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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1,066 episodes
Updated Friday
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Episodes1066

Newest first

Jul 7, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
You Should Watch ‘The Eternaut.’ Plus, Netflix Goes on a Cancellation Spree.
Chris and Andy talk about Oasis kicking off their reunion tour over the weekend (0:22) and a slew of shows Netflix has cancelled recently, including ‘Pulse’ and ‘The Residence’ (14:47). Then they make their pitch for why you should be watching ‘The Eternaut,’ an Argentine sci-fi show (19:32), on Netflix, before talking about the first episode of the new Apple TV+ show ‘Smoke’ (45:02). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Video Producer: Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 4, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
‘The Bear’ Season 4, Episodes 8-10 and the ‘Ironheart’ Finale
Chris and Andy talk about the negative reviews of ‘Ironheart’ before it was released and the exciting reveal of Chris’s highly anticipated Marvel character in the season finale (12:21). Next, they discuss the ending of Season 4 of ‘The Bear,’ including how the writers handle parent-child dynamics and the renewal of the show for a fifth season (30:11). Finally, they break down their annual Fourth of July barbecue playlist (01:03:29). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen and Olivia Crerie Video Producer: Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 30, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
‘The Bear’ Season 4, Episodes 4-7: A Contained Dish
Chris and Andy talk about the lack of a defining show of the summer due to the binge-drop releases of ‘Squid Game’ Season 3 and ‘The Bear’ Season 4 (6:00). Then they talk about Episodes 4-7 of ‘The Bear,’ particularly the standout, Episode 4, which was cowritten by Ayo Edebiri and Lionel Boyce (17:48). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Video Producer: Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 26, 2025 · 55 min
‘The Bear’ Season 4, Episodes 1-3: Let Carmy Cook
Chris and Andy talk about the news that Denis Villeneuve has been chosen to direct the next James Bond film and what a Bond movie from the acclaimed director might look like (1:00). Then they break down the first three episodes of ‘The Bear’ Season 4 and talk about how, even though the show’s motto is “every second counts,” these episodes spent a lot of time spinning their wheels (17:26). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Video Producer: Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 23, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
The Emmys Need a Refresh. Plus, ‘The Bear’ Season 4 Preview.
Chris and Andy preview the fourth (and final?) season of ‘The Bear,’ which is premiering this week, and talk about what the show’s legacy might be once this season has concluded (6:21). Then, in honor of the Emmy voting window closing today, they come up with some new categories that might give the awards ceremony a much-needed refresh, like Best New Artist (42:38) and Excellence in Extended Run (46:37). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Video Producer: Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 19, 2025 · 1 hr 37 min
‘Mindhunter’ Rumors, ‘100 Foot Wave’ Season 3, and Gail Simmons on the ‘Top Chef’ Finale
Chris and Andy talk about the trailer for the Bruce Springsteen biopic ‘Deliver Me From Nowhere,’ which was released this week (6:11), and the rumors that we could be getting a third season of ‘Mindhunter’ in the form of three two-hour movies (19:18). Then they talk about the third season of ‘100 Foot Wave’ (26:19) before Andy is joined by ‘Top Chef’ host Gail Simmons to talk about the finale of ‘Top Chef: Destination Canada’ and give some behind-the-scenes insights on this season (48:38). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Gail Simmons Producer: Kaya McMullen Video Producer: Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 16, 2025 · 1 hr 19 min
Scott Frank on the Making of ‘Dept. Q.’ Plus, the ‘Top Chef: Destination Canada’ Finale.
Chris and Andy talk about the finale of ‘Top Chef: Destination Canada’ and their feelings on the season overall (8:19). Then they are joined by ‘Dept. Q’ cocreator Scott Frank to talk about what drew him to the project (36:42) and the dueling roles he held as Scott the director and Scott the writer while making this show (53:54). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Scott Frank Producer: Kaya McMullen Video Producer: Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 12, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
Jesse Armstrong on the Making of ‘Mountainhead.’ Plus, Why ‘Stick’ Doesn’t Stick.
Chris and Andy talk about the news that ‘Presumed Innocent’ Season 2 will star Rachel Brosnahan and become an anthology series (02:23). Then they talk about the first episode of Apple TV+’s new golf show, ‘Stick,’ starring Owen Wilson, and why ultimately the pilot felt discombobulated (08:17). Finally, they are joined by ‘Succession’ creator Jesse Armstrong to talk about his new TV movie, ‘Mountainhead,’ and how he made it in under six months (22:25). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Jesse Armstrong Producer: Kaya McMullen Video Producer: Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 9, 2025 · 57 min
Warner and Discovery Split Yet Again, ‘Dept. Q,’ and Alan Siegel on the Golden Era of ‘The Simpsons’
Chris and Andy talk about the news that Warner Bros. and Discovery will once again be splitting into two different entities (7:12). They also discuss the trailer for Noah Hawley’s ‘Alien: Earth’ series (11:43). Then, they talk about the rest of ‘Dept. Q’ and how this show could be Netflix’s ‘Slow Horses’ if they wanted it to be (21:19), before Chris is joined by Alan Siegel to talk about his new book ‘Stupid TV, Be More Funny: How the Golden Era of The Simpsons Changed’ (36:37). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Alan Siegel Producer: Kaya McMullen Video Production and Editing: Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 5, 2025 · 1 hr 13 min
The TV Detective Draft. Plus, ‘Department Q’ Is Scott Frank at His Best.
Chris and Andy chat about some TV they’ve been watching this week, including ‘Sex and the City’ (8:58). Then they talk about the first episode of ‘Department Q,’ the new detective show from Scott Frank, and how, similar to ‘The Pitt,’ this is good TV done well (18:30). Then, in honor of ‘Department Q,’ they draft some of their favorite TV detectives (39:53). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Video Production and Editing: Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 2, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
The Merit of ‘Mountainhead’ and ‘Your Friends and Neighbors’ Season 1 Finale
Chris and Andy discuss Jesse Armstrong’s recent HBO movie 'Mountainhead,' chatting about why they found it so enjoyable despite some mixed reviews and how exactly the film's message suited our current cultural moment (8:01). Then they discuss the Season 1 finale of Apple TV+’s 'Your Friends and Neighbors,' the show’s back-end turn to a crime show, and where it can improve in Season 2 (54:22). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producers: Kaya McMullen and Devon Baroldi Video Production and Editing: Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 29, 2025 · 1 hr 23 min
What Do Showrunners Do After Their Great Show Ends? Plus, ‘Sirens’ and ‘Adults.’
Chris and Andy talk about the finale of ‘Everybody’s Live’ (8:06) and a couple of recent releases, including ‘Sirens’ (14:29) and ‘Adults’ (23:59). Then, ahead of the premiere of Jesse Armstrong’s first post-‘Succession’ project, ‘Mountainhead,’ they talk about what the careers of other great showrunners like Matthew Weiner and Michael Schur have looked like after their most famous shows ended (34:14). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Video Production and Editing: Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 27, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
The 'Last of Us’ Season 2 Finale and ‘Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning’
Chris and Andy talk about the ‘Last of Us’ Season 2 finale, why adapting the show from the video game caused more limitations and issues in this season than in the first one (08:24), and what’s on deck for Season 3 of the show. Then they talk about ‘Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning,’ the maybe-final installment of the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise, and why the stunning action set pieces could not make up for the incomprehensible plotlines (45:44). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Video Production and Editing: Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 22, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
Live at ‘Everybody’s Live’ and ‘The Studio’ Season Finale
Chris and Andy talk about their experience attending a taping of ‘Everybody’s Live With John Mulaney’ and how the sort-of late-night show has evolved throughout its run (6:21). Then they discuss the final two episodes of ‘The Studio’ and how the show pulled off the difficult feat of satirizing Hollywood (31:48). Finally they talk briefly about the new Max (or HBO Max?) show ‘Duster’ (47:08). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Video Production and Editing: Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 20, 2025 · 1 hr
Your Summer TV Lineup: ‘Task,’ ‘The Bear’ Season 4, and ‘Welcome to Derry.’ Plus, ‘The Last of Us’ S2E6.
Chris and Andy talk about the trailers that were released this week for the Mark Ruffalo Philly detective show ‘Task’ (12:44), the final season of ‘The Bear’ (25:24), and the ‘It’ prequel series, ‘Welcome to Derry’ (35:03). Then they talk about Episode 6 of ‘The Last of Us,’ a penultimate episode in a season that has felt abrupt (38:57). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Video Production and Editing: Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 15, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
HBO Max Is Back (Though It Never Really Left) and Four Lessons Learned From ‘Andor’
Chris and Andy talk about the news that Max will be changing its name back to HBO Max and what the news says about the streaming industry at large (1:00). Then they talk about the success of ‘Andor’ and what lessons can be learned from the show (29:06). Finally, they discuss the latest episode of ‘The Last of Us’ (1:00:14). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Video Production and Editing: Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 14, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
Tony Gilroy on the Final Three Episodes of ‘Andor’ Season 2
Chris and Andy are joined by ‘Andor’ creator Tony Gilroy to talk about the final three Episodes of Season 2. They discuss what these last three episodes meant to Gilroy emotionally and thematically (2:01), where Bix and Cassian’s relationship ended up at the end of this season (26:51), and how he balanced the emotional story lines with the large action set pieces (50:43). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Guest: Tony Gilroy Producer: Kaya McMullen Video Production and Editing: Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 8, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
‘Andor’ Episodes 7-9: ‘Star Wars’ Goes Full ‘Jason Bourne.’ Plus, ‘Thunderbolts*.’
Chris and Andy break down Episodes 7-9 of ‘Andor’ Season 2. They talk about how Tony Gilroy’s attention to detail is really paying off in this set of episodes (8:26) and how Episode 9 was basically a 'Bourne' movie (39:21). Then they discuss ‘Thunderbolts*,’ which is actually kind of … good (55:12)? Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Video Production and Editing: Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 5, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
‘The Last of Us’ E4 and the Last of ‘The Righteous Gemstones’
Chris and Andy talk about some TV and movie news that came out over the weekend, including a potential new tariff being levied on movies made internationally (1:00). Then they break down the latest episode of ‘The Last of Us’ and how the show has found its engine after Joel’s death (10:37). Finally, they discuss the series finale of ‘The Righteous Gemstones’ (41:07) and Conan O’Brien's Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize ceremony, which was just uploaded to Netflix (50:30). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Video Production and Editing: Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 1, 2025 · 1 hr 30 min
‘Andor’ Season 2, Episodes 4-6 and the Many Faces of Cassian. Plus, ‘Everybody’s Live.’
Chris and Andy talk about an interview HBO head Casey Bloys gave on the Town podcast and what it revealed about the streamer's strategy in 2025 (6:55). Then they talk about the latest episode of ‘Everybody’s Live’ and how the show has started to improve after leaning into more traditional late-night practices (21:32), before they break down Episodes 4-6 of ‘Andor’ Season 2, which has leaned fully into the spy genre (27:34). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Producer: Kaya McMullen Video Production and Editing: Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices