The Watch

The cult of Sally Rooney and stellar performances from the two young actors (4:06) are what makes ‘Normal People’ an instant must-watch and a masterclass on how to make a TV show that’s just about feelings (19:38). Plus, a conversation with one of the show’s directors, Lenny Abrahamson, about how he adapted the show from the best-selling book (36:27).Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy GreenwaldGuest: Lenny Abrahamson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Andy go deep on their love for ‘Top Chef’ (6:31) and talk about why you form unique relationships with the contestants on the show (20:35). And even though ‘Run,’ starring Merritt Wever and Domhnall Gleeson, has all the makings of a good show, there’s something slightly off about it (36:00).Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Netflix added 15.8 million subscribers in the first quarter of 2020, showing in no small way that it is still the dominant streaming service (2:07). We wonder whether services like HBO Max and NBC's Peacock even stand a chance of catching up (20:09). Plus, we break down the ‘Devs’ season finale and reflect on the season as a whole (37:35).Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Andy hone in on the season finale of their favorite show of the year: 'Better Call Saul.' They discuss the tonal differences between the world established here and in 'Breaking Bad,' the specific performances of Bob Odenkirk and Tony Dalton, and the way the cast and crew have perfected the craft of the 'Breaking Bad'/'Better Call Saul' extended universe (1:02). Then, Dalton joins the show to discuss his role as Lalo Salamanca, what he takes from the page and makes his own, and the most rewarding aspects of working in a high-level ensemble cast (44:32).Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy GreenwaldGuest: Tony Dalton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andy reflects on his time making ‘Briarpatch’ after the season finale aired this week (1:06). Production on most TV shows has ground to a halt due to COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean that Hollywood dealmaking is slowing down (15:42). We talk about that electric scene in the penultimate episode of ‘Better Call Saul’ (28:00) and give some immediate reactions to the first episode of ‘Mrs. America’ (38:33). Finally, Chris and Andy are joined by some of the cast from ‘Briarpatch’ (50:59).Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy GreenwaldGuests: Rosario Dawson and Jay Ferguson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Saturday night DJ Premier and RZA faced off on Instagram Live for a two-hour beats battle. It might be the most fun we’ve had in a long time and shows how content has evolved during this time of social distancing (1:59). HBO’s newest show ‘Run’ is a Merritt Wever showcase (26:03), and we’ve finally figured out the key to enjoying ‘Devs’ (35:35). Plus, a conversation with Scott Teems, whose Western-thriller movie ‘The Quarry’ comes to VOD this Friday (52:12).Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy GreenwaldGuest: Scott Teems Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There was not one, but two shows with desert-wandering scenes this week. Chris and Andy talk about ‘Better Call Saul’ S5E8 (4:50) and the penultimate episode of ‘Briarpatch’ and what goes into creating a scene like that (11:49). Then, they get on the line with Josh Phelps, who works at José Andrés’s World Central Kitchen, to talk about the organization's relief work (39:02). Finally Chris is joined by Laura Linney to talk about her electrifying role as Wendy on ‘Ozark’ (57:19).Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy GreenwaldGuests: Josh Phelps and Laura Linney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Quibi, the streaming service that features shows that are just seven to nine minutes long, launched today. The “quick bites” represent a new format besides traditional TV (1:26). The latest episode of ‘Devs’ did more telling than showing (27:50). ‘ZeroZeroZero’ is a feat in tv making (41:27) and Andrea Riseborough joins the show to give us some insight into how the show is made (1:08:56).Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy GreenwaldGuest: Andrea Riseborough Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Many TV productions on pause due to COVID-19—what will happen a few months down the road if there is no new TV? And what will it look like if all paused TV shows come back at the same time (3:53)? Plus: We break down ‘Better Call Saul’ S5E7 (24:13) before Rhea Seehorn joins to talk about what it’s like to play Kim Wexler on the show (41:20).Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy GreenwaldGuest: Rhea Seehorn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer launched its Best TV Character of the Century bracket today, which led us to debate what makes an excellent TV character (1:09). You don’t need to fully understand what’s happening in ‘Devs’ to know that it’s a great TV show (31:31). And an interview with ‘Ozark’ executive producer Chris Mundy about Season 3 of the show (47:01).Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy GreenwaldGuest: Chris Mundy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices