The Watch - podcast cover

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 Watch's Year in Review Mailbag

Chris and Andy break open the mailbag to answer questions like whether they were more drawn to travel shows in 2020 (3:40), their ideal episode length for a show (8:34), the single best TV episode they watched this year (41:42), and what the television industry might look like in 2021 (51:23). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 31, 20201 hr 5 min

The Movies, Music, and TV That Helped Us Through 2020, With Jason Mantzoukas

Chris and Andy are joined by Jason Mantzoukas to talk about some of the pop culture that helped them through 2020 (1:51), how COVID might impact future art (17:19), and a range of other thoughts on this year in pop culture (42:17). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Jason Mantzoukas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 28, 20201 hr 13 min

Wrapping Up Our 'Industry' Talk With Myha'la Herrold

Chris and Andy give some final thoughts on 'The Mandalorian' and the forthcoming Beatles documentary 'Get Back' (1:00). Then, they talk with 'Industry' star Myha'la Herrold about how she came to play Harper on the show (12:43) and what it was like to work with veteran actors like Ken Leung (29:41). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Myha'la Herrold Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 24, 202053 min

Breaking Down ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 2 Finale With Mallory Rubin

Chris and Andy are joined by Mallory Rubin to break down the Season 2 finale of ‘The Mandalorian.’ They talk about their initial takeaways from the episode (1:00), what the big reveal means for the series (14:24), and where the show, and the franchise, goes from here (34:23). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Mallory Rubin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 22, 20201 hr 5 min

The Best TV Shows of 2020

Chris and Andy are joined by Sam Esmail to talk about the state of tv in 2020 (1:00) and some of their favorite shows of the year, including 'The Mandalorian,' 'Love Life,' 'ZeroZeroZero,' 'I May Destroy You,' and 'Better Call Saul' (20:47). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Sam Esmail Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 17, 20202 hr 34 min

‘The Mandalorian’ Penultimate Episode, Lots and Lots of Marvel News, and Remembering John le Carré

Chris and Andy break down the penultimate episode of ‘The Mandalorian’ and try to parse where the show is going with the finale and beyond (1:03). Then, they catch up with all of the ‘Star Wars’ and Marvel news that was released as part of Disney’s investor day (24:10) and remember one of their favorite authors, John le Carré, who passed away on Sunday (43:09). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 15, 20201 hr 9 min

'Star Wars' News Emergency Podcast

Chris and Andy break down the huge slate of 'Star Wars' programming that Disney announced at their investors conference this week. Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 11, 202022 min

Spider-Man Enters the Multiverse. Plus, HBO Max Drama Continued and an Interview with ‘Industry’ Creators Konrad Kay and Mickey Down.

News broke this week that past 'Spider-Man' actors like Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield will be returning for the newest 'Spider-Man' film, setting up the franchise for an 'Avengers'-like multiverse (9:03). The fallout continues from Warner Bros.'s decision to release their entire 2021 slate on HBO Max (19:15). Then, an interview with ‘Industry’ creators Konrad Kay and Mickey Down about creating the fast-paced and frenetic show (33:02). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guests: Konrad Kay a...

Dec 10, 20201 hr 25 min

‘The Mandalorian,’ ‘Mank,’ and an Interview With ‘A Teacher’ Creator Hannah Fidell

Chris and Andy break down the latest episode of ‘The Mandalorian’ and make some predictions for where the rest of the season will go (1:00). Plus, their review of ‘Mank’ (23:09) and an interview with ‘A Teacher’ creator Hannah Fidell (42:39). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Hannah Fidell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 07, 20201 hr 18 min

An Interview With ‘Queen’s Gambit’ Director Scott Frank. Plus, the Major HBO Max News and ‘Industry’ Episode 4.

In industry-shaking news, Warner Bros. announced this week that they will send their entire 2021 movie slate, including movies like ‘Dune’ and ‘Matrix 4,’ to HBO Max. Chris and Andy break down what this means for movies, as well as how it might affect the TV industry (1:19). Also, they discuss Episode 4 of ‘Industry’ (21:23) before being joined by ‘Queen’s Gambit’ director Scott Frank to talk about what went into making one of the most popular shows of the year (34:58). Hosts: Chris Ryan and And...

Dec 04, 20201 hr 23 min

‘The Undoing’ Finale, Mallory Rubin on a Turning Point for ‘The Mandalorian,’ and Melissa Maerz on the History of ‘Dazed and Confused’

Chris and Andy break down the ultimately disappointing finale of ‘The Undoing’ (8:31). Then, they are joined by Mallory Rubin to talk about the significance of Ahsoka Tano’s appearance in ‘The Mandalorian’ (28:08) and what it means for the ‘Star Wars’ universe going forward (47:40). Finally, they talk with Melissa Maerz about her new book, ‘Alright, Alright, Alright: The Oral History of Richard Linklater's Dazed and Confused’ (1:10:24). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guests: Mallory Rubin ...

Dec 01, 20202 hr 49 min

Breaking Down All of ‘The Crown’ Season 4 | Bonus Episode

Chris is joined by resident ‘The Crown’ expert Amanda Dobbins to break down the fourth season of the show. Episodes 1-3 (0:55) Episodes 4-6 (43:31) Episodes 7-10 (69:45) Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Amanda Dobbins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 26, 20202 hr

What Makes ‘The Mandalorian’ So Enjoyable? Plus, Hugh Grant on Episode 5 of ‘The Undoing.’

Netflix revealed that 62 million people watched ‘The Queen’s Gambit,’ once again cherry-picking which stats to release (1:10). ‘The Mandalorian’ is purely enjoyable and doesn’t need to try for much beyond that (10:58). Plus, Chris and Andy break down ‘The Undoing’ Episode 5 (22:18) before being joined by Hugh Grant to further discuss the series (31:40). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Hugh Grant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 23, 202051 min

Is ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ HBO Max’s Hail Mary? Plus, ‘Industry’ and ‘The Crown’ S4, E3-6.

‘Wonder Woman 1984,’ which was originally supposed to premiere over the summer, will now hit HBO Max on Christmas Day. Chris and Andy parse what this will mean for the streaming service and movies in general (1:09). Plus, the love continues for ‘Industry’ Episode 2 (14:45) and Chris and Amanda Dobbins break down Episodes 3 through 6 of ‘The Crown’ Season 4 (36:00). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Amanda Dobbins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 19, 20201 hr 8 min

‘The Mandalorian,’ Anya Taylor-Joy on ‘The Queen’s Gambit,’ and ‘The Crown’ Season 4

Chris and Andy break down the most recent episode of ‘The Mandalorian,’ which played to its strengths and was possibly the best episode yet (1:21). Anya Taylor-Joy joins the show to talk about playing Beth on ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (27:41). Then, Chris and Amanda Dobbins break down the first three episodes of ‘The Crown’ Season 4 (51:32). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guests: Anya Taylor-Joy and Amanda Dobbins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 17, 20202 hr 40 min

Lessons Learned After One Year of Disney+. Plus, ‘The Outsider’ Cancellation and All in on HBO’s ‘Industry.’

Chris and Andy check in with how well Disney+ is doing one year after its launch date (2:32). Then, they discuss the surprising news that ‘The Outsider’ won’t be returning for a second season (19:59) and the exciting new HBO show ‘Industry’ (27:34). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 13, 202057 min

‘The Mandalorian,’ ‘The Queen’s Gambit,’ and ‘The Undoing.’ Plus, Remembering Alex Trebek With Claire McNear

The second episode of ‘The Mandalorian’ Season 2 continues with even more Baby Yoda (6:17). The ending of ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ was extremely well done just like the rest of the show (22:07). Plus, the third episode of ‘The Undoing’ (40:58) and an interview with Claire McNear about Alex Trebek’s legacy and her book about 'Jeopardy!,' ‘Answers in the Form of Questions’ (50:54). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Claire McNear Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adch...

Nov 09, 20201 hr 15 min

The Watch (Trailer)

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 06, 20201 min

Mailbag Episode: Streaming Strategies, TV in 2020, ‘Top Chef’ Talk, and More

Chris and Andy break open the mailbag to talk about which streaming services they would pay for if they didn’t cover TV professionally (19:46), whether 2020 is a better year for TV than 2019 (30:10), ‘Top Chef: Amateurs’ (48:57), and their favorite music to work to (53:25). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 05, 20201 hr 10 min

‘The Mandalorian’ Returns. Plus, Remembering Sean Connery and ‘The Undoing’ Episode 2

Chris and Andy remember some of their favorite Sean Connery performances after the actor passed away over the weekend (14:59). Then, they break down the return of ‘The Mandalorian,’ which at this point is a finely tuned machine (22:22), and talk about the second episode of HBO’s ‘The Undoing’ (46:45). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 02, 20201 hr 1 min

‘The Queen’s Gambit’ May Be the Best Thing on TV Right Now. Plus, Apple TV+ Is Making Moves.

Apple TV+ reportedly wants to bring the new James Bond movie to streaming, and they're also launching a new Jon Stewart series—it's clear that the streaming service is making a play toward something, we’re just not sure what (7:50). Plus, ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ may be our surprise favorite thing on television right now (25:34). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 30, 202052 min

An Ode to David Fincher’s ‘Mindhunter.’ Plus, ‘Borat Subsequent Moviefilm’ and ‘The Undoing.’

News broke last week that David Fincher’s ‘Mindhunter’ will not be returning for a third season. Chris and Andy talk about what made the show special (4:24). Plus: Oscar Isaac may be getting his own Marvel show (14:49), the funniest parts of ‘Borat Subsequent Moviefilm’ (28:16), and the first episode of HBO’s ‘The Undoing’ (43:22). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 27, 20201 hr

Could Anything Have Saved Quibi? Plus, the End of ‘The Third Day.’

To not a lot of people’s surprise, the short-form streaming service Quibi shut down this week (01:03). Chris and Andy talk about where the company failed and whether there was anything that could have saved it (13:06). Plus, some director bullshit (32:36) and the ultimately disappointing end of ‘The Third Day’ (41:15). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 23, 20201 hr 5 min

The Pleasures of Passive TV Watching and Where We're at With Prestige TV

What has been lost from the viewing experience now that most TV requires you to actively pay attention at all times (1:38)? Chris and Andy mull over that question, as well as what prestige TV looks like in 2020 (13:52) and the experience of watching a TV show like 'Borgen' versus 'Fargo' (28:39). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 20, 202056 min

A Grab Bag of Pop Culture Recommendations and Rob Harvilla on the Music of the '90s

Chris and Andy recommend a few shows that they’re liking that are not normal “Watch fare,” including ‘Borgen’ and ‘Call My Agent!’ (7:33). Then, they are joined by Rob Harvilla to talk about his experience with music in the 1990s and how he picked the songs for his new podcast, ‘60 Songs That Explain the ‘90s’ (32:46). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Rob Harvilla Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 16, 20201 hr 7 min

Disney Reshuffles Toward Streaming and Breaking Down ‘The Boys’ Season Finale with Showrunner Eric Kripke

In another sign of the times, Disney announced this week that they’re moving resources away from theatrical releases and toward their streaming service (5:53). Plus, ‘The Good Lord Bird’ Episode 2 (19:12) and Andy talks with ‘The Boys’ showrunner Eric Kripke about the show’s season finale (37:38). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Eric Kripke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 13, 20201 hr 16 min

Breaking Down ‘The Third Day’ and ‘Fargo.’ Plus: ‘Gangs of London’ With Jason Concepcion and Shea Serrano.

Chris and Andy break down the hard-to-stomach fourth episode of ‘The Third Day’ (4:23), the third episode of ‘Fargo’ Season 4 (12:17), and the latest Marvel news (22:23). Then, Shea Serrano and Jason Concepcion join the show to talk about the violent British crime show ‘Gangs of London’ (34:55). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guests: Shea Serrano and Jason Concepcion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 09, 20201 hr 20 min

‘Glow’ Is Cancelled. Plus: ‘The Good Lord Bird,’ ‘The Boys,’ and Ryan and Musa From ‘Stadio’ on ‘All or Nothing.’

Despite ‘Glow’ being renewed for a fourth and final season, Netflix announced they are cancelling the show (2:58). Ethan Hawke’s new project ‘The Good Lord Bird’ is like a really good history lesson (13:24), and ‘The Boys’ may have finally crossed the line on violence (37:16). Finally, Chris talks with Ryan Hunn and Musa Okwonga from ‘Stadio’ podcast about the Amazon documentary series ‘All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur’ (47:04). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guests: Ryan Hunn and Musa Ok...

Oct 05, 20202 hr 31 min

Welcome ‘Ms. Marvel,’ Barry Jenkins and Disney, and an Interview With ‘Ted Lasso’ Executive Producer Bill Lawrence

Marvel announced this week that a ‘Ms. Marvel’ series will be coming to Disney+ and that they’re tapping relatively unknown actress Iman Vellani to play the role, and Chris and Andy discuss what this news mean for the Marvel universe (3:11). Plus, they discuss Barry Jenkins directing the ‘Lion King’ sequel (18:45) and the third episode of ‘The Third Day’ (30:20). Lastly, Chris interviews ‘Ted Lasso’ executive producer Bill Lawrence (41:33). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Bill Lawren...

Oct 02, 20201 hr 8 min

Breaking Down the Maximalist Violence in ‘Utopia’ and ‘Fargo’ Season 4

Chris and Andy do a quick check-in about how much violence on TV they can stomach these days (1:33). Then, they break down the first season of Amazon’s violent conspiracy thriller ‘Utopia’ (15:21) and the long-awaited first two episodes of ‘Fargo’ Season 4 (33:31). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 28, 202058 min