‘Top Chef,’ Melissa King, to the show to talk about her strategy for the finale (24:55) and what she learned about her cooking this season (37:59). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Melissa King Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 23, 202052 min

Padma Lakshmi on ‘Top Chef’ and ‘Taste the Nation.’ Plus, ‘The King of Staten Island.’

Is ‘The King of Staten Island’ a good movie? Or is it just that there have been no new movies in a really long time (3:10)? Plus, Padma Lakshmi joins the show to talk about her new show on Hulu, ‘Taste the Nation,’ and her experiences while judging ‘Top Chef’ for 16 seasons (12:06). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Padma Lakshmi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 18, 202047 min

What Happens to Your Cable Bill Once You Start Paying for New Movies, Too? Plus, ‘Top Chef’ and Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever

On top of your various streaming services, you’re probably going to want to pay for straight-to-video releases as well. Just how big can your streaming budget get (3:15)? Chris and Andy break down the second episode of ‘I May Destroy You’ and the penultimate episode of ‘Top Chef’ (28:07). Then, Andy interviews Tom Russo and Fran Keany from Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever about their second album, ‘Sideways to New Italy’ (43:08). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guests: Tom Russo and Fran Kea...

Jun 16, 20201 hr 10 min

'I May Destroy You' Is Astonishing. Plus, Sam Boyd, the Creator of ‘Love Life’

‘I May Destroy You,’ written by and starring Michaela Coel, may be the one of the best new shows of 2020 (5:16). The show feels like Coel announcing herself as a new voice in television (12:16). Plus, an interview with Sam Boyd, the creator of ‘Love Life’ (20:39). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Sam Boyd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 12, 202038 min

‘Space Force’ Isn’t Sure What It Wants to Be. Plus, ‘Top Chef’ and Elwood Reid on ‘Barkskins’

We recap last week’s episode of ‘Top Chef’ in which the contestants head to Italy to hunt some truffles (4:32). Netflix’s new splashy comedy ‘Space Force' isn’t sure if it wants to be mean like ‘Veep’ (23:26) or comforting like ‘The Office’ (32:15). Plus, author Elwood Reid joins the show to talk about his new TV series, ‘Barkskins’ (47:36). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Elwood Reid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 09, 20201 hr 28 min

Our HBO Max Prime-time Grids. Plus, Time Traveling with TV and ‘Top Chef’

Revisiting a beloved TV show that you haven’t seen in a long time can almost feel like traveling back in time (1:54). Plus, once you figure exactly what HBO Max is and how to get into it (21:05), there’s a bounty of streaming options. We craft our prime-time grids of what we’re watching from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. (36:12). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 29, 20201 hr 10 min

‘The Great’ Is Very Good. Plus Kristen Bell on ‘Central Park,’ ‘Veronica Mars,’ and ‘Frozen.’

Some musings on getting older (3:44) and then ‘The Great,’ a show you may have skipped over because it looks just fine, but is worth your time (16:07). Plus, Kristen Bell joins the show to talk about her new show ‘Central Park,’ as well as her iconic roles in ‘Veronica Mars’ and ‘Frozen’ (32:44). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Kristen Bell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 22, 20201 hr 6 minEp. 458

Remembering Lynn Shelton, Dan Pfeiffer on ‘Top Chef,’ and James Badge Dale on ‘Hightown’

We take a moment to remember Lynn Shelton, a brilliant director of movies and TV (1:00). Then, Dan Pfeiffer joins the show to talk about his love for ‘Top Chef’ (15:52) and break down the most recent episode of ‘Top Chef: All-Stars L.A.’ (34:07). Finally, Chris talks with James Badge Dale about his new show ‘Hightown’ (57:22). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guests: Dan Pfeiffer and James Badge Dale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 19, 20201 hr 14 minEp. 457

What Does HBO Max Mean for HBO? Plus, Paul Mescal of ‘Normal People’

HBO Max is set to launch on May 27 with an impressive streaming library (5:29). The streaming service from WarnerMedia Entertainment is a complete break from what HBO has been in the past (12:55). Plus, an interview with Paul Mescal, who plays Connell on ‘Normal People’ (26:15). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Read the Variety article on HBO Max here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 15, 202053 minEp. 456