

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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

22 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 43min
‘Task’ Episode 6 Recap
In the latest discussion, the hosts delve into the heart-wrenching twists of 'Task,' highlighting its best moments yet. They explore the tragic outcomes of key characters, with standout performances from Fabien Frankel and Mark Ruffalo. The emotional weight of the woods sequence leaves viewers reeling, while themes of community and guilt add depth. They ponder the show’s bold narrative choices and speculate about the finale’s potential focus on redemption and personal reckonings. Prepare for an intense conclusion filled with mysteries and emotional stakes!

10 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 57min
‘The Lowdown’ Is That Show. Plus, ‘Heat 2’ Hype Meter and ‘House of Guinness.’
This week, the hosts dive into the phenomenon of why films generate more hype than television, sparking an interesting debate on the marketing landscape. They champion ‘The Lowdown’ as one of the best shows of the year, discussing its novelistic qualities and rewarding pacing. In contrast, they critique Netflix's ‘House of Guinness’ for its chaotic delivery and lack of depth, likening it to a pitch deck rather than a cohesive narrative. Tune in for insights on how hype affects success in both film and TV!

12 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 46min
‘Task’ Is Barreling Toward the End
A thrilling breakdown of the latest events in 'Task' highlights Tom and Robbie's long-awaited meeting and its surprising impact. The hosts praise the layered performances, especially Robbie's portrayal of desperation. They compare the show's mythic storytelling to classical tales, noting how local details add authenticity. Themes of return, loss, and emotional depth are explored, alongside predictions for an explosive finale. Plus, they dissect character dynamics and the haunting visuals, setting the stage for what’s to come.

Oct 2, 2025 • 59min
How Much Higher Can ‘Slow Horses’ Climb? Plus, ‘Landman’ S2 and ‘Jay Kelly’ Trailers.
In a lively discussion, the hosts dive into the latest season of 'Slow Horses,' debating the impact of Jackson Lamb’s stagnation on the story. They break down trailers for 'Landman' Season 2 and 'Jay Kelly,' highlighting the appeal of big-name stars. Igniting industry chatter, they explore Peter Friedlander's new role at Amazon and its implications for streaming content. Plus, they share their travel entertainment strategies and book recommendations, ensuring a perfect mix of fun and insight!

34 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 18min
‘Task’ Episode 4 With Mark Ruffalo, Tom Pelphrey, Brad Ingelsby, and Salli Richardson-Whitfield! Plus, ‘One Battle After Another’ Is Timely and Timeless.
Join Brad Ingelsby, the creative mind behind 'Task', alongside actors Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey, as they dive into the intricacies of storytelling. They discuss crafting authentic Philly culture on-screen and the emotional depths of character arcs. Tom shares insights about his role as Robbie and the challenges of filming in a vibrant city, while Brad explains how he intertwines crime dynamics with personal stakes. The group highlights the importance of shooting in location for authenticity and reveals how their characters' struggles shape their performances.

17 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 32min
‘Alien: Earth’ Failed Itself. Plus, Ethan Hawke and Sterlin Harjo on ‘The Lowdown,’ and ‘Slow Horses’ Is Back!
Ethan Hawke, an acclaimed actor and filmmaker, joins forces with Sterlin Harjo, a Tulsa-based writer-director known for his work on Reservation Dogs, to dive into their gripping new series, The Lowdown. They share insights about their creative process, the unique cultural backdrop of Tulsa, and the inspiration behind their characters. The duo also discusses the kinetic filming style that brings their vibrant storytelling to life, while exploring the themes and nuanced relationships within the narrative that make it resonate.

12 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 57min
The Best TV Week of the Year, ‘Task’ Episode 3, and ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ Trailer Underwhelms
This week is a goldmine for TV fans, featuring the thrilling finale of ‘Alien: Earth’ and the return of ‘Slow Horses’ for another gripping season. Hosts dive into the underwhelming trailer for ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu,' critiquing its cinematic ambitions. Rumors swirl around Leonardo DiCaprio potentially joining the cast of Michael Mann’s long-awaited ‘Heat’ sequel. They also dissect the latest episode of ‘Task,’ highlighting standout performances and clever narrative tricks that keep viewers guessing.

28 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 19min
ABC Suspends Jimmy Kimmel, Why You Should Check Out Netflix’s ‘Black Rabbit’, and ‘Alien: Earth’ Episode 7
The podcast dives into ABC’s surprising suspension of Jimmy Kimmel, exploring its implications in the media landscape. Tributes for Robert Redford highlight his immense influence on film and the Sundance festival. A detailed critique of 'Alien: Earth’s' latest episode reveals character inconsistencies and ethical questions surrounding the hybrids. Additionally, they discuss Netflix’s 'Black Rabbit,' praising the performances by Bateman and Law while examining its authentic portrayal of the New York restaurant scene.

10 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 6min
The Emmys Mostly Got It Right and ‘Task’ Episode 2
The hosts delve into the recent Emmy Awards, highlighting surprising wins and reflecting on the evolving landscape of television. They analyze the complexities of comedy in the directing category and share thoughts on the industry’s future. Later, they dive into the second episode of ‘Task,’ praising its character depth and engaging storytelling, and reveal why it surpasses the pilot. With humorous anecdotes and a lighthearted tone, the conversation strikes a balance between industry critique and personal insights.

23 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 1min
Is ‘Alien: Earth’ Stuck in Place? Plus, Emmy Predictions and ‘Big Little Lies’ Season 3 News.
The discussion kicks off with a major delay in 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith' Season 2, directly tied to the creators' new venture with 'Big Little Lies' Season 3. Emmy predictions follow, featuring tantalizing debates on potential winners and snubs. The hosts grapple with complexities in 'Alien: Earth', especially its most recent episode, critiquing chaotic character choices and exploring weighty themes like mortality and relationships. The blend of humor and sharp analysis promises both laughs and thought-provoking insights on the current TV landscape.