The Watch

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 rewarding aspects of working in a high-level ensemble cast (44:32). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Tony Dalton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guests: Rosario Dawson and Jay Ferguson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Greenwald Guest: Scott Teems Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 and Andy Greenwald Guests: Josh Phelps and Laura Linney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

‘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

‘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

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

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

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

‘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

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 your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘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.com/adchoices

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 Greenwald Guests: Riley McAtee, Allegra Edwards, Veronica West, and Sarah Kucserka Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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

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

It’s a ‘True Detective’ reunion over at FX, with Nic Pizzolatto and Matthew McConaughey linking up to produce a drama series called ‘Redeemer’ (10:21). Andy finally saw ‘Parasite’ and is ready to crown it the best movie of 2019 (16:44). Plus, thoughts on the first episode of ‘Star Trek: Picard’ (27:15) and a report from the 2020 Sundance Film Festival (40:13). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Juliet Litman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andy gives an update on where he is in ‘Briarpatch’ production (4:33) and the guys preview some shows that are coming soon, including ‘Star Trek: Picard’ (11:21) and the ‘Star Wars’ series centered on Obi-Wan Kenobi (19:29). Plus: the reality TV moment that’s happening on Netflix (29:37). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In its third episode, ‘The Outsider’ has managed to avoid mistakes made by other Stephen King adaptations (6:39) and also be more than a procedural crime drama (21:15). Plus, we break down ‘The New Pope’ (28:03), ‘Avenue 5’ (38:42), and the Season 10 premiere of ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (50:55). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chuck talks about why he's in no rush to see 'Rise of Skywalker,' despite being a massive fan of the franchise (5:07) and why it might be time to stop trying to expand the 'Star Wars' universe (26:45). Plus: 'Don't F**k With Cats,' a good show that you can't really recommend (36:43). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Chuck Klosterman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andy tells us what it was like to present ‘Briarpatch’ at the TCAs (2:11) and gives some hot takes on the Oscar nominations (26:13), before breaking down the first episode of ‘The Outsider’ (34:44). Then, Jason Concepcion joins to talk about ‘The Outsider’ Episode 2 and Patrick Radden Keefe’s book, ‘Say Nothing’ (47:24). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Jason Concepcion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The FX network gave its presentation at the TCAs today and told us when to expect the next season of ‘Atlanta’ (1:00) and gave premiere dates for a slate of other shows (11:34). Then, Chris sits down with the creators of ‘Medical Police,’ Rob Corddry and Krister Johnson, to talk about the process of creating the show (32:12) and why they looked to ‘Jack Ryan’ for inspiration while writing it (44:39). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Rob Corddry and Krister Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Andy shout out the 'Watch’ Facebook group’s favorite TV shows of 2019 (2:26) before opening up the mailbag to answer some listener questions. They talk about which 2019 movies should have been TV shows (27:24), what they were watching at the beginning of the decade (34:35), and which Netflix films they’re most excited for in 2020 (43:45). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We break down the finale of ‘The Mandalorian’ and reflect on why this piece of ‘Star Wars’ content worked where others failed (1:39). Plus: a special shoutout to the show's score (26:47) and what the success of the Disney+ product means for streaming networks like Netflix and Amazon (43:14). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Sean Fennessey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris previews the TV landscape for 2020, including what might fill the void left by 'Game of Thrones' (1:00), his 10 most anticipated shows of 2020 (5:15), and what to look out for in the next stage of the streaming wars (34:00). Host: Chris Ryan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you liked 'Rise of Skywalker,' you're not going to like this podcast. The latest movie left us totally confused about where the franchise wants to go (4:15). We break down what worked and didn't work in the latest installment (23:35). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Ryan, Andy Greenwald, and Sam Esmail reflect on the past 10 years of television (1:00) before revealing their 10 favorite TV shows of the decade (27:48). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guests: Sam Esmail and Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The season finale, and potentially the series finale, of ‘Watchmen’ aired last night. Chris and Andy talk about what it takes to wrap up a show like this (1:10), how closely the show hewed to the source material in the end (8:25), and their favorite parts of the final episode (38:25). Plus, a temperature check for ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,’ just a few days ahead of the premiere (50:56). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andy announces the official premiere date for 'Briarpatch' (1:10) before the guys break down the latest drama in the 'Star Wars' universe (5:52). Then, Chris sits down with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II to talk about playing Cal on 'Watchmen' (15:57) and how he handled his character's big reveal in the latest episode (25:43). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Watchmen’ showrunner Damon Lindelof joins the show to talk about why he doesn’t want to be called a creator, but rather a “remixer” (2:55), how he chose which part of the comic book series to reimagine (24:17), and the pilot-making process (48:59). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Damon Lindelof Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2019 was defined by two TV shows: ‘Fleabag’ and ‘Succession.’ We debate which one was better (2:43). Plus: other favorite shows of the year, including ‘Russian Doll’ and ‘Mindhunter’ (29:25), and some honorable mentions (54:24). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Juliet Litman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Andy recap their Thanksgiving holidays before diving into another plot-heavy episode of ‘Watchmen’ (1:00). They break down the big reveal in “An Almost Religious Awe” (13:16). Plus: an unspecified amount of time at the farm with Mando and Baby Yoda in last week’s ‘The Mandalorian’ (37:57). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris lays out a night of television for you to watch during the holiday weekend including ‘Mrs. Fletcher,’ ‘Servant,’ and ‘Condor’ (1:02). Then he sits down with the producer of ‘Treadstone,’ Ben Smith, to talk about what it is like to create a show within the Jason Bourne universe (16:32) and the logistics of shooting a show in so many different locations (30:02). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Ben Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We break down another mind-bending episode of ‘Watchmen,’ a show that’s leaving it all on the field (1:00). Do we like talking about ‘The Mandalorian,’ or do we just like talking about Baby Yoda GIFs (35:25)? Plus: Daddington Corner, ‘Frozen 2’ edition (51:00) and ‘The Crown’ S3E8-10 (59:32). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Amanda Dobbins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite all of the pressure on ‘The Mandalorian’ to make Disney+ a success, the show is an easy and enjoyable watch (1:08). Plus: An update on ‘Briarpatch’ production (13:04) and a breakdown of episodes 5-7 of ‘The Crown’ (23:48). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Amanda Dobbins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the second episode of ‘The Mandalorian,’ the story gets deep in the details in the way that a 'Star Wars' movie can’t (4:09). It’s almost as though every episode of ‘Watchmen’ is a bottle episode; we break down the fifth episode, “Little Fear of Lightning” (27:57). Plus: ‘The Crown’ Season 3, Episodes 1-4 (46:18). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Amanda Dobbins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘The Mandalorian’ premiered this week, and although we have a lot of mixed feelings about the pilot, we're willing to hang on (1:38). Then Bloomberg reporter Lucas Shaw takes us inside the launch of Disney+ (28:52) and tells us why we shouldn’t be calling this the “streaming wars” (58:28). Plus: We break down what may be the most controversial episode of ‘Survivor’ in the history of the show (1:10:56). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Andy Greenwald, Lucas Shaw, and Riley McAtee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Starting next year, FX will stream shows exclusively on Hulu. What does this mean for the future of a network that has produced several award-winning shows (1:06)? In his new book, Bob Iger reminisces about his relationship with Steve Jobs and Disney’s acquisition of Pixar (17:04). Plus, we break down the fourth episode of ‘Watchmen,’ a show that just keeps on getting better (33:58). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Read an excerpt from Bob Iger’s book here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'The Morning Show' may not be great TV, but it's certainly engaging. We break down the first three episodes, including the seemingly disconnected plot lines (1:57), Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston's performances (19:14), and our personal MVP of the first three episodes: Billy Crudup (32:43). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Amanda Dobbins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘The Morning Show,’ the flagship series for Apple TV+, debuted on Friday. Despite star power from Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carrell, the first episode fell flat (1:38). The show, and subsequently Apple TV+, seem confused about what it’s trying to be (20:08). Plus, we break down the third episode of ‘Watchmen’ (38:10) and bid farewell to ‘The Deuce’ (49:25). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was announced this week that Benioff and Weiss will no longer be creating a ‘Star Wars’ trilogy for Lucas Films (2:17). The news calls into question the future of the franchise (14:38). HBO is finding itself in a similar situation after cancelling a ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel starring Naomi Watts (26:58). Where will one of the most valued pieces of intellectual property go from here (39:00)? Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The AppleTV+ flagship, ‘The Morning Show,’ will premiere on Friday, and early reviews are not looking great (6:37). Meanwhile, ‘Watchmen’ is picking up steam in its second episode (12:07). We break down the episode (20:25) and examine why it’s so hard to create mystery television (27:26). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices