The Watch

The Ringer

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.

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1,067 episodes
Updated Monday
Explicit

Episodes1067

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Jul 15, 2019 · 1 hr 2 min
Rookie Showrunner Mistakes and the ‘Big Little Lies’ Directing Controversy, Plus a Midseason Review of ‘Euphoria’ | The Watch
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
Jul 12, 2019 · 1 hr 2 min
Claire Saffitz of ‘Gourmet Makes’ and Episodes 5-8 of ‘Dark’ | The Watch
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
Jul 8, 2019 · 1 hr 14 min
‘Stranger Things’ Season 3 Mega-Pod | The Watch
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
Jul 1, 2019 · 52 min
Previewing ‘Stranger Things’ Season 3 With Mallory Rubin | The Watch
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
Jun 28, 2019 · 49 min
A Grab Bag of TV News, Summer Reading Recommendations, and Episodes 3 and 4 of ‘Dark’ Season 2 | The Watch
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
Jun 24, 2019 · 49 min
Our Mid-2019 TV Superlatives, Plus: ‘Dark’ Season 2 | The Watch
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
Jun 21, 2019 · 1 hr
Our Updated TV Programming Blocks, Plus: An Interview With Britt Daniel of Spoon | The Watch
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
Jun 18, 2019 · 58 min
‘Too Old to Die Young,’ ‘Euphoria,’ and a Check-in With Andy | The Watch
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
Jun 14, 2019 · 1 hr 4 min
We’re Not Ready to Stop Talking About ‘Fleabag,’ Plus: The Wild West of Streaming Television | The Watch
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
Jun 10, 2019 · 51 min
The ‘Big Little Lies’ Season 2 Premiere and the Debacle That Was ‘Dark Phoenix’ | The Watch
‘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
Jun 7, 2019 · 58 min
Breaking Down Each Episode of ‘Black Mirror’ Season 5 With Creators Annabel Jones and Charlie Brooker | The Watch
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
Jun 3, 2019 · 57 min
‘Deadwood: The Movie’ and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge | The Watch
‘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
May 31, 2019 · 52 min
Second-Season Genius From ‘Barry’ and ‘Fleabag’ | The Watch
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
May 24, 2019 · 1 hr 3 min
A Post–‘Game of Thrones’ Mailbag With Jason Mantzoukas | The Watch
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
May 20, 2019 · 1 hr 12 min
Breaking Down the End of ‘Game of Thrones’ | The Watch
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
May 17, 2019 · 1 hr 3 min
The End of ‘Game of Thrones’ Is Near, Plus: ‘Survivor’ Season Finale | The Watch
‘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
May 13, 2019 · 57 min
Breaking Down the Penultimate Episode of ‘Game of Thrones,’ Plus: Farewell to ‘Veep’ | The Watch
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
May 10, 2019 · 49 min
Non-'Thrones' HBO Content and a Conversation With David Cross | The Watch
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
May 6, 2019 · 48 min
Breaking Down ‘Game of Thrones,’ S8E4 | The Watch
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
May 2, 2019 · 57 min
Breaking Down 'Avengers: Endgame' | The Watch
‘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