

The Prestige TV Podcast
The Ringer
The Prestige TV Podcast is your home for instant reactions, deep dives, creator interviews, and Hall of Fame retrospectives on the best television around. Join a rotating cast of Ringer personalities including Bill Simmons, Joanna Robinson, Rob Mahoney, Mallory Rubin, Van Lathan, and more as they break down the shows you're binging and the ones you're waiting to drop every week. Subscribe to The Prestige TV Podcast, check back weekly for our breakdowns, and most importantly, keep watching.
Episodes
Mentioned books

32 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 54min
‘Nobody Wants This’ Season 2 Review: Too Much of a Good Thing
The hosts dive into the complexities of relationships in Season 2, exploring how Noah and Joanne's dynamics shift. They question the overuse of pop culture references and the show’s handling of religious themes, particularly the lack of deeper faith engagement. Character growth takes center stage, with Esther’s arc emerging as a highlight. They critique Joanne's limited development, discuss pacing issues, and speculate on future storylines, while praising the sharp humor and standout performances that keep the narrative lively.

Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 2min
‘Slow Horses’ Season 5 Finale Recap
Jo and Rob delve into the tensions and triumphs of the Season 5 finale of ‘Slow Horses.’ They dissect the meaning behind the title 'Scars' and explore Jackson Lamb's intriguing backstory. A humorous discussion unfolds about Lamb’s memorable sausage roll moment, and Catherine's spy prowess shines through as she thwarts threats. The duo also debates the effectiveness of the season's plot and anticipates new characters for the next season. Expect insights on moral ambiguities and the future of beloved characters!

Oct 22, 2025 • 53min
'Slow Horses' Season 5 Episodes 3-5 Breakdown With Alan Sepinwall
Alan Sepinwall, a veteran TV critic and author working on books about Rod Serling and The Wire, joins Joanna to analyze key moments from Slow Horses. They dive into Jackson Lamb's complex monologue, debate River Cartwright's bumbling character shift, and explore the implications of Louisa's absence. Alan praises Tom Brooke's unsettling performance as Ko and critiques the show's choice of Libyan antagonists. They also discuss Apple's branding challenges and upcoming projects, including the anticipated Vince Gilligan series.

43 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 57min
‘Task’ Finale: Chasing Greatness
The hosts dive into the finale of 'Task,' assessing its place among HBO's greatest series. They spotlight Mark Ruffalo's powerful performance, particularly his restrained courtroom scene, and share their favorite moments, like the emotional kitchen scene. Speculation flows about potential season two directions, including new character arcs and crossovers. They break down action scenes, analyze character developments, and discuss nitpicks about realism. The debate on whether revealing the mole earlier would enhance the story adds an intriguing twist.

11 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 1h 23min
‘Task’ Episode 6 With Creator Brad Ingelsby
In this lively discussion, creator Brad Ingelsby shares insights about casting Tom Pelphrey, whose portrayal of Robbie adds depth with his flaws. He delves into Grasso’s complex backstory and the emotional weight of key scenes, emphasizing the show's moral ambiguities. Ingelsby also hints at a potential second season, exploring new storylines while bringing back the beloved cast. The creative choices, including a nod to 'Heat,' show how character-driven narratives shape intense drama.

12 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 58min
‘Task’ Episode 5: The Best Episode Yet?
The hosts embark on an emotional journey, dissecting a tense showdown between Tom and Robbie. A major mole reveal stirs speculation about loyalties and motivations. They delve into the psychological turmoil of characters like Perry, contemplating the implications of his villainous actions. A listener's theory about Lizzie being the 'deer' adds another layer of intrigue. Wrapping up with predictions for the finale, they ponder who will survive the impending chaos.

43 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 24min
The ‘Sopranos’ Episode That Got Us Hooked
Van Lathan, a media commentator with a deep understanding of The Sopranos, joins Joanna and Rob to delve into the series' transformative nature. They explore the pivotal episode 'College,' discussing its themes of morality and the complexity of Tony's character. Lathan highlights the show's cultural impact, particularly its portrayal of women through Carmela's lens. The conversation also touches on how the series redefined TV storytelling and the power of nostalgic 1990s elements, all while examining the emotional core of a modern mafioso family.

Oct 1, 2025 • 44min
'Slow Horses,' Season 5, Episode 2: In Communicado
In this lively discussion, hosts dive into the quirky world of 'Slow Horses,' contemplating which kitchen tool Diana would wield in a pinch. They also analyze the episode's classic charm and tackle the mystery behind the Abbotsfield shooting, weighing homegrown versus external threats. With spirited banter about character details and Roddy's eclectic apartment, listeners get a taste of Jackson Lamb's improvised antics. Finally, they tease future conversations around iconic series like The Sopranos, making for a delightful and engaging listen.

18 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 52min
‘Task’ Episode 4: All Roads
The hosts delve into a potential mole reveal, debating whether Martha Plimpton or Grasso might be the traitor. They explore the themes of family and toxic camaraderie, particularly through Lizzie's standout performance. Cliff's shocking demise prompts questions about his choices leading to his fate, while Robbie’s delusions come under scrutiny. Predictions for the remaining episodes tease major action and character revelations. Listener emails add fun insights, including a nod to a Sopranos Easter egg.

Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 5min
Slow Horses,' Season 5 Episode 1: New Season, New Track Suit
The beloved failspies return for another thrilling season. The hosts dive into character arcs, from River's emotional struggles to Shirley's trauma. They discuss the evolving political landscape framed around the mayoral race, teasing themes of manipulation and power. There's an insightful nod to the show's recent Emmy win and character reintegration. With fresh dynamics among the crew, the banter is as sharp as ever, alongside playful commentary on fashion choices and classic Lamb insults. Don't miss their take on the darker political humor that defines this season.


