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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

Nic Pizzolatto Has a New Home, ‘Parasite’ Five Months Later, and Dispatches From Sundance | The Watch

It’s a ‘True Detective’ reunion over at FX, with Nic Pizzolatto and Matthew McConaughey linking up to produce a drama series called ‘Redeemer’ (10:21). Andy finally saw ‘Parasite’ and is ready to crown it the best movie of 2019 (16:44). Plus, thoughts on the first episode of ‘Star Trek: Picard’ (27:15) and a report from the 2020 Sundance Film Festival (40:13). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Juliet Litman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 28, 20201 hr 1 minEp. 425

Anticipation for ‘Star Trek: Picard’ and Why You Should Be Watching ‘Cheer’ | The Watch

Andy gives an update on where he is in ‘Briarpatch’ production (4:33) and the guys preview some shows that are coming soon, including ‘Star Trek: Picard’ (11:21) and the ‘Star Wars’ series centered on Obi-Wan Kenobi (19:29). Plus: the reality TV moment that’s happening on Netflix (29:37). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 24, 202046 minEp. 424

Why ‘The Outsider’ Works Where Other Stephen King Adaptations Fail. Plus: ‘The New Pope,’ ‘Avenue 5,’ and ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ | The Watch

In its third episode, ‘The Outsider’ has managed to avoid mistakes made by other Stephen King adaptations (6:39) and also be more than a procedural crime drama (21:15). Plus, we break down ‘The New Pope’ (28:03), ‘Avenue 5’ (38:42), and the Season 10 premiere of ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (50:55). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 20, 202058 minEp. 423

Solving the 'Star Wars' Identity Crisis and 'Don't F**k With Cats,' With Chuck Klosterman | The Watch

Chuck talks about why he's in no rush to see 'Rise of Skywalker,' despite being a massive fan of the franchise (5:07) and why it might be time to stop trying to expand the 'Star Wars' universe (26:45). Plus: 'Don't F**k With Cats,' a good show that you can't really recommend (36:43). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Chuck Klosterman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 17, 202058 minEp. 422

On the Other Side of the TCAs and Breaking Down the First Two Episodes of ‘The Outsider’ | The Watch

Andy tells us what it was like to present ‘Briarpatch’ at the TCAs (2:11) and gives some hot takes on the Oscar nominations (26:13), before breaking down the first episode of ‘The Outsider’ (34:44). Then, Jason Concepcion joins to talk about ‘The Outsider’ Episode 2 and Patrick Radden Keefe’s book, ‘Say Nothing’ (47:24). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Jason Concepcion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 13, 20201 hr 13 minEp. 421

What FX Will Look Like in 2020. Plus, a Conversation With Rob Corddry and Krister Johnson of ‘Medical Police’ | The Watch

The FX network gave its presentation at the TCAs today and told us when to expect the next season of ‘Atlanta’ (1:00) and gave premiere dates for a slate of other shows (11:34). Then, Chris sits down with the creators of ‘Medical Police,’ Rob Corddry and Krister Johnson, to talk about the process of creating the show (32:12) and why they looked to ‘Jack Ryan’ for inspiration while writing it (44:39). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Rob Corddry and Krister Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Jan 10, 202053 minEp. 420

New Year, New Mailbag Episode | The Watch

Chris and Andy shout out the 'Watch’ Facebook group’s favorite TV shows of 2019 (2:26) before opening up the mailbag to answer some listener questions. They talk about which 2019 movies should have been TV shows (27:24), what they were watching at the beginning of the decade (34:35), and which Netflix films they’re most excited for in 2020 (43:45). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 06, 202055 minEp. 419

‘The Mandalorian’ Gave Us Everything We Wanted | The Watch

We break down the finale of ‘The Mandalorian’ and reflect on why this piece of ‘Star Wars’ content worked where others failed (1:39). Plus: a special shoutout to the show's score (26:47) and what the success of the Disney+ product means for streaming networks like Netflix and Amazon (43:14). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Sean Fennessey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 03, 20201 hrEp. 418

The Most Anticipated TV Shows of 2020 | The Watch

Chris previews the TV landscape for 2020, including what might fill the void left by 'Game of Thrones' (1:00), his 10 most anticipated shows of 2020 (5:15), and what to look out for in the next stage of the streaming wars (34:00). Host: Chris Ryan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 26, 201939 minEp. 417

'Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker': A Shocking Disappointment (SPOILERS) | The Watch

If you liked 'Rise of Skywalker,' you're not going to like this podcast. The latest movie left us totally confused about where the franchise wants to go (4:15). We break down what worked and didn't work in the latest installment (23:35). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 23, 20191 hr 7 minEp. 416

The Top 10 TV Shows of the Decade | The Watch

Chris Ryan, Andy Greenwald, and Sam Esmail reflect on the past 10 years of television (1:00) before revealing their 10 favorite TV shows of the decade (27:48). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guests: Sam Esmail and Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 19, 20192 hr 2 minEp. 415

Breaking Down the Season Finale of ‘Watchmen’ | The Watch

The season finale, and potentially the series finale, of ‘Watchmen’ aired last night. Chris and Andy talk about what it takes to wrap up a show like this (1:10), how closely the show hewed to the source material in the end (8:25), and their favorite parts of the final episode (38:25). Plus, a temperature check for ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,’ just a few days ahead of the premiere (50:56). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adcho...

Dec 16, 20191 hr 5 minEp. 414

Parsing Drama in a Galaxy Far, Far Away and a Conversation With Yahya Abdul-Mateen II of 'Watchmen' | The Watch

Andy announces the official premiere date for 'Briarpatch' (1:10) before the guys break down the latest drama in the 'Star Wars' universe (5:52). Then, Chris sits down with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II to talk about playing Cal on 'Watchmen' (15:57) and how he handled his character's big reveal in the latest episode (25:43). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 12, 201942 minEp. 413

Damon Lindelof on the World-building of ‘Watchmen’ | The Watch

‘Watchmen’ showrunner Damon Lindelof joins the show to talk about why he doesn’t want to be called a creator, but rather a “remixer” (2:55), how he chose which part of the comic book series to reimagine (24:17), and the pilot-making process (48:59). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Damon Lindelof Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 09, 20191 hr 14 minEp. 412

Chris Ryan’s Top 10 TV Shows of the Year | The Watch

2019 was defined by two TV shows: ‘Fleabag’ and ‘Succession.’ We debate which one was better (2:43). Plus: other favorite shows of the year, including ‘Russian Doll’ and ‘Mindhunter’ (29:25), and some honorable mentions (54:24). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Juliet Litman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 06, 20191 hr 7 minEp. 411

Breaking Down ‘Watchmen’ Episode 7 and ‘The Mandalorian’ Episode 4 | The Watch

Chris and Andy recap their Thanksgiving holidays before diving into another plot-heavy episode of ‘Watchmen’ (1:00). They break down the big reveal in “An Almost Religious Awe” (13:16). Plus: an unspecified amount of time at the farm with Mando and Baby Yoda in last week’s ‘The Mandalorian’ (37:57). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 02, 201953 minEp. 410

The Thanksgiving Primetime Grid and a Conversation with Ben Smith of ‘Treadstone’ | The Watch

Chris lays out a night of television for you to watch during the holiday weekend including ‘Mrs. Fletcher,’ ‘Servant,’ and ‘Condor’ (1:02). Then he sits down with the producer of ‘Treadstone,’ Ben Smith, to talk about what it is like to create a show within the Jason Bourne universe (16:32) and the logistics of shooting a show in so many different locations (30:02). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Ben Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 27, 201944 minEp. 409

Breaking Down ‘Watchmen’ Episode 6, ‘The Mandalorian’ Episode 3, and the Rest of ‘The Crown’ Season 3 | The Watch

We break down another mind-bending episode of ‘Watchmen,’ a show that’s leaving it all on the field (1:00). Do we like talking about ‘The Mandalorian,’ or do we just like talking about Baby Yoda GIFs (35:25)? Plus: Daddington Corner, ‘Frozen 2’ edition (51:00) and ‘The Crown’ S3E8-10 (59:32). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Amanda Dobbins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 25, 20192 hr 34 minEp. 408

Just How Popular Is ‘The Mandalorian’? Plus: ‘The Crown,’ S3E5-7 | The Watch

Despite all of the pressure on ‘The Mandalorian’ to make Disney+ a success, the show is an easy and enjoyable watch (1:08). Plus: An update on ‘Briarpatch’ production (13:04) and a breakdown of episodes 5-7 of ‘The Crown’ (23:48). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Amanda Dobbins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 22, 20191 hr 5 minEp. 407

‘The Mandalorian’ Settles in and ‘Watchmen’ Keeps Getting Better, Plus: ‘The Crown’ Season 3, Episodes 1–4 | The Watch

In the second episode of ‘The Mandalorian,’ the story gets deep in the details in the way that a 'Star Wars' movie can’t (4:09). It’s almost as though every episode of ‘Watchmen’ is a bottle episode; we break down the fifth episode, “Little Fear of Lightning” (27:57). Plus: ‘The Crown’ Season 3, Episodes 1-4 (46:18). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Amanda Dobbins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 18, 20192 hr 32 minEp. 406

Breaking Down the First Episode of ‘The Mandalorian’ and Inside the Launch of Disney+ | The Watch

‘The Mandalorian’ premiered this week, and although we have a lot of mixed feelings about the pilot, we're willing to hang on (1:38). Then Bloomberg reporter Lucas Shaw takes us inside the launch of Disney+ (28:52) and tells us why we shouldn’t be calling this the “streaming wars” (58:28). Plus: We break down what may be the most controversial episode of ‘Survivor’ in the history of the show (1:10:56). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Andy Greenwald, Lucas Shaw, and Riley McAtee Learn more about your ad...

Nov 15, 20192 hr 40 minEp. 405

FX on Hulu, the Bob Iger Book Club, and Breaking Down ‘Watchmen’ E4S1 | The Watch

Starting next year, FX will stream shows exclusively on Hulu. What does this mean for the future of a network that has produced several award-winning shows (1:06)? In his new book, Bob Iger reminisces about his relationship with Steve Jobs and Disney’s acquisition of Pixar (17:04). Plus, we break down the fourth episode of ‘Watchmen,’ a show that just keeps on getting better (33:58). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Read an excerpt from Bob Iger’s book here. Learn more about your ad choices....

Nov 11, 201958 minEp. 404

Breaking Down the First Three Episodes of 'The Morning Show' | The Watch

'The Morning Show' may not be great TV, but it's certainly engaging. We break down the first three episodes, including the seemingly disconnected plot lines (1:57), Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston's performances (19:14), and our personal MVP of the first three episodes: Billy Crudup (32:43). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Amanda Dobbins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 07, 201948 minEp. 403

Confusion About What ‘The Morning Show’ and Apple TV+ Are Trying to Be, Plus: ‘Watchmen’ S1E3 | The Watch

‘The Morning Show,’ the flagship series for Apple TV+, debuted on Friday. Despite star power from Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carrell, the first episode fell flat (1:38). The show, and subsequently Apple TV+, seem confused about what it’s trying to be (20:08). Plus, we break down the third episode of ‘Watchmen’ (38:10) and bid farewell to ‘The Deuce’ (49:25). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 04, 201959 minEp. 402

Intellectual Property Won’t Save You Now: ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Game of Thrones’ Hit Bumps in the Road | The Watch

It was announced this week that Benioff and Weiss will no longer be creating a ‘Star Wars’ trilogy for Lucas Films (2:17). The news calls into question the future of the franchise (14:38). HBO is finding itself in a similar situation after cancelling a ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel starring Naomi Watts (26:58). Where will one of the most valued pieces of intellectual property go from here (39:00)? Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoic...

Nov 01, 201952 minEp. 401

Early Reactions to ‘The Morning Show,’ and ‘Watchmen’ Picks Up Speed in the Second Episode | The Watch

The AppleTV+ flagship, ‘The Morning Show,’ will premiere on Friday, and early reviews are not looking great (6:37). Meanwhile, ‘Watchmen’ is picking up steam in its second episode (12:07). We break down the episode (20:25) and examine why it’s so hard to create mystery television (27:26). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 28, 201938 minEp. 400

How the Streaming Business Made ‘Looking for Alaska’ Possible | The Watch

Chris and Andy review the music scene in 2005, their roles in covering it, and how that era of music fits onto the big and small screen (1:00). Plus, the creators of ‘Looking for Alaska’, Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, on the long road to getting the show created, making television about teenagers, and creating a series that is distinctly 2005 (21:11). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Andy Greenwald, Josh Schwartz, and Stephanie Savage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adch...

Oct 24, 20191 hr 1 minEp. 399

Breaking Down the Season Premiere of ‘Watchmen’ | The Watch

Damon Lindelof’s newest show, ‘Watchmen,’ started off with a bang and we feel like we’re in good hands (0:43). We take a deeper look at the texts the show seems to be drawing from (17:34) and the importance of the musical ‘Oklahoma!’ in the first episode (41:14). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Andy Greenwald and Juliet Litman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 22, 20191 hr 6 minEp. 398

‘Looking for Alaska,’ Adaptation in the Post-Movies Age, and the Apple Content Slate | The Watch

We preview Hulu’s upcoming original series ‘Looking for Alaska’—the first TV adaptation of a John Green novel (0:54). Then we talk about how ‘Looking for Alaska’ and HBO’s ‘Watchmen’ are two prime examples of content that would’ve been made into a movie in a previous decade but are now being serialized as TV (15:30), before running down the list of Apple streaming shows set to release soon (22:50). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/ad...

Oct 17, 201950 minEp. 397

The ‘Succession’ Finale and a Farewell to the ‘Breaking Bad’ Universe | The Watch

Andy calls in to talk about the finale of ‘Succession’ as well as the second season as a whole (0:40). Then they dive into ‘El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie’ and the continuation of the Jesse Pinkman story line (21:30). Finally, your number one boys dissect the 'Succession' finale (39:00). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 14, 20191 hr 8 minEp. 396