

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

9 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 16min
‘The Paper’ Restores the (Sitcom) Feeling. Plus, ‘Alien: Earth’ Episode 5 and a Busy September for TV.
The hosts dive into the nostalgic charm of ‘The Paper,’ a new sitcom from the creators of ‘The Office,’ discussing its warmth and humor. They express excitement for upcoming shows like HBO's ‘Task’ and the latest season of ‘Slow Horses.’ Analysis of the fifth episode of 'Alien: Earth' reveals unique storytelling dynamics and character depth. A humorous segment includes parenting anecdotes and light-hearted moments about life's quirks, while the hosts share their culinary adventures and thoughts on evolving trends in entertainment.

36 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 57min
‘Alien: Earth’ Episode 4, ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ Casting News, and ‘The Eastern Gate’ Finale
Recent casting news gets the hosts buzzing, with Nicolas Cage potentially joining 'True Detective' and Amy Adams stepping into the 'Star Wars: Starfighter' fray. They dive into the visual and narrative style of 'Alien: Earth,' discussing character depth and pacing. Excitement brews for FX's upcoming series featuring Ethan Hawke, exploring intriguing themes. Finally, they celebrate the gripping elements and authenticity of the Polish spy drama 'Eastern Gate,' reflecting on its complex storytelling and intense action.

26 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 1h 4min
‘Alien: Earth’ Episode 3, ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 Premiere, and Netflix Theme Parks
The hosts dive into Netflix's ambitious plans for immersive event spaces and how this shift is reshaping entertainment. They crack jokes while dissecting the twists and turns of 'Alien: Earth' Episode 3. The analysis of 'Peacemaker' Season 2 unveils character dynamics and thematic depth, highlighting both humor and critical insights. They also discuss the evolving nature of streaming with NBCUniversal's marketing moves and the complex interplay between audience expectations and content availability.

21 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 56min
‘The Pitt’ Season 2 Teaser Trailer and ‘Platonic’ Season 2
Join Kaya McMullen, a producer and co-host, as she discusses the recently released teaser for Season 2 of 'The Pitt.' They delve into the excitement of quick renewals in today's TV world and speculate on character evolution. The conversation shifts to the second season of ‘Platonic,’ which stars Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne, highlighting the rarity of authentic hangout shows. Kaya and Andy reflect on character dynamics, representation, and the nostalgic influences on modern teen dramas, all wrapped in humor and insightful commentary.

51 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 9min
‘Alien: Earth’ Episodes 1 and 2 and the ‘Task’ Trailer
The hosts dive into the revival of the Jason Bourne franchise, pondering exciting new directions for the beloved series. They express their enthusiasm for the emotional depth in the trailer for 'Task' and its connections to previous drama successes. A deep exploration of 'Alien: Earth' unfolds, highlighting its unique storytelling that intertwines corporate greed with personal themes. The discussion also touches on character complexities and the evolving representation of xenomorphs, raising intriguing questions about its narrative and visual style.

11 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 1h
Marvel’s Box Office Woes, ‘Alien: Earth’ Preview, and ‘Families Like Ours’
The hosts dive into Marvel's box office troubles, particularly the disappointing performance of 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps,' discussing audience fatigue with superhero films. They also preview 'Alien: Earth,' exploring its connection to the iconic franchise and what it means for storytelling in sci-fi. Additionally, they analyze the Danish Netflix series 'Families Like Ours,' praising its deep emotional themes and relatable characters set against a backdrop of climate challenges.

12 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 1h
‘The Paper’ and More Trailers. Plus, Why You Should Be Watching ‘The Eastern Gate.’
The hosts dive into the buzz around the new 'Office' spinoff, discussing its intriguing premise and ties to the original series. They explore the recent trailer releases for upcoming films, including 'Ella McCay' and 'Jay Kelly.' The conversation shifts to industry news, particularly Cindy Holland's new role at Paramount and its implications for streaming content. Finally, they passionately advocate for the Polish spy thriller 'The Eastern Gate,' highlighting its gripping narrative and rich character development, making it a must-watch.

18 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 1h 27min
Damon Lindelof on ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’
In a lively conversation, Damon Lindelof, renowned showrunner behind hits like Lost and Watchmen, dives into the excitement around 'Fantastic Four: First Steps.' He chats about the potential resurgence of Marvel, influenced by recent successes like 'Thunderbolts.' The discussion shifts to the artistic risks in storytelling, reflecting on how nostalgia and audience expectations shape narratives. Lindelof also tackles the complexities of adapting iconic characters and the balance between innovation and respecting comic lore, making for a captivating insight into the superhero cinematic landscape.

37 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 2h 26min
Emmy Noms, Colbert Cancellation, and Did ‘Girls’ Stick the Landing?
In this engaging conversation, Amanda Dobbins, co-host of The Big Picture and Jam Session, shares her insights on the recent Emmy nominations and reflects on the profound impact of 'Girls.' They dive into the cultural significance of its finale and character arcs, exploring how it resonated with audiences and mirrored societal issues. The discussion also touches on the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's show and its implications for late-night television. Get ready for some thought-provoking commentary on nostalgia, representation, and the evolution of storytelling!

47 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 1h 2min
Summer Mailbag: The Influence of ‘Lost,’ Prestige TV Fatigue, and Reading Recommendations
The hosts dive into the lasting impact of ‘Lost’ on modern television, exploring its narrative influence. They also discuss the potential onset of prestige TV fatigue, questioning whether the golden age of high-quality series is cooling down. Additionally, they share what they’ve been reading lately, revealing personal recommendations and insights into their literary journeys. The conversation is a delightful mix of nostalgia, media reflections, and fresh intellectual curiosities that keep listeners engaged.