Unsurprisingly, Quibi is not doing well while everyone is stuck at home. We explain why we have some sympathy for the nascent streaming service (10:53). Plus, breaking down the restaurant wars from last week’s episode of ‘Top Chef: All-Stars L.A.’ (31:41) and an interview with Kathryn Hahn about her new show ‘I Know This Much is True’ (45:33). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Kathryn Hahn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 12, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep 455•Transcript available on Metacast The trailer for ‘Space Force,’ Netflix’s flashy comedy created by Greg Daniels and Steve Carrell, was released this week, and we talk about what it takes to make a good streaming comedy (13:06). Plus, how ‘Normal People’ the show differed from ‘Normal People’ the book (28:37) and a conversation with the director of ‘Arkansas,’ Clark Duke (57:22). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Clark Duke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 08, 2020•1 hr 27 min•Ep 454•Transcript available on Metacast It now looks like there’s not one, but two ‘Tiger King’ adaptations in the works, and this reveals a funny thing about the TV industry and trying to get ahead of an adaptation (1:05). For May the Fourth, Disney gifted us with two bits of interesting Star Wars news (18:14). Plus: last week’s episode of ‘Top Chef,’ ‘Normal People’ episodes 1 through 6 (32:19), and an interview with Tom Pelphrey, who plays Ben on ‘Ozark’ (1:05:31). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Tom Pelphrey Learn more...
May 05, 2020•2 hr 31 min•Ep 453•Transcript available on Metacast The cult of Sally Rooney and stellar performances from the two young actors (4:06) are what makes ‘Normal People’ an instant must-watch and a masterclass on how to make a TV show that’s just about feelings (19:38). Plus, a conversation with one of the show’s directors, Lenny Abrahamson, about how he adapted the show from the best-selling book (36:27). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Lenny Abrahamson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 01, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep 452•Transcript available on Metacast Chris and Andy go deep on their love for ‘Top Chef’ (6:31) and talk about why you form unique relationships with the contestants on the show (20:35). And even though ‘Run,’ starring Merritt Wever and Domhnall Gleeson, has all the makings of a good show, there’s something slightly off about it (36:00). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 28, 2020•46 min•Ep 451•Transcript available on Metacast Netflix added 15.8 million subscribers in the first quarter of 2020, showing in no small way that it is still the dominant streaming service (2:07). We wonder whether services like HBO Max and NBC's Peacock even stand a chance of catching up (20:09). Plus, we break down the ‘Devs’ season finale and reflect on the season as a whole (37:35). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 24, 2020•55 min•Ep 450•Transcript available on Metacast Chris and Andy hone in on the season finale of their favorite show of the year: 'Better Call Saul.' They discuss the tonal differences between the world established here and in 'Breaking Bad,' the specific performances of Bob Odenkirk and Tony Dalton, and the way the cast and crew have perfected the craft of the 'Breaking Bad'/'Better Call Saul' extended universe (1:02). Then, Dalton joins the show to discuss his role as Lalo Salamanca, what he takes from the page and makes his own, and the most...
Apr 21, 2020•1 hr 6 min•Ep 449•Transcript available on Metacast Andy reflects on his time making ‘Briarpatch’ after the season finale aired this week (1:06). Production on most TV shows has ground to a halt due to COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean that Hollywood dealmaking is slowing down (15:42). We talk about that electric scene in the penultimate episode of ‘Better Call Saul’ (28:00) and give some immediate reactions to the first episode of ‘Mrs. America’ (38:33). Finally, Chris and Andy are joined by some of the cast from ‘Briarpatch’ (50:59). Hosts: Chris...
Apr 17, 2020•1 hr 15 min•Ep 448•Transcript available on Metacast On Saturday night DJ Premier and RZA faced off on Instagram Live for a two-hour beats battle. It might be the most fun we’ve had in a long time and shows how content has evolved during this time of social distancing (1:59). HBO’s newest show ‘Run’ is a Merritt Wever showcase (26:03), and we’ve finally figured out the key to enjoying ‘Devs’ (35:35). Plus, a conversation with Scott Teems, whose Western-thriller movie ‘The Quarry’ comes to VOD this Friday (52:12). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwa...
Apr 14, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Ep 447•Transcript available on Metacast There was not one, but two shows with desert-wandering scenes this week. Chris and Andy talk about ‘Better Call Saul’ S5E8 (4:50) and the penultimate episode of ‘Briarpatch’ and what goes into creating a scene like that (11:49). Then, they get on the line with Josh Phelps, who works at José Andrés’s World Central Kitchen, to talk about the organization's relief work (39:02). Finally Chris is joined by Laura Linney to talk about her electrifying role as Wendy on ‘Ozark’ (57:19). Hosts: Chris Ryan...
Apr 10, 2020•1 hr 15 min•Ep 446•Transcript available on Metacast Quibi, the streaming service that features shows that are just seven to nine minutes long, launched today. The “quick bites” represent a new format besides traditional TV (1:26). The latest episode of ‘Devs’ did more telling than showing (27:50). ‘ZeroZeroZero’ is a feat in tv making (41:27) and Andrea Riseborough joins the show to give us some insight into how the show is made (1:08:56). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Andrea Riseborough Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podca...
Apr 07, 2020•1 hr 29 min•Ep 445•Transcript available on Metacast Many TV productions on pause due to COVID-19—what will happen a few months down the road if there is no new TV? And what will it look like if all paused TV shows come back at the same time (3:53)? Plus: We break down ‘Better Call Saul’ S5E7 (24:13) before Rhea Seehorn joins to talk about what it’s like to play Kim Wexler on the show (41:20). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Rhea Seehorn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 03, 2020•1 hr 22 min•Ep 444•Transcript available on Metacast The Ringer launched its Best TV Character of the Century bracket today, which led us to debate what makes an excellent TV character (1:09). You don’t need to fully understand what’s happening in ‘Devs’ to know that it’s a great TV show (31:31). And an interview with ‘Ozark’ executive producer Chris Mundy about Season 3 of the show (47:01). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Chris Mundy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 31, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep 443•Transcript available on Metacast We draw from the mailbag to talk about some pop culture moments we feel like we missed out on, including ‘The Sopranos’ and rave culture (3:04). Plus: We’re running out of ways to say that Rhea Seehorn deserves an Emmy for her performance as Kim Wexler in ‘Better Call Saul’ (23:27) and an interview with Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield (49:16). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 27, 2020•1 hr 20 min•Ep 442•Transcript available on Metacast The Season 10 finale of ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ aired last night and marked a remarkable comeback for the show that first premiered 20 years ago (7:53). We list some of our dream adaptations we’d like to see right now (19:24). Plus: ‘Devs’ and ‘ZeroZeroZero’ (35:36). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 24, 2020•56 min•Ep 441•Transcript available on Metacast Social distancing is making us appreciate TV in a new light (1:06). In the fifth episode of ‘Better Call Saul,’ the show showcases Jimmy and Kim’s relationship in a way that stands in contrast to Walter and Skylar’s relationship in ‘Breaking Bad’ (15:23). And Reese Witherspoon’s character in ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ is very similar to her character in ‘Big Little Lies,’ but maybe that’s the point (30:32). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoice...
Mar 20, 2020•51 min•Ep 440•Transcript available on Metacast The spread of the coronavirus has halted many television productions, and we take stock of what the TV landscape may look like in the near future (1:39). ‘Westworld’ returned on Sunday for its third season and many of the show’s old problems returned along with it (21:11). And with ‘Devs,’ Alex Garland is creating a different kind of TV world that’s interested in the “why” (33:42). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 17, 2020•49 min•Ep 439•Transcript available on Metacast ‘Ugly Delicious’ starts off Season 2 by showing a softer side of celebrity chef Dave Chang, and in the process makes revelatory food television (11:01). ‘Better Call Saul’ Episode 4 is an episode best appreciated by a binge watch (19:02). Plus: an interview with the set designer for ‘Briarpatch,’ Richard Bloom (30:34). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Richard Bloom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 13, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep 438•Transcript available on Metacast ‘The Outsider’ ended the way most Stephen King stories do—with a lot of buildup to nothing. But we still enjoyed ourselves along the way (1:00). FX on Hulu is here with the premier of ‘Devs,’ a science-fiction show that packs in mystery, emotion, and beautiful set design (29:38). Plus, a conversation about the current television landscape with the president of AMC, Sarah Barnett (46:36). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Mar 09, 2020•1 hr 17 min•Ep 437•Transcript available on Metacast Episode 3 of ‘Better Call Saul’ is the best Bob Odenkirk episode yet, as this season continues to get better (3:17). You should be watching ‘Devs,’ FX on Hulu’s flagship show from director Alex Garland (19:25). And a conversation with the ‘Briarpatch’ director of photography Zach Galler (26:11). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Zach Galler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 06, 2020•1 hr 3 min•Ep 436•Transcript available on Metacast Chris and Andy review the penultimate episode of ‘The Outsider’ (SPOILERS) (0:55), before trying to glean meaning from a new feature on Netflix—its top-10 most popular list (29:10). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 02, 2020•55 min•Ep 435•Transcript available on Metacast Chris and Andy discuss the news that Bob Chapek will replace Bob Iger as CEO of Disney at the end of Iger’s contract in 2021 (1:57). Then they analyze what it’s like to try to keep up with the current deluge of TV content (13:36). Then, 'Briarpatch' co–executive producer Eva Anderson joins the show to discuss the making of Season 1, Episode 3 (34:23). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Eva Anderson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 27, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Ep 434•Transcript available on Metacast ‘Better Call Saul’ returned on Sunday night for its penultimate season and it’s time to start appreciating the show for what it is: a masterpiece (2:14). Episode 8 of ‘The Outsider’ was the most Stephen King–influenced episode yet (26:45). And an interview with the musician Greg Dulli about his first solo album, ‘Random Desire’ (51:56). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Greg Dulli Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 24, 2020•1 hr 19 min•Ep 433•Transcript available on Metacast The ‘Westworld’ Season 3 trailer dropped today and the show looks more sci-fi, and more expensive, than ever (5:41). ‘Better Call Saul’ is back on Sunday night with its penultimate season. It’s a show we loved, left, and have come to love again (18:56). Plus, Andy sits down with his longtime friend Chris Carraba, lead singer of Dashboard Confessional, to reflect on his career (24:43) and the legacy of emo music (1:03:08). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Chris Carraba Learn more about...
Feb 21, 2020•1 hr 21 min•Ep 432•Transcript available on Metacast ‘High Fidelity’ is a show where you get to hang out with Zoë Kravitz for 10 episodes, but it’s also much more than that (9:35). The seventh episode of ‘The Outsider’ doesn’t do too much to push the story forward (21:04). Plus, conversations with Eric Newman (30:06), Scoot McNairy (0:00), and Diego Luna (46:27) about Season 2 of ‘Narcos: Mexico’ (1:08:44). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guests: Eric Newman, Scoot McNairy, and Diego Luna Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices...
Feb 17, 2020•1 hr 19 min•Ep 431•Transcript available on Metacast Chris is first joined by Riley McAtee to break down the premier of ‘Survivor Season 40: Winners at War’ (1:17). Then he sits down with Andy and ‘Briarpatch’ actress Allegra Edwards to talk about how Allegra got cast on the show (29:12) and break down the second episode (47:27). Finally, Chris is joined by ‘High Fidelity’ creators Veronica West and Sarah Kucserka to talk about how they got to create their dream show with their dream star, Zoe Kravitz (1:08:18). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwal...
Feb 14, 2020•2 hr 34 min•Ep 430•Transcript available on Metacast The 2020 Academy Awards deliver a fun, messy, and ultimately feel-good telecast (0:41). Plus: Episode 6 of ‘The Outsider’ showcases everything that makes the show so captivating (41:15). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 10, 2020•54 min•Ep 429•Transcript available on Metacast Andy reflects on his journey to creating 'Briarpatch' and the challenges of creating a pilot episode (1:00). Then, Chris and Andy are joined live on stage by Sam Esmail, Kim Dickens, and Jay Ferguson to break down the first episode of 'Briarpatch' (27:58). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guests: Sam Esmail, Kim Dickens, and Jay Ferguson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 07, 2020•1 hr 29 min•Ep 428•Transcript available on Metacast The Super Bowl isn’t just for football; it’s for trailer debuts as well. After watching three new trailers for Marvel TV shows, we try to suss out what a Marvel television universe will look like (3:04). Plus: Quibi’s bet on the way people will be watching TV in the near future (21:50), and ‘The Outsider’ S1E5 (34:01). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 03, 2020•48 min•Ep 427•Transcript available on Metacast By dabbling in the supernatural, ‘The Outsider’ is quickly becoming the best mystery on TV right now (1:23). It’s hard to imagine a fictional version of the docuseries ‘Cheer,’ and that’s what makes it so good (23:55). Plus: living voyeuristically through Larry in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (32:40) and wondering what exactly is going on with the Obi-Wan Kenobi series (39:01). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Jason Concepcion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 31, 2020•46 min•Ep 426•Transcript available on Metacast 
