

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

Oct 3, 2024 • 1h
'Nobody Wants This' and What Makes a TV Show a True Rom-Com. Plus, an 'Industry' Hangover Mailbag.
Kristen Bell, known for her charismatic roles in rom-coms, and Adam Brody, celebrated for his witty performances, join the conversation about their new series 'Nobody Wants This.' They discuss the evolving landscape of romantic comedies, weighing the charm of classic love stories against modern narratives. The duo also reflects on the authenticity of relationships in TV, while sharing humorous insights and cultural critiques. Plus, they dive into audience expectations and behind-the-scenes dynamics of storytelling in both TV and podcasts.

Sep 30, 2024 • 1h 28min
'Industry' Creators Konrad Kay and Mickey Down on That Wild Season Finale
Konrad Kay and Mickey Down, creators of 'Industry', discuss the wild and memorable season finale. They explore the show's focus on writing toward fear and how class dynamics took precedence over money this season. The duo shares insights into directing the final episodes and the character journeys shaped by ambition and ethical choices. With reflections on identity and trauma, they celebrate the show's success while teasing exciting new directions for future seasons.

Sep 26, 2024 • 1h 25min
'The Last of Us' S2 Trailer, 'How to Die Alone,' and Brian Jordan Alvarez on the Making of 'English Teacher'
Brian Jordan Alvarez, a creator known for his work on 'English Teacher', shares insights into his creative process and the influences that shaped his series. He discusses the invaluable guidance he received from veteran comedy TV writer Paul Simms. The talk also touches upon the emotional depth of storytelling in comedy, the balance between humor and heart, and how audience feedback plays a critical role in shaping narratives. Additionally, the guests dive into the intriguing trailers for 'The Last of Us' Season 2 and the new series 'How to Die Alone', revealing what makes them stand out.

Sep 23, 2024 • 1h 32min
Ken Leung on 'Industry' S3E7 and His Character's Moral Descent. Plus, 'The Penguin' Waddles.
Ken Leung, known for his role in 'Industry,' joins the conversation to dive into his character Eric's complex betrayal in Season 3. He shares insights on the moral dilemmas and personal discoveries he's faced while portraying Eric, emphasizing the struggles of navigating ambition and ethical lines in a cutthroat corporate world. Additionally, the hosts discuss the mixed reception of HBO's 'The Penguin,' highlighting its star power yet lack of depth, as well as the cultural implications of Gotham living.

Sep 19, 2024 • 52min
Is ‘Agatha All Along’ What Marvel TV Was Always Supposed to Be? Plus, ‘Slow Horses’ S4E3.
Nicole Kidman, a renowned actress acclaimed for her diverse roles in film and television, discusses her upcoming Amazon series and her prominent presence in prestige TV. The conversation highlights the fresh, campy vibe of 'Agatha All Along' and how it marks a necessary shift in Marvel’s storytelling. They explore Marvel's success with lighter narratives while celebrating character development within the MCU. The hosts also reflect on the nostalgia of television and dive into their amusing memories of visiting the Philadelphia Zoo.

Sep 16, 2024 • 1h 16min
The Big Winners and Losers of the 2024 Emmys. Plus, ‘Industry’ S3E6.
The hosts dive into the recent Emmys, sharing their thoughts on surprise wins and losses, and questioning the impact of category classifications on nominations. They explore the comedic tension surrounding the acclaimed show 'The Bear' and discuss the complexities of its classification. Meanwhile, they break down a gripping episode of 'Industry,' highlighting intense character confrontations and relationship dynamics that reveal deeper themes of self-perception. The conversation blends humor with insightful analysis of both the awards and the shows.

Sep 12, 2024 • 1h 22min
The Diminishing Returns of Big Budget TV Adaptations, ‘Slow Horses’ S4E2, and Jeremy Bolm of Touché Amoré
Jeremy Bolm, the lead vocalist of Touché Amoré, shares insights into the band's upcoming album 'Spiral in a Straight Line.' He discusses the evolving music promotion landscape, emphasizing the role of social media. The conversation also dives into the complexities of balancing new songs with fan favorites during live shows. Additionally, they explore the challenging world of big-budget TV adaptations and whether they can meet audience expectations, while also recapping the latest episode of 'Slow Horses.'

Sep 9, 2024 • 51min
Your Fall Prime-time TV Grid and 'Industry' S3E5
Dive into the fall TV landscape with highlights of new shows like 'Mr. Throwback' and 'Blue Lights.' Explore the standout themes in the latest 'Industry' episode, where Rob surprises as a character to root for. Discover the show's gripping portrayal of London nightlife and the intense emotional depths of its characters. The discussion also ponders capitalism's pressures and personal struggles, all while teasing future plot twists that promise to elevate the drama even further.

Sep 5, 2024 • 51min
What Makes 'English Teacher' a Great Hang, and 'Slow Horses' Is Back for Season 4
A lively discussion kicks off with George R.R. Martin's critique of 'House of the Dragon' adaptations, revealing the challenges of turning beloved books into screen stories. The conversation then shifts to a Rolling Stone list of the best TV episodes, sparking nostalgia for iconic shows like 'The Simpsons.' The new FX comedy 'English Teacher' is heralded as a delightful sitcom, making waves with its unique style. Lastly, anticipation builds around the fourth season of 'Slow Horses,' with insights into character development and the dynamics that keep viewers hooked.

Sep 2, 2024 • 41min
Breaking Down a Rishi-Filled Episode of 'Industry'
The hosts dive deep into a gripping episode focused on Rishi, likening it to the tension of 'Uncut Gems.' They explore the unpredictable power dynamics within the narrative, showcasing constant shifts between characters. The discussion emphasizes that viewers don't need a finance degree; understanding emotional responses is key. Rishi's chaotic journey highlights ambition, loyalty, and the impacts of high-stakes environments, revealing the emotional toll of personal relationships amid a cutthroat world.


