The Watch

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

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

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

‘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

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

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

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/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We talk about Rolling Stone’s ‘500 Greatest Albums of All Time’ list and the act of canon-making that goes along with creating a list like this (5:36). Much to our delight, Steven Soderbergh is bringing ‘The Knick’ back for a third season (25:07). Then we break down the second episode of ‘The Third Day’ (33:38) and Chris chats with Katherine Waterston about the show (46:34). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Katherine Waterston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was a ‘Schitt’s Creek’ sweep at the Emmys on Sunday. Does that speak to the power of the Netflix bump (8:52)? Plus, the ‘WandaVision’ trailer shows that Disney+ holds the power (28:00), breaking down the latest episode of ‘The Boys’ (37:44), and Andy interviews Dave Chang about his new memoir, ‘Eat a Peach’ (44:43). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Dave Chang Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The trailer for the second season of ‘The Mandalorian’ dropped this week and it featured lots of Baby Yoda and expensive-looking CGI (1:41). ‘The Third Day’ on HBO is an immersive and weird experience (11:05). Plus, we break down the first episode of ‘We Are Who We Are’ (29:53) and interview Chloë Sevigny, who leads the show (40:40). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Chloë Sevigny Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a slight executive shakeup at Netflix, we take a temperature check of how each of the major streaming services are faring right now (6:22). Then, we preview the HBO shows ‘Third Day’ and ‘We Are Who We Are’ (28:43) and break down the news that Jonathan Majors will have a leading role in the next ‘Ant Man’ movie (34:40). Plus, a conversation with Aya Cash about her role on ‘The Boys’ Season 2 (45:13). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Aya Cash Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The trailer for Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune’ was released this week, and the movie looks expensive and like a new model for sci-fi movies (1:23). Meanwhile, the Star Wars franchise is flagging (11:56). Plus, ‘The Walking Dead’ is ending, but not without 30 more episodes and a couple spinoffs (34:43), and we break down the first three episodes of ‘The Boys’ Season 2 (40:56). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Andy open up the mailbag and cover topics like whether or not they want to see COVID-19 story lines in upcoming TV shows (12:37), what showrunners they would like to see tackle a new genre (30:15), some of their favorite music from 2020 so far (36:47), and what shows they’re most anticipating this year (43:16). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

News that David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are going to adapt the sci-fi series ‘The Three Body Problem’ for Netflix was met with trepidation online (10:32). Production of ‘The Batman’ has hit a snag after Robert Pattinson tested positive for COVID-19 (26:47). Plus: a tale of two different types of soccer shows in ‘Ted Lasso’ and ‘All or Nothing’ (37:10), and previewing Season 2 of ‘The Boys’ (57:12). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Andy are joined by New York Times culture reporter Reggie Ugwu to talk about the life and career of Chadwick Boseman, who passed away on Friday following a private battle with colon cancer (1:32). Plus, Chris and Andy break down the finale and phenomenal season of ‘I May Destroy You’ (25:36), and Andy is joined by the Killers' lead singer Brandon Flowers to talk about their new album, ‘Imploding the Mirage’ (53:16). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guests: Reggie Ugwu and Brandon Flowers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a special mega-pod, Chris and Andy are joined by Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins for a two-part conversation about the way that movies seems to be aping the modes and styles of TV, and vice versa. (For Part 1, check out 'The Big Picture' on The Ringer Podcast Network.) Hosts: Andy Greenwald and Chris Ryan Guests: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the Summer of Dove. All four segments of Chris and Andy talking about the book and miniseries 'Lonesome Dove.' Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The teaser trailer for ‘The Batman’ was released over the weekend, along with some other DC Universe news (1:57). It leaves us wondering what we want from the latest Batman property (16:55). After a strong pilot episode, ‘Lovecraft Country’ hit some snags in the second (29:30). Plus, Andy talks with George Pelecanos about his new anthology series, ‘DC Noir’ (39:57). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: George Pelecanos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following announcements about upcoming Spider-Woman, Kraven the Hunter, and Batman projects, Chris and Andy weigh in on the news and the stars who could be behind each project (8:15). Then, in preparation for the finale of 'I May Destroy You,' they break down the latest episode and discuss the success Michaela Coel has had in her first season (27:50). Plus, the last installment of the 'Lonesome Dove' series (38:40). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Lovecraft Country’ is a big, chewy show in a similar vein to other HBO shows, such as ‘The Outsider’ and ‘Watchmen’ (10:37). Creator Misha Green joins to help break down the first episode (29:26). Plus, the third installment of our ‘Lonesome Dove’ series (49:38). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Andy talk about HBO Max’s troubles, including its distribution struggles (02:39). Then actor Jake Johnson joins to introduce his Netflix show ‘Hoops,’ about a foul-mouthed basketball coach (12:07). And they continue their discussion about ‘Lonesome Dove,’ focusing on the miniseries’ second episode and the second chunk of the acclaimed book (46:45). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Jake Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Andy discuss the recent executive shake-up at HBO Max, HBO’s confusing transition of their streaming platform, the HBO Max original film ‘American Pickle,’ the end of a well-executed season of HBO’s ‘Perry Mason,’ and more (0:06). Next, Chris is joined by The Ringer’s Micah Peters and Justin Charity to discuss the relaunch of their podcast ‘Sound Only,’ the evolution of art criticism, their entertainment consumption during the pandemic, and more (43:48). Finally, Chris and Andy embark on Part 1 of their ‘Lonesome Dove’ discussion, in which they dive into the iconic novel as well as Episode 1 of the limited TV series (1:08:45). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hulu announced this week that it's canceling the critically loved show ‘High Fidelity’ starring Zoë Kravitz. It begs the question: What type of TV show can survive in the current television landscape (12:06)? Plus, we break down the most recent episode of ‘I May Destroy You’ (26:18) and an interview with Timothy Simons about ‘Yes, God, Yes’ and being a working actor during a pandemic (32:02). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Timothy Simons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Andy reminisce about the comfort of after-school television and the cartoons they used to watch (5:51). Then, they are joined by Jason Concepcion to talk about how they were introduced to X-Men comic books (16:39), when they were most obsessed with the franchise (34:13), and what they want from future X-Men properties (59:02). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Jason Concepcion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We break down the 2020 Emmy nominations, including some very obvious snubs (8:01) and what they tell us about our current TV landscape (18:14). ‘I May Destroy You’ gives us a type of intimacy rarely seen on TV (33:11), and it’s clear that HBO spent a lot of money on ‘Perry Mason’ (45:00). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some thoughts on Taylor Swift’s surprise album ‘Folklore’ and the art of a quarantine album release (9:01). ‘Tenet’ perfectly encapsulates the dilemma much of pop culture is currently facing (24:31). Plus, rediscovering the simple pleasure of sitcoms (34:21) and discussing how ‘Palm Springs’ is a high-quality hangout movie (52:49). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Andy explore the phenomenon that is ‘Yellowstone’ (6:28) before having a broader conversation about the state of cable television (15:27). Then, they talk about the final episodes of ‘Dark’ Season 3 and reflect on the season as a whole (25:20). Finally, they are joined by Mark Duplass to talk about ‘Room 104’ and the current state of the TV industry (47:16). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Mark Duplass Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andy shares a bit of news about ‘Briarpatch’ (7:27). Then, the guys talk about the ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel news and the never-ending search for hit TV IP (18:58). Plus, ‘Perry Mason’ is actually good (36:29) and breaking down episodes 3 to 5 of ‘Dark’ Season 3 (43:17). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Netflix adding ‘Supermarket Sweep’ to its catalog and Peacock debuting a large library of old TV shows, are TV shows from the '90s the most valuable thing for a streaming service to have right now (19:51)? Plus, we break down the latest episode of ‘I May Destroy You’ (31:36) and the first two episodes of ‘Dark’ Season 3 (38:48). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Though it’s dense and complicated, ‘Dark’ is still an enticing show (3:25). NBC’s streaming service, Peacock, will be here soon, along with a large back catalog of shows and the sneaky-popular ‘Yellowstone’ (13:04). Plus, an interview with Roy Wood Jr. (25:34). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Roy Wood Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before we jump into Season 3 of 'Dark,' we need to mentally prepare ourselves for how twisted this show is (10:23). 'I May Destroy You' continues to capture the moment in an incisive and elegant way (17:03). Plus, Chris talks with 'Ramy' creator and star Ramy Youssef about the show's second season (35:16). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Ramy Youssef Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Netflix announced this week that both ‘Dead to Me’ and ‘Ozark’ will be airing their final seasons. It begs the question of how streaming services make the decision of when to end TV shows that could seemingly go on forever (11:06). Plus, ‘Hamilton’ is finally widely available on Disney+ (26:23) and Andy talks to the director of ‘Betty,’ Crystal Moselle (35:24). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Crystal Moselle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As The Ringer discusses their top shows of the year, Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald follow suit and break down their top five shows thus far (2:00). Then, Sarah Snook joins the show to talk about her role as Shiv Roy in 'Succession' and the potential plans for a third season (36:12). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Sarah Snook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Betty,’ a show on HBO about a pack of skateboarding teen girls, is joyous and depicts being young in New York as a real adventure (3:18). Plus, Peacock is hoping that ‘Brave New World’ can be it’s ‘Game of Thrones’ (26:42) and ‘I May Destroy You,’ just keeps getting better (41:30). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Perry Mason,’ the HBO reboot starring Matthew Rhys, is very expensive and very dark. Will either of those aspects make for a popular TV show (1:50)? Plus, we welcome the winner of ‘Top Chef,’ Melissa King, to the show to talk about her strategy for the finale (24:55) and what she learned about her cooking this season (37:59). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Melissa King Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is ‘The King of Staten Island’ a good movie? Or is it just that there have been no new movies in a really long time (3:10)? Plus, Padma Lakshmi joins the show to talk about her new show on Hulu, ‘Taste the Nation,’ and her experiences while judging ‘Top Chef’ for 16 seasons (12:06). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Padma Lakshmi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On top of your various streaming services, you’re probably going to want to pay for straight-to-video releases as well. Just how big can your streaming budget get (3:15)? Chris and Andy break down the second episode of ‘I May Destroy You’ and the penultimate episode of ‘Top Chef’ (28:07). Then, Andy interviews Tom Russo and Fran Keany from Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever about their second album, ‘Sideways to New Italy’ (43:08). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guests: Tom Russo and Fran Keany Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices