

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

20 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.

10 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.

4 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.

26 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 3min
‘Superman’ and What We Want Out of Comic Book Adaptations
A playful deep dive into the new Superman movie reveals why it resonated where others floundered. The hosts ponder if this film could give DC an edge over Marvel with its vibrant style and fresh humor. They also explore the film's unique artistic choices and its character dynamics, mixing light-hearted banter with serious insights. Comparisons to pop culture figures add a humorous twist, while reflections on dog culture provide a quirky diversion, showcasing the podcast’s entertaining balance of film critique and clever commentary.

10 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 58min
A ‘Superman’ Preview and ‘The Eternaut’ Episodes 4-6
Delve into the renewed excitement surrounding 'Slow Horses,' with insights into its narrative brilliance. Excitement brews for the new Superman movie as the hosts dissect its mixed public reactions and casting choices. The conversation shifts to 'The Eternaut,' where intriguing twists and character transformations are explored during an alien invasion. Environmental themes and unique visuals captivate, while trust and tension unfold in a bug-infested urban landscape, hinting at deeper connections and societal reflections.

11 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 1h 7min
You Should Watch ‘The Eternaut.’ Plus, Netflix Goes on a Cancellation Spree.
The hosts dive into the excitement surrounding Oasis's reunion tour, mixing nostalgia with personal concert stories. They tackle Netflix's cancellation spree, discussing the implications of its evolving content strategy. A highlight is their passionate pitch for 'The Eternaut,' an Argentine sci-fi drama that explores societal breakdown through compelling character dynamics. They also share mixed feelings about the new Apple TV+ show 'Smoke,' dissecting its intriguing premise while debating its execution. It's a lively blend of music, television, and spirited discussion!

11 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 1h 11min
‘The Bear’ Season 4, Episodes 8-10 and the ‘Ironheart’ Finale
The hosts dissect the mixed reviews and significant revelations from the finale of 'Ironheart,' discussing the character Riri Williams and Marvel's evolving storytelling. They dive deep into the emotional landscapes of 'The Bear,' examining parent-child dynamics and the growth of Carmi as a character. Additionally, the duo curates an eclectic Fourth of July barbecue playlist, blending humor and personal anecdotes while exploring their musical tastes. Expect lively conversations on adaptation challenges and nostalgic reflections throughout!