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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 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, 20231 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, 20231 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, 20231 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

Breaking Down the Penultimate Episode of 'Succession'

Chris and Andy talk about the penultimate episode of 'Succession,' "Church and State." They talk about Roman's breakdown at the funeral, the use of language in this episode (1:00), how the kids continue to grieve Logan by trying to become him (26:34), and how this episode is similar to the "Ozymandias" episode of 'Breaking Bad' (39:01). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 22, 202355 min

The ‘Bear’ Season 2 Trailer, Where 'Class of '09' Falls Short, and 'Barry' Season 4, Episode 6

Chris and Andy talk about the trailer for Season 2 of ‘The Bear,’ released this week (1:00), and why ‘Class of ’09,’ the FBI thriller series starring Kate Mara and Bryan Tyree Henry, falls short by trying to pack too much into the plot (14:54). Finally they talk about the unnerving latest episode of ‘Barry’ (37:06). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 18, 202352 min

Breaking Down 'Succession' Season 4, Episode 8: "America Decides"

Chris and Andy break down the most recent episode of 'Succession,' "America Decides." They talk about if this episode—and show—can still be entertaining even when it gets too close to reality (1:00), how this episode really showed that the Roy kids have no moral bottoms (30:51), and some of the more light-hearted moments of the episode (44:33). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 15, 20231 hr 3 min

‘Barry’ Is Auteurist Television, the ‘Righteous Gemstones’ Season 3 Trailer, and ‘Silo’

Chris and Andy talk about a few trailers that have come out recently, including for ‘The Righteous Gemstones’ Season 3 and ‘Dune: Part Two’ (1:00). Then they go in depth on the current season of ‘Barry’ and how Bill Hader is maybe making the most cinematic show on television right now (15:10), before talking about the first two episodes of ‘Silo,’ a new sci-fi series from Apple TV+ (39:19). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podca...

May 11, 20231 hr 14 min

Breaking Down ‘Succession’ Season 4, Episode 7: “Tailgate Party”

Chris and Andy break down the latest episode of ‘Succession’ and talk about the potentially hall of fame scene between Shiv and Tom (1:00), how it became apparent in this episode that Lukas Mattson may need the Roys as much as they need him (25:04), and whether or not they’re watching this show through a different lens knowing it’s the last season (31:48). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 08, 202354 min

What the WGA Writers' Strike Means for Television, Plus Scott Neustadter on Bringing 'Daisy Jones & the Six' to the Screen

Chris and Andy break down the WGA writers’ strike and talk about who's affected and who's involved (1:00) and how the shows 'Citadel' and 'Dead Ringers' show the full spectrum of what's at stake for TV creation (26:55). Then Andy is joined by Scott Neustadter, who adapted 'Daisy Jones & the Six' for TV, to talk about what is was like bringing the music show from page to screen (50:10). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastcho...

May 04, 20231 hr 34 min

Breaking Down ‘Succession’ Season 4, Episode 6: "Living+"

Chris and Andy talk about the latest episode of ‘Succession,’ "Living+." They break down how each of the kids continues to deal with their grief (1:00), the surprise success of Kendall's pitch for "Living+" (23:06), and the appearance that Logan Roy sort of makes in this episode (36:34). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 01, 202352 min

Damon Lindelof and Tara Hernandez on the Making of ‘Mrs. Davis’

Chris and Andy are joined by ‘Mrs. Davis’ creators Damon Lindelof and Tara Hernandez to talk about how they came up with the idea for the show in the beginning of the pandemic (5:14), why they decided to play with the ideas of artificial intelligence and religion (34:41), and how Betty Gilpin brought the character of Simone to life (46:32). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guests: Damon Lindeloff and Tara Hernandez Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoice...

Apr 27, 20231 hr

How This Episode of ‘Succession’ Sets Up the Rest of the Season

Chris and Andy break down the latest episode of ‘Succession,’ “Kill List.” They talk about how the plotting in this episode sets up the rest of the season (1:00), the dynamics between Shiv and Lukas Matson (16:29), and the way the kids are floundering without their dad (35:31). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 24, 202358 min

When HBO Max Becomes Just Max. Plus, Bridget Everett on ‘Somebody Somewhere’ Season 2.

Chris and Andy talk about how HBO Max will soon become just Max and what it means when a prestige TV brand gets diluted (1:00). Then they talk about the latest episode of ‘Top Chef’ (35:08) and the second season of ‘100 Foot Wave’ (47:02) before Bridget Everett joins Chris to talk about the upcoming second season of her show ‘Somebody Somewhere’ (57:09). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Bridget Everett Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/...

Apr 20, 20231 hr 20 min

‘Succession’ S4E4, “The Honeymoon States,” and the Premiere of the Final Season of ‘Barry’

Chris and Andy talk about the latest episode of ‘Succession.’ They discuss how Jesse Armstrong is increasingly writing this show like a stage play (1:00) and whether or not they were missing Brian Cox in this episode (37:39). Then they talk about the first two episodes of the final season of ‘Barry’ and how this show has evolved since its first season (45:02). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 17, 20231 hr 8 min

Unpacking the Big Reveal in ‘Succession’ Season 4, Episode 3

Chris and Andy talk about the major reveal in this week’s episode of ‘Succession.’ They discuss how writer Jesse Armstrong and director Mark Mylod handled Logan Roy’s death (1:00), the performances give by Jeremy Strong, Kieran Culkin, and Sarah Snook (22:29), and where the show will go from here now that it has lost one of its central characters (36:03). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 10, 20231 hr 3 min

Is All This Money Amazon Is Spending Worth It? Plus, ‘Perry Mason’ and Lee Sung Jin and Jake Schreier on ‘Beef’.

Chris and Andy talk about a Hollywood Reporter article published this week that details Amazon’s efforts to put their streaming service on the map and whether or not their big spending has been worth it (1:00). Then they talk about the latest episode of ‘Perry Mason’ (23:04), before Chris is joined by ‘Beef’ creator Lee Sung Jin and director Jake Schreier to talk about the making of the show and working with Steven Yeun and Ali Wong (36:04). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guests: Sonny Lee...

Apr 07, 20231 hr 17 min

Breaking Down ‘Succession’ Season 4, Episode 2: “Rehearsal”

Chris and Andy talk about the second episode of ‘Succession’ Season 4, “Rehearsal.” They talk about the motivations of each of the kids (1:00), how Connor may be the sibling that holds the most power (27:14), and some of the funniest scenes from this episode (40:46). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 03, 202352 min

Joanna Robinson on How Much of the ‘Game of Thrones’ Universe We Want. Plus, ‘Great Expectations’ Series Creator Steven Knight.

Chris is joined by Joanna Robinson to talk about the news that ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 will be shorter than the first (1:00) and some other things she’s watching, like ‘Ted Lasso’ and ‘Beef’ (14:31). Then she and Chris talk about why this newest adaptation of ‘Great Expectations’ works (23:48), before Chris is joined by creator Steven Knight to talk more about the making of the series (35:47). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Joanna Robinson and Steven Knight Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more ab...

Mar 30, 20231 hr 3 min

The Beginning of the End for 'Succession'

Chris and Andy break down the first episode of 'Succession' Season 4. They discuss whether moments in this episode indicate that this is the final season for the show (1:00), how Kendall, Shiv, and Roman are now being set up against Logan (23:19), and where Tom stands after siding with Logan (36:24). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 27, 202355 min

'Lucky Hank' and the Appeals of Soft Television. Plus, 'Mandalorian' S3E4.

Chris and Andy talk about the news that the spy thriller 'The Day of the Jackal' is going to be remade into a TV show and whether remakes are the only projects that get green-lit now (1:00). Then they talk about the first episode of the new Bob Odenkirk show 'Lucky Hank' (28:32) and the latest episode of 'The Mandalorian' (42:29). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 23, 202358 min
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