

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

May 15, 2020 • 53min
What Does HBO Max Mean for HBO? Plus, Paul Mescal of ‘Normal People’
HBO Max is set to launch on May 27 with an impressive streaming library (5:29). The streaming service from WarnerMedia Entertainment is a complete break from what HBO has been in the past (12:55). Plus, an interview with Paul Mescal, who plays Connell on ‘Normal People’ (26:15).Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy GreenwaldRead the Variety article on HBO Max here.
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May 12, 2020 • 1h 11min
‘Top Chef: All-Stars’ Is Our New Favorite Sport. Plus, Kathryn Hahn!
Unsurprisingly, Quibi is not doing well while everyone is stuck at home. We explain why we have some sympathy for the nascent streaming service (10:53). Plus, breaking down the restaurant wars from last week’s episode of ‘Top Chef: All-Stars L.A.’ (31:41) and an interview with Kathryn Hahn about her new show ‘I Know This Much is True’ (45:33).Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy GreenwaldGuest: Kathryn Hahn
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May 8, 2020 • 1h 27min
The Tricky Art of Making a Streaming Comedy and ‘Normal People’ Season Review. Plus, ‘Arkansas’ Director Clark Duke | The Watch
The trailer for ‘Space Force,’ Netflix’s flashy comedy created by Greg Daniels and Steve Carrell, was released this week, and we talk about what it takes to make a good streaming comedy (13:06). Plus, how ‘Normal People’ the show differed from ‘Normal People’ the book (28:37) and a conversation with the director of ‘Arkansas,’ Clark Duke (57:22).Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy GreenwaldGuest: Clark Duke
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May 5, 2020 • 1h 31min
A Tale of Two ‘Tiger King’ Adaptations, ‘Normal People,’ and Tom Pelphrey of ‘Ozark’ | The Watch
It now looks like there’s not one, but two ‘Tiger King’ adaptations in the works, and this reveals a funny thing about the TV industry and trying to get ahead of an adaptation (1:05). For May the Fourth, Disney gifted us with two bits of interesting Star Wars news (18:14). Plus: last week’s episode of ‘Top Chef,’ ‘Normal People’ episodes 1 through 6 (32:19), and an interview with Tom Pelphrey, who plays Ben on ‘Ozark’ (1:05:31).Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy GreenwaldGuest: Tom Pelphrey
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May 1, 2020 • 1h 3min
Why ‘Normal People’ Is So Captivating, Featuring Director Lenny Abrahamson | 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
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Apr 28, 2020 • 46min
The Magic of ‘Top Chef’ Over the Years; Plus, HBO’s ‘Run’ | The Watch
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
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Apr 24, 2020 • 55min
You Don’t Need to Worry About Netflix, They’re Doing Just Fine. Plus: The ‘Devs’ Season Finale. | The Watch
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
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Apr 21, 2020 • 1h 6min
Breaking Down the 'Better Call Saul' Finale. Plus: Actor Tony Dalton on Playing Lalo Salamanca. | The Watch
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
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Apr 17, 2020 • 1h 15min
Hollywood Dealmaking Doesn’t Stop, Even If Production Does. Plus That 'Better Call Saul Scene' and Rosario Dawson on the 'Briarpatch' Finale. | The Watch
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
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Apr 14, 2020 • 1h 9min
The Magic of a Live Instagram Beats Battle, Plus ‘Run’ and ‘Devs’ | The Watch
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
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