

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

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.

24 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.

47 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 1h 6min
‘Task’ Is Everything We Want It to Be. Plus, the Creative Arts Emmy Awards.
A lively discussion on the Creative Arts Emmy Awards reveals standout winners and predictions for the main event. The hosts delve into HBO's new crime series, 'Task,' drawing comparisons to 'Mare of Easttown.' They highlight exceptional performances by Mark Ruffalo, Tom Pelphrey, and Emilia Jones, while exploring character depth and emotional storytelling. Quirky moments arise from a playful segment on sparkling water enthusiasts, offering a fun break from the main topics.

20 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.