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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

Breaking Down the Premiere of 'Industry' Season 3

Chris and Andy discuss the premiere of 'Industry.' They talk about why this show might be the defining drama of the 2020s (16:56), the introduction of Kit Harington as tech founder Henry Muck, the way 'Industry' lets guest stars shine (39:11), and why this show benefits from throwing the audience into the story with little preamble (52:08). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 12, 20241 hr 12 min

Apple’s Movie Strategy, the ‘Saturday Night’ Trailer, and Small Screen Recommendations With Sean Fennessey

Andy is joined by Sean Fennessey to talk about all things movies. They discuss the trailer for the new Alfonso Caurón series, ‘Disclaimer’ (1:00), and the strategy for Apple TV+ more broadly since the announcement that the Brad Pitt and George Clooney movie ‘Wolfs’ will now get only a limited theatrical release (13:51). Then, they talk about the trailer for ‘Saturday Night’ released this week (34:31) and recommend movies to watch based on recent shows like ‘The Bear,’ ‘Shogun,’ and ‘Ripley’ (51:...

Aug 08, 20241 hr 18 min

What's Taking 'House of the Dragon' So Long? And the General State of HBO.

Chris and Andy talk about the trailer for what's coming to HBO and Max in 2024 and 2025 that aired during 'House of the Dragon' last night and some of the coming shows they are most excited for (1:00). Then they talk about the Season 2 finale of 'House of the Dragon.' They discuss how, yet again, this season felt like a setup for something else that is about to happen (21:05) and how, at times, this show feels too contained within the 'Game of Thrones' world (42:30). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy G...

Aug 05, 20241 hr 8 min

‘Deadpool & Wolverine,’ Olympic Fever, and Who Is Venu For?

Chris and Andy discuss ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ and how the movie is so full of action and self-awareness that it, at times, comes up empty (1:00). Then, they talk about the Olympic events they’ve been tuning in for and how Peacock is handling streaming the games (45:14). Finally they discuss the new streaming service, Venu, launching this fall, which will bundle sports from Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. (55:01). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad...

Aug 01, 20241 hr 22 min

Robert Downey Jr. Rejoins the MCU and Other News From San Diego Comic-Con. Plus, ‘House of the Dragon’ Episode 7.

Chris and Andy talk about the news that Robert Downey Jr. will be coming back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this time to play the villain Doctor Doom (1:00). They also discuss whether Kevin Feige will step away from the MCU after this next run of films (14:12) before breaking down the latest episode of ‘House of the Dragon’ (35:05). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 29, 20241 hr 9 min

‘Presumed Innocent’ Season 1 Finale and Making the Case for (and Against) ‘The Acolyte.’ Plus, ‘Industry’ and ‘Bad Monkey’ Trailers.

Chris and Andy talk about the somewhat muted response to ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ ahead of its opening weekend before reacting to the first cast photo for ‘The Fantastic Four’ (5:08). Then they react to the trailers for ‘Bad Monkey,’ the upcoming Apple TV+ drama starring Vince Vaughn, and ‘Industry’ Season 3 (16:02). Later, they discuss the finale of ‘Presumed Innocent’ Season 1 and their love-hate relationship with the show (20:58). Finally, they catch up on ‘The Acolyte’ and explain why they app...

Jul 25, 20241 hr 1 min

'Twisters' and the State of the Summer Blockbuster. Plus, 'House of the Dragon' Season 2, Episode 6.

Chris and Andy talk about the news that 'Homicide: Life on the Street' will soon be streaming on Peacock (1:00) and that Apple TV+ will be trying to rein in its spending after years of big buys (12:14). Then they talk about 'Twisters' and how summer blockbusters have changed since the original 'Twister' in 1996 (21:43). Finally, they break down the latest episode of 'House of the Dragon' (52:54). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Jul 22, 20241 hr 15 min

Emmy Noms, 'Presumed Innocent' Episode 7, and René Redzepi and Matt Goulding on 'Omnivore'

Chris and Andy talk about the Emmy nominations, which were announced this week, and whether or not 'The Bear' should be recognized in the comedy category (1:00). Then they discuss the news that the Russo brothers are in talks to direct the next two 'Avengers' movies and what that means for the franchise (23:51) and break down the penultimate episode of 'Presumed Innocent' (34:39). Finally, Andy is joined by chef René Redzepi and executive producer Matt Goulding to talk about their new Apple TV+ ...

Jul 18, 20242 hr 33 min

‘House of the Dragon’ Episode 5 and Apple Becomes the New Purveyor of Gourmet Cheeseburgers

Chris and Andy talk about the news that ‘Presumed Innocent’ is being renewed for a second season, then discuss how Apple TV has quietly become the main purveyor of “gourmet cheeseburger” shows—even beating out Netflix (1:00). Later, they dive into the trailer for ‘Captain America: Brave New World,’ which was released last week (15:51), and go over the fifth episode of ‘House of the Dragon’: a decidedly slower episode (36:35). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn mor...

Jul 15, 20241 hr 7 min

'Presumed Innocent' Episodes 4-6 and ‘The Bear’ Bag

Chris and Andy discuss ‘Dune: Prophecy’ and ‘The Penguin’ being branded as HBO originals (2:44), then chat about the recently released trailer for Season 2 of ‘Severance’ (21:41). They then break down Episodes 4-6 of ‘Presumed Innocent’ and debate what’s working on the show vs. what isn’t (25:34). Finally, Chris and Andy dive into the listener-submitted Bearbag of questions about Season 3 of ‘The Bear’ (40:00). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Devon Baroldi Learn more about your ad...

Jul 11, 20241 hr 16 min

‘House of the Dragon’ Episode 4 and ‘The Bear’ Episodes 6-10

Chris and Andy talk about the news that Paramount will be merging with Skydance Media (1:00), as well as the trailer for ‘Agatha All Along’ (10:58). Then they discuss the fourth episode of ‘House of the Dragon’ and how the show is starting to hit a hot streak (18:15). Finally, they break down the final five episodes of ‘The Bear’ Season 3 and talk about where they ended up with the season as a whole (45:52). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad ch...

Jul 08, 20241 hr 23 min

‘The Bear’ Episodes 1-5 and ‘House of the Dragon’ Episode 3

Chris and Andy talk about the news that Richard Gere and Jeffrey Wright have been cast in ‘The Agency,’ an American remake of ‘The Bureau’ (1:00). Then they talk about the latest episode of ‘House of the Dragon’ and why it’s the best episode of the series (16:16). Finally they discuss the first five episodes of ‘The Bear’ Season 3 and how this season has gotten the most middling reviews of the series so far (33:50). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about yo...

Jul 01, 20241 hr 14 min

‘The Bear’ Is Back, ‘Presumed Innocent’ E4, and Jason Mantzoukas on ‘Shoresy’

Chris and Andy talk about the news that the forthcoming ‘Harry Potter’ series has recruited ‘Succession’ alums Francesca Gardiner to show-run and Mark Mylod to direct several episodes (1:00). Then, they break down the Season 3 premiere of ‘The Bear’ and how creator Christopher Storer took this moment as a chance to try something different (21:14). Next, they discuss the latest episode of ‘Presumed Innocent’ (47:06), before Chris is joined by Jason Mantzoukas to talk about their love for the Cana...

Jun 27, 20242 hr 49 min

‘House of the Dragon’ S2E2 and Maya Hawke on ‘Inside Out 2’

Chris and Andy talk about the trailer for ‘Nosferatu’ and whether there’s a story that they have unlimited interest in being made into a movie or TV show (1:00). Then they create their ideal TV project based on lead actor, genre, director, and streaming service (24:22), before talking about ‘House of the Dragon’ S2E2 (38:21). Finally, Andy is joined by Maya Hawke to talk about her role in ‘Inside Out 2’ (1:00:26). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Maya Hawke Producer: Kaya McMullen Lea...

Jun 24, 20241 hr 24 min

Gail Simmons on the Finale of ‘Top Chef’! Plus, ‘Dunk and Egg’ News and ‘The Boys’ Season 4 Premiere.

Chris and Andy talk about the news that production has begun on another ‘Game of Thrones’ spin-off series based on ‘The Tales of Dunk and Egg’ novellas (1:00). Then, they talk about the first few episodes of ‘The Boys’ Season 4 and the direction the show is heading in its final season (13:56). Finally they are joined by ‘Top Chef’ host Gail Simmons to discuss last night’s finale episode and some of the competition changes that were made this season (36:09). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald G...

Jun 20, 20241 hr 25 min

The ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 Premiere and ‘Presumed Innocent’ Episodes 1 and 2

Chris and Andy talk about the premiere of ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 and whether or not you can properly engage with this episode without doing some light reading about the plot beforehand (11:24), as well as improvements the show has made since its first season (21:23). Then they talk about the first two episodes of ‘Presumed Innocent,’ and how its stacked cast with people like Ruth Negga, Peter Sarsgaard, and Bill Camp take it from good to great (35:39). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwal...

Jun 17, 20241 hr 6 min

A Eulogy for ‘Tokyo Vice’ With Mina Kimes. Plus, the Case for ‘Presumed Innocent.’

Chris makes the case for the new David E. Kelley show ‘Presumed Innocent,’ the pulpy courtroom drama the summer needs (1:10). Then he is joined by Mina Kimes to bid goodbye to ‘Tokyo Vice’ after it was canceled this week after two seasons. They talk about whether or not the show ended in a good place (11:06) and how it really came into its own in the second season (29:14). They end by talking about the comforting middleness of Apple TV+ shows and some of their favorites on the streamer (46:38). ...

Jun 13, 20241 hr 13 min

‘Hit Man,’ ‘Fantasmas,’ and ‘Top Chef’ Episode 12

Chris and Andy talk about the success of the new Richard Linklater movie, ‘Hit Man,’ on Netflix over the weekend and how its streaming success compares to that of ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ at the box office (1:00). Then they talk about the strange new HBO comedy ‘Fantasmas,’ from comedian Julio Torres (38:05), before discussing the latest episode of ‘Top Chef’ (54:19). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 10, 20241 hr 16 min

Can ‘The Acolyte’ Break Through the 'Star Wars' Institution? Plus, the ‘Hacks’ Season 3 Finale.

Chris and Andy talk about the news that ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ director Shawn Levy is potentially being tapped to direct the next ‘Avengers’ movie (1:00). Then they talk about the first two episodes of ‘The Acolyte’ and how director Leslye Headland is doing her best to walk a tightrope between making a show that is appealing to a general audience and also hard-core ‘Star Wars’ fans (12:21). Finally, they talk about the season finale of ‘Hacks’ and how they felt about Season 3 as a whole (46:50) ...

Jun 06, 20241 hr 20 min

What’s Missing From Our TV Screens Right Now. Plus, Do the Movies Need Marvel?

Chris and Andy talk about the underperformance of movies like ‘Furiousa’ and ‘The Fall Guy’ at the box office, and whether or not a lack of Marvel movies in theaters could be to blame (1:00). Then they talk about some types of shows they feel are missing from their screens right now—like an hour-long drama that could go for multiple seasons, or a splashy adaptation (33:47). Finally they talk about the new HBO docuseries ‘Ren Faire,’ which is like ‘Succession’ set in the world of Renaissance fair...

Jun 03, 20241 hr 13 min

'The Bear’ Season 3 Trailer, ‘Tires,’ and Rembert Browne on Making ‘Clipped’

Chris and Andy talk about the full trailer for ‘The Bear’ Season 3 that was released this week (1:00) and the first few episodes of ‘Tires,’ the new series from comedian Shane Gillis (14:44). Then they are joined by ‘Clipped’ staff writer Rembert Browne to talk about how his 2014 article in Grantland about the scandal involving Clippers owner Donald Sterling led him to work on the show (27:37) and why this story is still worth telling (44:38). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Rembert ...

May 30, 20241 hr 8 min

Netflix’s Plan for ‘3 Body Problem,’ Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums, and ‘Top Chef’

Chris and Andy talk about ‘3 Body Problem’ creators Benioff and Weiss promising that there will be more seasons of the show, and why Netflix is being so vague about its plans for officially renewing the sci-fi drama (10:31). Then they talk about the news that a live-action ‘X-Men’ movie officially has a screenwriter (18:13), before talking about Apple Music’s 100 best albums list (35:37), and why these last few episodes of ‘Top Chef’ just haven’t had the juice (56:22). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy...

May 23, 20241 hr 16 min

Steven Zaillian on Creating the World of ‘Ripley.’ Plus, More ‘Shogun’ and ‘Yellowstone’ News.

Chris and Andy talk about the news that ‘Yellowstone’ has started production on the last episodes of it’s final season (1:00), and news that ‘Shogun’ will actually be coming back for two more seasons (9:54). Then they are joined by ‘Ripley’ creator Steven Zaillian to talk about what drew him to make another adaptation of the Patricia Highsmith novel (21:08), and working with actors like Andrew Scott, Kenneth Lonergan, and John Malkovich on the show (38:14). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald P...

May 20, 202459 min

New Seasons of ‘House of the Dragon’ and ‘Rings of Power,’ and the State of Franchise TV. Plus, ‘Big Cigar’ and Adrien Brody on ‘Winning Time’ and ‘Succession.’

Chris and Andy discuss standing ovation culture at the Cannes Film Festival (01:29), and Bob Iger’s admission that he tried to tell too many stories at the start of streaming (05:47). They talk about the many prequels being announced, starting with ‘Dune: Prophecy’ (12:31), as well as the companies’ commitment to getting a return on investment for their IP. They then get into the trailer for Season 2 of ‘The Rings of Power’ and ‘House of Dragon’ (17:25), and the renewal of ‘3 Body Problem’ (29:5...

May 16, 20241 hr 27 min

‘Ripley’ Is the Best Show of the Year So Far. Plus, ‘Fantastic Four’ Casting News and ‘Hacks.’

Chris and Andy talk about the just-OK box office performance of ‘The Fall Guy’ and what that says about the state of the movie industry right now (11:09). Then they talk about some more casting news for ‘Fantastic Four’ (19:07) before discussing the first four episodes of ‘Hacks’ Season 3 and the crossroads where the show finds itself right now (27:19). Finally, they talk about the final three episodes of ‘Ripley’ and why it is their favorite show of the year so far (37:43). Hosts: Chris Ryan an...

May 13, 20241 hr 6 min

‘Shogun’ and ‘The Bear’ News, the Disney-Hulu-Max Bundle, and ‘Everybody’s in L.A.’

Chris and Andy remember the legendary engineer and producer Steve Albini, who passed away this week (1:00). They then talk of news that the third season of ‘The Bear’ will be out this June (13:25) and that ‘Shogun’ will be getting a second season (18:30). Next, they talk about Disney and Warner Bros. reaching a deal to offer a Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle (28:44), before diving into their new favorite delight on Netflix: John Mulaney’s quasi-late-night show, ‘Everybody’s in L.A.’ (36:33). Hosts...

May 10, 202455 min

Scott Frank on 'Monsieur Spade' and Lessons Learned From Over 25 Years of Screenwriting

Chris and Andy are joined by screenwriter Scott Frank to talk about making 'Monsieur Spade' and what pulled him toward that adaptation (1:00), how he shifted from being primarily a script doctor to running his own shows (21:39), and how he feels about the shifting ways in which people consume TV and movies (41:49). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Scott Frank Producers: Kaya McMullen and Eduardo Ocampo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 02, 20241 hr 1 min

‘Baby Reindeer,’ ‘Sugar,’ and This Maybe Era of “Mid TV”

Andy is joined by Joanna Robinson to discuss a New York Times article published last week declaring that we’re in the midst of an era of “mid TV” with shows like ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’ and ‘Hijack’ (11:42). Then, they talk about the new Netflix hit ‘Baby Reindeer’ in relation to that article (39:36), before discussing episodes 2-5 of ‘Sugar’ and why it should have worked when unfortunately it doesn't (50:44). Read the New York Times piece here. Host: Andy Greenwald Guest: Joanna Robinson Producer:...

Apr 29, 20241 hr 18 min

‘The Office’ Spinoff, ‘Sympathizer’ Episode 2, and ‘Top Chef’ Episode 6.

Chris and Andy discuss the success of ‘Shogun,’ then dig into the latest news, including Tina Fey and Steve Carell teaming up for a new Netflix comedy series, as well as the latest casting news for the new ‘Office’ spinoff (04:45). Then, they discuss Episode 2 of ‘The Sympathizer’ and whether the show's flair is both a benefit and detriment (27:47). They end with a recap of ‘Top Chef’ Episode 6 and decide if the show is delivering an undercooked product (50:13). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenw...

Apr 25, 20241 hr 12 min

‘Shogun’ Finale With Creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks

Chris and Andy do a quick culture catch-up, featuring Sunday’s surprise ‘Bluey’ episode, "Surprise!," and Taylor Swift’s new double album, before getting into their unfiltered thoughts on the ‘Shogun’ finale (9:30). Then, they speak with ‘Shogun’ creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks about how they approached writing the show, casting Cosmo Jarvis, the finale, and more (25:40). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guests: Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks Producers: Sasha Ashall and Kaya McMullen L...

Apr 24, 20241 hr 17 min