
The Watch
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.
Latest episodes

6 snips
May 22, 2025 • 1h 11min
Live at ‘Everybody’s Live’ and ‘The Studio’ Season Finale
Join Chris and Andy as they recount their hilarious experiences at a taping of ‘Everybody’s Live With John Mulaney,’ revealing how the show has transformed. They dive into the satirical genius of the last two episodes of ‘The Studio,’ exploring its unique take on Hollywood. The duo also touches on the new show ‘Duster,’ blending personal anecdotes with insightful commentary. From playful fashion banter to the realities of comedy today, their lively discussion captures the essence of creativity and connection.

28 snips
May 20, 2025 • 1h 3min
Your Summer TV Lineup: ‘Task,’ ‘The Bear’ Season 4, and ‘Welcome to Derry.’ Plus, ‘The Last of Us’ S2E6.
The latest discussion dives into thrilling new trailers, including the Philly detective drama featuring Mark Ruffalo and the emotional final season of ‘The Bear’. Delightful banter highlights the cultural clash between American and British cuisine, all while examining the rich narratives of a new horror-themed series. The conversation also offers insights into the penultimate sixth episode of ‘The Last of Us’, sparking anticipation for what's next while reflecting on the challenges of adapting beloved stories.

43 snips
May 15, 2025 • 1h 13min
HBO Max Is Back (Though It Never Really Left) and Four Lessons Learned From ‘Andor’
The hosts dive into HBO Max's rebranding, reflecting on its impact in a competitive streaming landscape. They explore the narrative sophistication of 'Andor', highlighting its shift in character development and adult themes within the Star Wars universe. The conversation also touches on the importance of storytelling in modern television, contrasting successful strategies with less engaging trends. Finally, they analyze the latest happenings in 'The Last of Us', showcasing its narrative depth. This blend of insights makes for a fascinating discussion.

44 snips
May 14, 2025 • 1h 7min
Tony Gilroy on the Final Three Episodes of ‘Andor’ Season 2
Tony Gilroy, the creator of 'Andor', discusses the emotional and thematic layers of the show's final three episodes. He reveals the complexities of Bix and Cassian's relationship and how he balanced poignant storytelling with thrilling action scenes. Gilroy dives into character dynamics and the intrinsic themes of heroism and identity, particularly Andor's evolution. He reflects on the challenges of screenwriting and the collaborative spirit that brought this intense narrative to life, emphasizing the power of art in times of uncertainty.

26 snips
May 8, 2025 • 1h 13min
‘Andor’ Episodes 7-9: ‘Star Wars’ Goes Full ‘Jason Bourne.’ Plus, ‘Thunderbolts*.’
The hosts dive into Episodes 7-9 of ‘Andor,’ praising the meticulous storytelling that elevates it to action-thriller levels akin to 'Bourne.' They dissect the emotional impact of the Gorman massacre and its role in character dynamics and power struggles. The conversation shifts to ‘Thunderbolts,’ surprisingly revealing its merits. There’s also a deep dive into the complexities of rebellion and character development, showcasing how personal sacrifices play a crucial role in the narrative. It's a blend of thrilling action and rich emotional stakes!

9 snips
May 5, 2025 • 1h 6min
‘The Last of Us’ E4 and the Last of ‘The Righteous Gemstones’
The hosts dive into the potential ramifications of a proposed 100% tariff on foreign films, sparking a lively debate on the state of the industry. They dissect the latest episode of 'The Last of Us,' highlighting character growth and narrative depth, while drawing fun comparisons to other apocalyptic series. The conversation shifts to the finale of 'The Righteous Gemstones,' touching on its mix of humor and emotional weight. Finally, they share insights on Conan O'Brien's recent accolade at the Kennedy Center, merging pop culture with witty commentary.

23 snips
May 1, 2025 • 1h 34min
‘Andor’ Season 2, Episodes 4-6 and the Many Faces of Cassian. Plus, ‘Everybody’s Live.’
The hosts dive into HBO's future streaming strategy, revealing insights from a key interview. They discuss the resurgence of late-night formats in 'Everybody’s Live,' noting its recent upswing. A detailed analysis of 'Andor' Season 2 highlights character evolution and its shift into the spy genre. The emotional depth of Cassian’s character is examined, drawing parallels to historical narratives and the complexities of relationships. The conversation touches on the changing landscape of TV and the importance of innovative storytelling in the competitive streaming market.

30 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 1h 10min
‘The Last of Us’ S2E3, ‘The Studio’ Episode 6, and ‘Your Friends & Neighbors’ Episode 4
The hosts dive into the emotional aftermath of a significant character's death in 'The Last of Us,' highlighting its impact on storytelling. They draw intriguing parallels between 'The Studio' and 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' noting unique comedic elements. A discussion on character evolution in various shows reveals fresh dynamics and nostalgic ties. They compare the world-building of 'Andor' with 'The Last of Us,' while humorously speculating about upcoming narratives. The blend of humor and in-depth analysis makes this an entertaining listen!

17 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 1h 1min
TV News Grab Bag, an 'Andor' Syllabus, and ‘The Narrow Road to the Deep North’
Dive into the latest buzz with Bill Hader's intriguing Jonestown series for HBO and the newly released trailer for Jesse Armstrong’s ‘Mountainhead.’ Discover the classic spy series ‘Sandbaggers’ while exploring its connection to ‘Andor.’ Then, take a closer look at ‘The Narrow Road to the Deep North,’ a gripping miniseries now streaming on Prime Video. The hosts share insights on storytelling and the challenges modern shows face in capturing audience attention amid a sea of content.

27 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 1h 13min
Tony Gilroy Got Braver and Bolder for ‘Andor’ Season 2
Chris and Andy talk about the first three episodes of ‘Andor’ Season 2 and how the show’s world has gotten even more detailed in its second season (1:00). Then they are joined by creator Tony Gilroy to talk about whether or not the audience response to the first season affected how he wrote the second (21:21), the benefits of having a creative community while making the show (37:04), and bringing more conference rooms to the 'Star Wars' universe (51:41).Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy GreenwaldGuest: Tony GilroySenior Producer: Kaya McMullenVideo Production and Editing: Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices