The Watch
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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.
May 29
Book Club — ‘Annihilation’
The Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald present their second installment of the Double Down Book Club as they review and discuss ‘Annihilation’ by Jeff VanderMeer (0:30). Later they are joined by VanderMeer himself to talk about the process of creating the Southern Reach trilogy (19:35).
May 25
Lizzy Goodman on the Rebirth of Rock ’n’ Roll in New York City From 2001 to 2011
The Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald sit down with writer Lizzy Goodman to talk about her new book, ‘Meet Me in the Bathroom,’ which highlights the rebirth of rock ’n’ roll in New York City through bands like the Strokes, the White Stripes, and the Vines.
May 22
‘Twin Peaks,’ ‘Alien Covenant,’ and the Highs and Lows of IP
The Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald celebrate the return of ‘Twin Peaks’ by giving it “The Belt” and discussing the arc of the first couple episodes (2:30). Later, writer Adam Nayman joins to discuss director Ridley Scott and his latest film, ‘Alien Covenant’ (27:24).
May 18
The Networks Aim to Make TV Great Again, and Previewing ‘Twin Peaks’
The Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald discuss network television’s recent attempts to eventize television programming (1:00). They also say farewell to Soundgarden and Audioslave frontman Chris Cornell (13:20) before discussing the upcoming third season of ‘Twin Peaks’ (21:20).
May 15
‘Master of None,’ ‘Catastrophe,’ and ‘The Leftovers’ Are Brought to You by the Pre-pajama Mafia
Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald kick off the pod with a brief discussion about leisurewear (1:00) before diving into the second season of ‘Master of None’ (9:45) and Season 3 of ‘Catastrophe,’ (22:30) and wondering where the final season of ‘The Leftovers’ will take us (29:38).
May 11
David Mandel Talks ‘Veep,’ ‘Curb,’ and ‘Seinfeld’
Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald sit down with Veep showrunner David Mandel to discuss making a political comedy in today’s climate. Then, Mandel shares stories about working on two other comedy mega-hits, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld.
May 8
Welcome to Dystopia: ‘Blade Runner 2049,’ ‘Handmaid’s Tale,’ and ‘American Gods’ (Ep. 148)
Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald discuss the new trailer for Blade Runner 2049 (1:30), as well as Billions (11:20) and The Handmaid’s Tale (15:50), before deep-diving into the new Starz series American Gods (34:40).
May 4
Greg Dulli and the Afghan Whigs Are Back (Ep. 147)
Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald sit down with Afghan Whigs frontman Greg Dulli to discuss his band’s new album, In Spades, and the story of how he first met Chris and Andy more than 15 years ago.
May 1
Timothy Simons of ‘Veep’ on Politics, ‘The Leftovers’ and Hangin’ With McConaughey
Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald are joined by Timothy Simons of Veep to discuss how the election impacted both his work life and real life (3:30) as well as his love of The Leftovers (35:50) and what it’s like to hang out with Matthew McConaughey (53:40).
April 27
‘Fargo’ and the Prestige-TV Debate & Justin Simien of ‘Dear White People’
Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald discuss the third season of Fargo, the series as a whole, and how it fits into the discussion of prestige TV (1:20). Then, Chris sits down with Justin Simien to discuss his new Netflix show, Dear White People (20:25).
April 23
Damon Lindelof Discusses ‘The Leftovers’
Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald are joined by the cocreator and showrunner of HBO’s The Leftovers to discuss the ongoing shift in criticism of the show (2:05), the world-building from season to season (9:00), the Wu-Tang trampoline, and the first two episodes of Season 3 (35:20).
Disclosure: HBO is an initial investor in The Ringer.
‘Fargo’ and ‘Veep’ Return
Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald discuss the music of their youth (1:00), their early impressions of Fargo Season 3 (6:28), and the season premiere of Veep (22:43). Then, Chris is joined by film critic and writer Adam Nayman to discuss a talented filmmaker and the subject of his new book, Ben Wheatley: Confusion and Carnage (27:45).
April 17
‘The Last Jedi,’ the End of ‘Girls,’ and the Final Season of ‘The Leftovers’
Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald discuss the trailer for Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Kendrick Lamar’s new album, Damn. (4:20). Then they break down the final episode of Girls and the series as a whole (29:55), as well as the premiere of The Leftovers (48:20).