The Watch

Chris and Andy review the music scene in 2005, their roles in covering it, and how that era of music fits onto the big and small screen (1:00). Plus, the creators of ‘Looking for Alaska’, Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, on the long road to getting the show created, making television about teenagers, and creating a series that is distinctly 2005 (21:11). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Andy Greenwald, Josh Schwartz, and Stephanie Savage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Damon Lindelof’s newest show, ‘Watchmen,’ started off with a bang and we feel like we’re in good hands (0:43). We take a deeper look at the texts the show seems to be drawing from (17:34) and the importance of the musical ‘Oklahoma!’ in the first episode (41:14). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Andy Greenwald and Juliet Litman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We preview Hulu’s upcoming original series ‘Looking for Alaska’—the first TV adaptation of a John Green novel (0:54). Then we talk about how ‘Looking for Alaska’ and HBO’s ‘Watchmen’ are two prime examples of content that would’ve been made into a movie in a previous decade but are now being serialized as TV (15:30), before running down the list of Apple streaming shows set to release soon (22:50). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andy calls in to talk about the finale of ‘Succession’ as well as the second season as a whole (0:40). Then they dive into ‘El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie’ and the continuation of the Jesse Pinkman story line (21:30). Finally, your number one boys dissect the 'Succession' finale (39:00). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘El Camino’ is the heavily marketed movie follow-up to ‘Breaking Bad’—can that proposition ever live up creatively to the titanic achievements of the original AMC series? We share our reactions to the film, Aaron Paul’s continuation of the iconic Jesse Pinkman character, and the balance of fan service and creative ambition in the era of the commercialized Thursday-night Netflix release. Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Sean Fennessey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andy is back in the studio to catch up on all things entertainment, including ‘Joker.’ Martin Scorsese’s recent comments about superhero movies, the return of ‘Mr. Robot,' and the state of modern TV and consumerism (0:40) before your number one boys break down Season 2, Episode 9 of ‘Succession’ (47:30). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Andy Greenwald, Jason Concepcion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 5 of ‘Peaky Blinders’ premieres on Netflix tomorrow, but it’s not too late to get into the show (2:00). We talk about the surprisingly stacked cast (9:36), our favorite characters on the show (27:05), and what else we’re watching on TV right now (29:58). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Juliet Litman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In just over a week, ‘El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie’ will extend the ‘Breaking Bad’ universe, so we revisit some of our favorite episodes and moments from the show (1:51). ‘Stranger Things’ is leaving Hawkins for Season 4 (6:14) and ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ feels like it could go on forever (14:23). Plus, breaking down ‘Succession’ S2E8, “Dundee” (21:42). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Andrew Gruttadaro and Jason Concepcion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige is being tapped to develop a new ‘Star Wars’ movie for Disney, and we discuss what this could mean for the franchise (4:16). Andy gives some lukewarm takes on the latest episode of ‘Succession' (12:50). Plus, we break down the season premiere of ‘Survivor’ (17:54). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Andy Greenwald and Riley McAtee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the lowest number of viewers in history, the Emmys are suffering from an importance problem (1:42). J. Smith-Cameron, who plays Gerri on ‘Succession,’ joins the show to talk about her character’s unique role within the family (22:23) and and the differences between Season 1 and Season 2 (35:23). Plus, breaking down S2E7 of ‘Succession,’ “Return” (40:29). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Andy Greenwald, J. Smith-Cameron, and Jason Concepcion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NBC launched its streaming service Peacock this week, and its backlog of shows like ‘The Office’ and ‘30 Rock’ make it an instant contender (1:00). September continues to be a very good month for television, with shows like ‘Top Boy’ (7:30) and Ken Burns’s newest documentary ‘Country Music’ (27:37). Plus, we have to talk about this week’s episode of ‘Righteous Gemstones’ (43:09). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Donnie Kwak and Jason Gallagher Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September is shaping up to be a great month for television. We talk about 'Unbelievable' (1:15) and 'Undone' (14:34), two shows that premiered over the weekend on Netflix and Amazon Prime, respectively. Plus, breaking down 'Succession' S2E6, "Argestes" (22:51). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Kaya McMullen and Jason Concepcion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Live from the set of 'Briarpatch' in Albuquerque, Chris sits down with Andy and 'Briarpatch' leading man Jay R. Ferguson to talk about the decision-making that went into creating the show (2:57), Jay's experience playing Stan Rizzo on 'Mad Men (24:12), and of course, the Dallas Cowboys vs. the Philadelphia Eagles (54:13). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Andy Greenwald and Jay R. Ferguson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘It Chapter Two’ is a three-hour time commitment that doesn’t really go anywhere (0:41). A Texas native tells us what ‘The Righteous Gemstones’ gets right about megachurches (6:46). Plus, breaking down ‘Succession’ S2E5, “Tern Haven” (19:31). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Jason Concepcion and Jason Gallagher Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andy calls in from New Mexico with a couple of people from the ‘Briarpatch’ cast on the line (2:43). Katie Couric really loves tomatoes, and other things we learned from her Grub Street Diet (8:20). Plus, we’re watching ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ and the final season of ‘Orange Is the New Black’ as the summer winds down (24:55). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Andy Greenwald and Juliet Litman Read Katie Couric’s Grub Street Diet here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Your number one boys break down S2E4 of Succession, "Safe Room." They talk about Shiv and Kendall's tender moment (2:19), who won the episode (10:04), and the biggest burn of the week (18:39). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Jason Concepcion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bloomberg reporter Lucas Shaw joins the show to talk about how the forthcoming streaming wars are going to affect your wallet (3:18), how streaming services like Apple TV+ and Disney+ will release their shows (13:00), and what’s going on with network television (34:09). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Lucas Shaw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Netflix released a trailer for 'El Camino' over the weekend, and if ‘Better Call Saul’ is any indication, this continuation of the ‘Breaking Bad’ world will be good as well (1:27). If we were cautiously optimistic about ‘The Mandalorian’ before, we’re all in after watching the trailer (12:08). Plus, breaking down ‘Succession’ S2E3 (26:19). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Andy Greenwald and Jason Concepcion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

News broke this week that Spider-Man will be exiting the Marvel Cinematic Universe after Disney and Sony were unable to reach a deal to coproduce the franchise (1:00). What does this mean for fans of the movies and the future of the MCU (5:47)? Plus, we break down episodes 6 through 9 of ‘Mindhunter’ Season 2 (12:58). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Jason Concepcion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We break down the first five episodes from ‘Mindhunter’ Season 2, including a brief recap of Season 1 (1:00), the shooting style of the show (11:17), and the different serial killers we’ve met so far (31:44). Plus: the second episode of our ‘Succession’ aftershow, ‘Number One Boys’ (42:58). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Jason Concepcion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ misses the mark tonally, but still has redeeming moments (1:00). A conversation with Sean Fennessey about the surprisingly gritty superhero show, ‘The Boys’ (10:13), and an interview with Carl Franklin, one of the directors for ‘Mindhunter’ Season 2 (26:09). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Sean Fennessey and Carl Franklin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apple Plus has finally released a teaser trailer for their flagship series ‘The Morning Show,’ and we still have a lot of questions (2:12). ‘Succession’ is back for its second season and it looks like there won’t be any slow starts this time around (14:48). Plus: our ‘Succession’ aftershow, ‘Number One Boys’ (28:48). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Andy Greenwald and Jason Concepcion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first season of HBO’s ‘Euphoria’ sometimes prioritized style over character development (3:23), but in the end we still felt attached to the relationship between Rue and Jules (8:50). The final season of ‘Orange Is the New Black’ could mark the end of an era at Netflix (20:07). Plus, previewing ‘GLOW’ Season 3 (35:15). Host: Alison Herman Guests: Micah Peters and Caroline Framke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We broke open the mailbag to talk about our favorite X-Men comics (1:47), some of our favorite music from 1999 (17:21), who will be the MVP of the next season of 'Succession' (26:12), and our favorite episodes of TV this year (47:10). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There was a lot of news out of the TCAs this weekend, including what Amazon wants its streaming service to look like over the next few years (2:43). After Netflix canceled the critically acclaimed ‘Tuca and Bertie,’ the metric of success in the streaming world is called into question yet again (17:15). Plus: How historically accurate is ‘Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood’ (26:00)? And our favorite music from 1999 (39:20) Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Alison Herman, Kate Knibbs, and Lindsay Zoladz Spoilers for ‘Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood’ in the second half of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Danny McBride, David Gordon Greene, and Jody Hill, the creators of HBO’s ‘The Righteous Gemstones,’ join the show to talk about their inspirations for the show (7:31), comedy taking on religion (12:56), and what it’s like to work on multiple projects as a group (17:51). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Danny McBride, David Gordon Greene, and Jody Hill Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A lot of news came out of Comic-Con this weekend, including what to expect from the Marvel Cinematic Universe over the next few years, both in theaters (1:00) and on the small screen (21:52). The second season of ‘Big Little Lies’ felt like a seven-episode show that was dying to be 12 episodes long (41:26), and ‘Veronica Mars’ is back and playing hard on nostalgia (50:09). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Andy Greenwald and Sean Fennessey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The trailer for ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ dropped today and we’re incredibly hyped (0:44). The Emmy nominations seem disjointed and unrepresentative of the TV landscape (7:34), and Netflix reported major subscriber losses this week—is this a turning point for the streaming service or just a bump in the road (15:35)? Plus, we break down the changes coming to ‘Survivor’ for the 40th season (46:17). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Bobby Wagner, Kaya McMullen, Riley McAtee, and Lucas Shaw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andy Greenwald calls in to share some of the rookie showrunner mistakes he’s made so far (1:37) and to weigh in on Jeremy Renner’s burgeoning music career (10:45). We break down the ‘Big Little Lies’ Season 2 directing drama between Andrea Arnold and the show’s producers (21:17) and share a midseason review of ‘Euphoria’ (40:25). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Andy Greenwald, Amanda Dobbins, and Alison Herman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The trailer for Season 2 of ‘Succession’ premiered this week and we couldn’t be more hyped (0:30). The final episodes of ‘Dark’ Season 2 leave us with just as many questions as we started with (11:02). Plus, Bon Appétit’s Claire Saffitz joins the show to talk about her YouTube series, ‘Gourmet Makes,’ (29:23) and what she watches to unwind (54:13). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Jason Gallagher and Claire Saffitz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We break down the entirety of ‘Stranger Things’ Season 3, including our favorite things from the season (1:05), where the show fell short (43:58), who won the season (57:42), and some predictions for the fourth season (65:53). Major Spoilers for the third season in the episode. Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Mallory Rubin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Season 3 set to premiere on July 4, we turn our clocks back to the '80s to revisit the lives of Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will. We discuss why this show succeeds, its reliance on pop culture references, Season 2’s attempt to address its greater mythology (3:24), and what we’re most excited for in Season 3 (22:37). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Mallory Rubin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With ‘Years and Years’ airing and ‘Station 11’ set to begin production, are we ready for apocalyptic television (2:53)? Our reading recommendations for the summer (12:46) and what streaming will look like once ‘The Office’ leaves Netflix (22:50). Plus: breaking down Episodes 3 and 4 of ‘Dark’ Season 2 (27:50). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Jason Concepcion and Jason Gallagher Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andy stops by to announce some casting news for ‘Briarpatch’ (0:28). Then, our mid-2019 TV superlatives, including favorite sit-com, best pair of performances, and our favorite thing on TV so far this year (5:26). Plus, breaking down the first two episodes of ‘Dark’ Season 2 (27:03). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Andy Greenwald, Alison Herman, and Jason Gallagher Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Streaming sites like Netflix and HBO have begun to cherry-pick what ratings they release (1:16). We build our perfect night of TV, which includes shows like ‘Bless This Mess,’ ‘Los Espookys,’ and ‘Gourmet Makes’ videos (13:33). Plus, an interview with Spoon’s Britt Daniel about the band’s new greatest hits album (38:17). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Alison Herman and Britt Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andy calls in from New Mexico to give an update on ‘Briarpatch’ and brings a special guest with him (2:51). If you’re ready to devote 13 hours of your life to watch ‘Too Old to Die Young,’ you might be rewarded (9:27). HBO’s new teen drama ‘Euphoria’ has just enough in it to keep us compelled (40:40). Plus: ‘Big Little Lies,’ S2E2 (32:59). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Andy Greenwald, Adam Nayman, and Micah Peters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Atlantic’s David Sims joins the show to talk about what streaming television could look like once major corporate-media powerhouses start to get in the game (3:36). We’re not quite ready to stop talking about ‘Fleabag’ Season 2 (26:20). Plus, ‘The Society’ is your new Netflix guilty-pleasure watch (54:20). Read David’s article in The Atlantic here. Host: Chris Ryan Guests: David Sims, Sean Fennessey, and Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Big Little Lies’ is back for Season 2 (0:34). Meryl Streep seems to be just what the show needed (6:12), and we check in with the rest of the Monterey Five (14:01). Plus: How did Fox get ‘Dark Phoenix’ so wrong (25:00)? Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Amanda Dobbins and Jason Concepcion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris is joined by ‘Black Mirror’ creators Annabel Jones and Charlie Brooker to talk about some of the challenges of creating the anthology series (2:34). Then they break down each episode from Season 5: “Striking Viper” (20:50), “Smithereens” (33:46), and “Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too” (48:38). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Charlie Brooker and Annabel Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Deadwood: The Movie’ made us nostalgic for ‘Deadwood’ the show (0:35) and failed to capture the magic of those first three seasons (16:04). Plus, an on-the-ground report from opening day of Disney’s new exhibit, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (30:18). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Alison Herman and Jason Gallagher Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andy gives a ‘Briarpatch’ update as the show wraps up writing and gets ready to move into production (5:13). The second season of ‘Barry’ toed the line between comedy and darkness brilliantly (22:14), and ‘Fleabag’ Season 2 will likely be the most impressive show you see on TV this year (33:55). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We open up the mailbag to answer questions like how the finale of ‘Game of Thrones’ might look different if you were to binge-watch the series (13:25), the possibility of a fantasy-genre hangover (34:04), and what shows we're most looking forward to now that ‘Game of Thrones’ is over (52:14). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Jason Mantzoukas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The end of ‘Game of Thrones’ was a tale of two finales (1:06). We parse through the ending of the show (6:59), attempt to tie up loose ends (32:30), and make predictions for what will fill the vacuum left by ‘Game of Thrones’ (59:06). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Game of Thrones’ is over this Sunday (1:00). We look back at the penultimate episode (7:40), make some predictions for the finale (20:32), and speculate about what a Benioff and Weiss ‘Star Wars’ movie will look like (26:32). Plus, the ‘Survivor’ season finale (42:12). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Riley McAtee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The penultimate episode of ‘Game of Thrones’ left us with a sense of betrayal (4:39). Daenerys’s descent into madness seemed rushed (9:09), and Jon has seemingly transitioned into a supporting character (16:09). Plus, predictions for the final episode (48:38) and saying goodbye to ‘Veep’ (49:26). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Sean Fennessey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the night that “Battle of Winterfell” aired, it was ‘Barry’ that contained the best action sequence (1:00). The final season of ‘Veep’ seems like it might be falling victim to Thronesian pacing (13:30). Plus, a conversation with David Cross ahead of the premiere of his stand-up special, ‘Oh Come On’ (31:03). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Alison Herman and David Cross Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Andy give their mixed reactions to "The Last of the Starks" (1:10). They talk about some characters on the periphery of the episode (14:45), the departure of Ghost (31:50), and their favorite moments (39:19). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Avengers: Endgame' was pure entertainment (1:00). We break down the biggest flexes from the movie (6:51) where the franchise goes from here (13:18), what happened to our favorite characters (21:59), and who won the movie (40:42). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Battle of Winterfell finally happened (1:01). We talk about the visual effects of the battle (7:29), who lived and who died (21:54), and the difficulties of trying to wrap up a major and beloved franchise (30:43). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Author Brian Raftery joins the show to talk about his new book, ‘Best. Movie. Year. Ever’ (2:59), and how 1999 became a seminal year for movies (24:31). Plus a conversation with Roxanne Benjamin, the creator of ‘Body at Brighton Rock,’ about making unique horror movies (45:30). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Sean Fennessey, Brian Raftery, and Roxanne Benjamin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices