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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

‘Winning Time’ and Its History Problem, Plus ‘Drops of God’

Chris and Andy talk about how Disney and Charter reached a deal to end their TV blackout, but we’re still left without many good ways to watch live sports (1:00). Then they talk about the latest episode of ‘Winning Time’ and how the show is running into problems by being too historically accurate (21:27), as well as the first few episodes of Apple TV’s ‘Drops of God’ (41:03). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/a...

Sep 11, 20231 hr 2 min

Inside the Succession Problems at Disney, Plus Strike Updates and ‘Reservation Dogs’

Chris and Andy talk about strike negotiations currently being at a standstill and how that could begin to affect next year’s summer movies (1:00). Then they talk about an article from CNBC that provides new details on the power struggle between Bob Chapek and Bob Iger at Disney (17:19), before discussing the latest episode of ‘Reservation Dogs’ and how this final season feels more like an epilogue to the show (45:20). Read the CNBC article here. Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kay...

Sep 07, 20231 hr 12 min

'Special Ops: Lioness' and Taylor Sheridan's Worldview. Plus, the Disney Cable Dispute and 'Winning Time.'

Chris and Andy talk about the ongoing dispute between Disney and Charter Communications that is leading to Disney channels like ESPN being blacked out on Spectrum (1:00). Then they talk about 'Special Ops: Lioness' and where it fits into the Taylor Sheridan–verse (22:15), before discussing the latest episode of 'Winning Time' and the finale of 'How to With John Wilson' (57:26). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com...

Sep 05, 20231 hr 17 min

The 'Killer’ and ‘Ferrari’ Trailers, the ‘Justified: City Primeval’ Finale, and ‘Reservation Dogs’

Chris and Andy talk about the trailers for Michael Mann’s ‘Ferrari’ and David Fincher’s ‘The Killer,’ which were both released this week (1:00). Then they talk about the finale of ‘Justified: City Primeval’ and the show it could have potentially introduced a backdoor pilot for (27:35) before discussing how they’re feeling about this season of ‘Reservation Dogs’ so far (38:25). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/...

Aug 31, 20231 hr 4 min

The Fall TV Preview. Plus, ‘Winning Time,’ the ‘Dune: Part Two’ Delay, and ‘How to Blow Up a Pipeline.’

Chris and Andy talk about how they are liking the second season of ‘Winning Time’ so far (9:23) and the news that ‘Dune: Part Two’ is being delayed from November to March of next year (28:26). Then, they go through some of the shows that they are looking forward to this fall (34:16) before talking about ‘How to Blow Up a Pipeline,’ the eco-horror movie that was just put on Hulu for streaming (55:33). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. V...

Aug 28, 20231 hr 11 min

Reacting to the ‘Ahsoka’ Two-Episode Premiere and the Unique Storytelling in ‘Reservation Dogs’ Season 3

Chris and Andy talk about the response from members of the Writers Guild of America to the most recent proposal from the AMPTP that was made public through the press (5:57). They discuss the perplexing two-episode premiere of ‘Ahsoka’ on Disney+ and series creator Dave Filoni’s significant influence on the current ‘Star Wars’ extended universe (14:35). Later, they talk about Episodes 4 and 5 of ‘Reservation Dogs’ Season 3 and the unorthodox approach the show is taking in its final season (48:48)...

Aug 24, 20231 hr 4 min

Why Is Everyone Watching ‘Suits’? Plus, ‘Winning Time’ and ‘How to With John Wilson.’

Chris and Andy talk about the fascinating rise in popularity of the USA show ‘Suits’ (11:48) and discuss the idea of a hard watch versus a soft watch. Then they talk about their complicated feelings about HBO’s second season of ‘Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty’ (33:25) and Season 3 of ‘How to With John Wilson’ (53:45). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Jack Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 21, 20231 hr 8 min

The Return of ‘Winning Time’ and the Beginning of the End of ‘Reservation Dogs'

Chris and Andy talk about their summer vacation watching habits, which include ‘Special Ops: Lioness’ and ‘Drops of God,’ as well the recent trend of their personal viewing interests diverging (1:26). They discuss what makes ‘Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty’ entertaining, the lack of significant change in the second season, and whether or not the dramatic elements of the show land (11:55). Next, they talk about the first three episodes of ‘Reservation Dogs’ Season 3 and their though...

Aug 15, 202357 min

The Midsummer Mailbag

Chris and Andy answer mailbag questions regarding the current landscape of TV. They discuss the best streaming platform to have for the remainder of the year (6:52), their summer reads (11:40), and where the TV world is headed regarding ‘Star Wars’ sequels and the success of ‘Suits’ on Netflix (25:12). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producers: Kaya McMullen and Olivia Crerie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 10, 202345 min

Steven Soderbergh on 'Command Z' and Making Political Films

Chris and Andy talk about 'Full Circle,' one of the latest shows from director Steven Soderbergh and his take on the noir genre (1:00). Then Chris is joined by Soderbergh to talk about the making of another one of his new series, 'Command Z' (21:46), and whether he considers himself to be a political filmmaker (39:25). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Steven Soderbergh Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 07, 20231 hr

What Potential Movement on the Writers Strike Could Mean, Plus the ‘Hijack’ Finale

Chris and Andy talk about the news that the Writers Guild of America will meet with the AMPTP this Friday to discuss potentially restarting negotiations (1:00) and what that could mean for the strike (17:29). Then they talk about the finale of ‘Hijack’ and how the new lane for Apple TV+ is seemingly “mid-busters” (26:44). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 03, 20231 hr 5 min

‘The Righteous Gemstones’ Season 3 Finale. Plus, the ‘Loki’ Season 2 Trailer and Another Exec Shakeup at Disney

Chris and Andy talk about the trailer for season 2 of ‘Loki’ and how, after a run of poor Marvel television shows, it actually looks promising (1:00). Then, they talk about the news that Bob Iger has brought back former Disney executives Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs to advise on the future of the company’s TV slate (12:57), before talking about the final two episodes of season 3 of ‘The Righteous Gemstones’ and how it remains the current funniest show on TV (22:25). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Gree...

Jul 31, 202349 min

What Went Wrong With Marvel Television? Plus, ‘Hijack’ Episode 6

Chris and Andy talk about the lackluster season finale of ‘Secret Invasion’ (1:00) and reflect on how Marvel TV shows and the larger MCU, which started with so much success and excitement, have devolved into a mostly meaningless cinematic landscape (20:36). Then they talk about the penultimate episode of ‘Hijack’ and why this has become the show of the summer (41:20). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jul 27, 20231 hr 12 min

What the Success of the Barbenheimer Weekend Tells Us About the Movie Industry. Plus, ‘Special Ops: Lioness.’

Chris and Andy talk about the rare success of ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer’ at the box office this weekend: two movies that are not sequels or comic book movies (1:00). Then, they give their reviews of each movie, talking about how Greta Gerwig brought her own distinct vision and ideas to ‘Barbie’ (9:43) and how they felt about the divisive third hour of Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ (29:01). Finally, they talk about the first two episodes of ‘Special Ops: Lioness,’ a distinctly Taylor Sheridan...

Jul 24, 20231 hr 13 min

‘Justified: City Primeval’ Reminds Us of What TV Used to Be. Plus, Hollywood Strike Updates

Chris and Andy talk about how negotiations with studios seem to be at a standstill and how the SAG-AFTRA strike will begin to affect the promotion of movies like ‘Challengers’ (1:00). They also discuss the 'Barbie'-'Oppenheimer' phenomenon (15:56) before talking about the first two episodes of ‘Justified: City Primeval’ and the nostalgia the reboot gives them for the original show (25:09). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcas...

Jul 20, 202359 min

What ‘Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning Part One’ Says About the State of Action Movies. Plus, Checking in on ‘Hijack’ and ‘Full Circle.’

Chris and Andy talk about SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher’s impassioned speech during the press conference announcing the impending actors strike, as well as the current status of the picket lines (1:04). They discuss what makes ‘Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning Part One’ so impressive, the high-variance state of action movie filmmaking, and whether or not the film’s villain worked (11:35). Then, they talk about why the television series ‘Hijack’ and ‘Full Circle’ are worth your time (44:51)...

Jul 17, 20231 hr 3 min

SAG-AFTRA Strikes, ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,’ and Emmy Nomination Snubs and Surprises

Chris and Andy talk about the news that SAG-AFTRA, the union representing TV and movie actors, will join the Writers Guild on strike. They discuss how actors going on strike will affect the ongoing writers strike, and when it will start affecting the TV and movies we consume (6:26). Then, they talk about the newest ‘Indiana Jones’ movie and whether it was a fun nostalgia play or just a bad regurgitation of old IP (25:41), before discussing the Emmy nominations that came out today and why ‘Succes...

Jul 13, 20231 hr 10 min

‘The Bear’ Creator Christopher Storer on the Making of Season 2. Plus, the Simple Pleasure of ‘Hijack.'

Chris and Andy talk about the news that ‘Reservation Dogs’ will end after Season 3 (1:00), and the first episode of the new Idris Elba show ‘Hijack’ (11:56). Then, they are joined by ‘The Bear’ creator Christopher Storer to talk about casting the show (29:02), and why they wanted to slow down the pace of the story for Season 2 (1:07:04). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Christopher Storer Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 10, 20231 hr 27 min

Movies Are Stuck in an Endless IP Loop. Plus, 'The Idol' Finale

Chris and Andy talk about a potentially incoming Screen Actors Guild strike and how that would affect the currently ongoing writers strike (1:00), the poor performance of 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny' at the box office this past weekend (14:15), Mattel's plans to make movies based on toys beyond the Barbie movie (25:52), and the final episode of 'The Idol' and whether or not the show succeeded just because it wasn't based off of existing IP (40:58). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald...

Jul 05, 20231 hr 4 min

‘The Bear’ Season 2, Episodes 7-10. Plus, ‘Black Mirror’ Creator Charlie Brooker on the Newest Season.

Chris and Andy talk about the last four episodes of ‘The Bear’ Season 2. They discuss the way Richie’s character evolved throughout Episode 7, “Forks,” (1:00) and the way that Carmy and Sydney’s relationship in the season finale was depicted (37:49). Then, Chris is joined by ‘Black Mirror’ creator Charlie Brooker to talk about how the pandemic inspired the latest season of the show (1:06:02). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit pod...

Jun 29, 20232 hr

‘The Idol’ Episode 4 and ‘The Bear’ Episodes 4-6

Chris and Andy talk about the fourth episode of ‘The Idol,’ and how the show continues to be visually interesting but lacks any plot consistency (7:45). Then, they talk about the fourth through sixth episodes of ‘The Bear’ (32:21), and whether the many cameos in the Episode 6 distracted from the show’s emotional core (55:58). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 26, 20231 hr 15 min

‘The Bear’ Comes Roaring Back and ‘Secret Invasion’ Falls Flat. Plus Nicole Holofcener on Making ‘You Hurt My Feelings’

Chris and Andy discuss the news that Warner Bros. is in talks to license HBO shows like ‘Insecure’ to Netflix (1:00). Then they talk about some of the highlights from the first three episodes of ‘The Bear’ Season 2 (15:57) and why, like other recent Marvel shows, ‘Secret Invasion’ falls flat (48:13). Finally, Andy is joined by director Nicole Holofcener to talk about her new movie, ‘You Hurt My Feelings’ (1:08:34). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Nicole Holofcener Producer: Kaya McMu...

Jun 22, 20232 hr 41 min

‘The Flash’ Flops, ‘The Idol’ Episode 3, and ‘Righteous Gemstones’ Returns. Plus, ‘Top Chef’ Judge Gail Simmons!

Chris and Andy talk about ‘The Flash’ flopping at the box office this weekend and what that could mean for the future of the DC Universe and superhero movies at large (1:00). Then they talk about the latest episode of ‘The Idol’ (17:28) and the return of ‘Righteous Gemstones’ for its third season (32:56), before they are joined by ‘Top Chef’ judge Gail Simmons to talk about latest ‘World All-Stars’ season of the show (38:55). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Gail Simmons Learn more ab...

Jun 19, 20232 hr 31 min

Remembering Cormac McCarthy. Plus, ‘Primo’ and Some Mailbag Questions.

Chris and Andy remember the prolific novelist Cormac McCarthy, who passed away this week at 89 (1:00). They also talk about the untraditional rollout for ‘The Flash’ (10:43), how delightful ‘Primo’ is (21:47), and ‘Spy/Master’ (29:18) before answering a few mailbag questions (35:11). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 15, 202359 min

‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,’ ‘The Idol,’ Episode 2, and the ‘Top Chef’ Finale

Chris and Andy talk about ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ and how this movie shows what is possible for comic book movie sequels (1:00). Then they talk about the second episode of ‘The Idol’ and whether or not the show could be considered “funny” (40:03), before breaking down the ‘Top Chef’ finale and what will come next for the show now that Padma is leaving (56:01). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adc...

Jun 12, 20231 hr 15 min

Our Favorite Shows of 2023 So Far, Plus the Max Report Card and the Upcoming Summer TV Slate

Chris and Andy talk about the newly debuted Max streaming app and whether or not it dilutes the HBO brand (1:00). Then they talk about a few upcoming shows they’re looking forward to, like ‘Black Mirror’ and ‘Secret Invasion’ (33:01), before talking about some of their favorite shows this year so far (52:03). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 08, 20231 hr 9 min

Is ‘The Idol’ Provocative or Just Flat? Plus, Padma Lakshmi to Leave ‘Top Chef,’ and the DGA Gets a Deal.

Chris and Andy talk about the news that Padma Lakshmi will be leaving her role as the host of ‘Top Chef’ and who they might like to replace her (1:00). Then they discuss the Directors Guild reaching a deal on a new contract with the studios and how that might affect the writers strike (17:58). Finally, they cover the first episode of the controversial new HBO show ‘The Idol’ and whether or not the pop star Abel "The Weeknd" Tesfaye is a good actor (26:08). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Pr...

Jun 05, 20231 hr 6 min

Creator Jesse Armstrong on the Ending of ‘Succession’

Chris and Andy are joined by ‘Succession’ creator Jesse Armstrong to talk about when he really knew that the show would end after Season 4 (1:00), the influences he pulled from to make this final season (24:22), and how the final scenes of the finale came to be (44:13). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Jesse Armstrong Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 01, 20231 hr 2 min

‘Succession’ and ‘Barry’: A Tale of Two HBO Finales

Andy and Kaya give some instant reactions to the ‘Succession’ series finale (1:00) and talk about whether anyone can really “win” on the show (30:40). Then, Andy is joined by Sean Fennessey to talk about ‘Barry,’ the other major HBO series that recently concluded. They talk about how the show has evolved since its first season (1:00:07) and how Bill Hader never wanted you to feel sorry for the character of Barry (1:26:56). Host: Andy Greenwald Guests: Kaya McMullen and Sean Fennessey Producer: K...

May 29, 20232 hr 52 min

Preparing for the End of ‘Succession.’ Plus, Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage on the Making of ‘City on Fire.’

Chris and Andy talk about the forthcoming end of ‘Succession,’ discuss what they will miss most about the show, and make some predictions for the finale (1:00). Then, Andy is joined by ‘City on Fire’ showrunners Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage to talk about adapting the show from the book (26:56) and recreating 2003 New York (44:27). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guests: Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.co...

May 25, 20231 hr 3 min