The Watch

Chris and Andy are joined by New York Times culture reporter Reggie Ugwu to talk about the life and career of Chadwick Boseman, who passed away on Friday following a private battle with colon cancer (1:32). Plus, Chris and Andy break down the finale and phenomenal season of ‘I May Destroy You’ (25:36), and Andy is joined by the Killers' lead singer Brandon Flowers to talk about their new album, ‘Imploding the Mirage’ (53:16).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guests: Reggie Ugwu and Brandon Flowers

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In a special mega-pod, Chris and Andy are joined by Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins for a two-part conversation about the way that movies seems to be aping the modes and styles of TV, and vice versa. (For Part 1, check out 'The Big Picture' on The Ringer Podcast Network.)

Hosts: Andy Greenwald and Chris Ryan

Guests: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins

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Welcome to the Summer of Dove. All four segments of Chris and Andy talking about the book and miniseries 'Lonesome Dove.'

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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The teaser trailer for ‘The Batman’ was released over the weekend, along with some other DC Universe news (1:57). It leaves us wondering what we want from the latest Batman property (16:55). After a strong pilot episode, ‘Lovecraft Country’ hit some snags in the second (29:30). Plus, Andy talks with George Pelecanos about his new anthology series, ‘DC Noir’ (39:57).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: George Pelecanos

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Following announcements about upcoming Spider-Woman, Kraven the Hunter, and Batman projects, Chris and Andy weigh in on the news and the stars who could be behind each project (8:15). Then, in preparation for the finale of 'I May Destroy You,' they break down the latest episode and discuss the success Michaela Coel has had in her first season (27:50). Plus, the last installment of the 'Lonesome Dove' series (38:40).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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‘Lovecraft Country’ is a big, chewy show in a similar vein to other HBO shows, such as ‘The Outsider’ and ‘Watchmen’ (10:37). Creator Misha Green joins to help break down the first episode (29:26). Plus, the third installment of our ‘Lonesome Dove’ series (49:38).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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Chris and Andy talk about HBO Max’s troubles, including its distribution struggles (02:39). Then actor Jake Johnson joins to introduce his Netflix show ‘Hoops,’ about a foul-mouthed basketball coach (12:07). And they continue their discussion about ‘Lonesome Dove,’ focusing on the miniseries’ second episode and the second chunk of the acclaimed book (46:45).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Jake Johnson

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Chris and Andy discuss the recent executive shake-up at HBO Max, HBO’s confusing transition of their streaming platform, the HBO Max original film ‘American Pickle,’ the end of a well-executed season of HBO’s ‘Perry Mason,’ and more (0:06). Next, Chris is joined by The Ringer’s Micah Peters and Justin Charity to discuss the relaunch of their podcast ‘Sound Only,’ the evolution of art criticism, their entertainment consumption during the pandemic, and more (43:48). Finally, Chris and Andy embark on Part 1 of their ‘Lonesome Dove’ discussion, in which they dive into the iconic novel as well as Episode 1 of the limited TV series (1:08:45).

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Hulu announced this week that it's canceling the critically loved show ‘High Fidelity’ starring Zoë Kravitz. It begs the question: What type of TV show can survive in the current television landscape (12:06)? Plus, we break down the most recent episode of ‘I May Destroy You’ (26:18) and an interview with Timothy Simons about ‘Yes, God, Yes’ and being a working actor during a pandemic (32:02).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Timothy Simons

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Chris and Andy reminisce about the comfort of after-school television and the cartoons they used to watch (5:51). Then, they are joined by Jason Concepcion to talk about how they were introduced to X-Men comic books (16:39), when they were most obsessed with the franchise (34:13), and what they want from future X-Men properties (59:02).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Jason Concepcion

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We break down the 2020 Emmy nominations, including some very obvious snubs (8:01) and what they tell us about our current TV landscape (18:14). ‘I May Destroy You’ gives us a type of intimacy rarely seen on TV (33:11), and it’s clear that HBO spent a lot of money on ‘Perry Mason’ (45:00).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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Some thoughts on Taylor Swift’s surprise album ‘Folklore’ and the art of a quarantine album release (9:01). ‘Tenet’ perfectly encapsulates the dilemma much of pop culture is currently facing (24:31). Plus, rediscovering the simple pleasure of sitcoms (34:21) and discussing how ‘Palm Springs’ is a high-quality hangout movie (52:49).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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Chris and Andy explore the phenomenon that is ‘Yellowstone’ (6:28) before having a broader conversation about the state of cable television (15:27). Then, they talk about the final episodes of ‘Dark’ Season 3 and reflect on the season as a whole (25:20). Finally, they are joined by Mark Duplass to talk about ‘Room 104’ and the current state of the TV industry (47:16).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Mark Duplass

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Andy shares a bit of news about ‘Briarpatch’ (7:27). Then, the guys talk about the ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel news and the never-ending search for hit TV IP (18:58). Plus, ‘Perry Mason’ is actually good (36:29) and breaking down episodes 3 to 5 of ‘Dark’ Season 3 (43:17).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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With Netflix adding ‘Supermarket Sweep’ to its catalog and Peacock debuting a large library of old TV shows, are TV shows from the '90s the most valuable thing for a streaming service to have right now (19:51)? Plus, we break down the latest episode of ‘I May Destroy You’ (31:36) and the first two episodes of ‘Dark’ Season 3 (38:48).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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Though it’s dense and complicated, ‘Dark’ is still an enticing show (3:25). NBC’s streaming service, Peacock, will be here soon, along with a large back catalog of shows and the sneaky-popular ‘Yellowstone’ (13:04). Plus, an interview with Roy Wood Jr. (25:34).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Roy Wood Jr.

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Before we jump into Season 3 of 'Dark,' we need to mentally prepare ourselves for how twisted this show is (10:23). 'I May Destroy You' continues to capture the moment in an incisive and elegant way (17:03). Plus, Chris talks with 'Ramy' creator and star Ramy Youssef about the show's second season (35:16).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Ramy Youssef

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Netflix announced this week that both ‘Dead to Me’ and ‘Ozark’ will be airing their final seasons. It begs the question of how streaming services make the decision of when to end TV shows that could seemingly go on forever (11:06). Plus, ‘Hamilton’ is finally widely available on Disney+ (26:23) and Andy talks to the director of ‘Betty,’ Crystal Moselle (35:24).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Crystal Moselle

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As The Ringer discusses their top shows of the year, Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald follow suit and break down their top five shows thus far (2:00). Then, Sarah Snook joins the show to talk about her role as Shiv Roy in 'Succession' and the potential plans for a third season (36:12).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Sarah Snook

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‘Betty,’ a show on HBO about a pack of skateboarding teen girls, is joyous and depicts being young in New York as a real adventure (3:18). Plus, Peacock is hoping that ‘Brave New World’ can be it’s ‘Game of Thrones’ (26:42) and ‘I May Destroy You,’ just keeps getting better (41:30).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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‘Perry Mason,’ the HBO reboot starring Matthew Rhys, is very expensive and very dark. Will either of those aspects make for a popular TV show (1:50)? Plus, we welcome the winner of ‘Top Chef,’ Melissa King, to the show to talk about her strategy for the finale (24:55) and what she learned about her cooking this season (37:59).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Melissa King

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Is ‘The King of Staten Island’ a good movie? Or is it just that there have been no new movies in a really long time (3:10)? Plus, Padma Lakshmi joins the show to talk about her new show on Hulu, ‘Taste the Nation,’ and her experiences while judging ‘Top Chef’ for 16 seasons (12:06).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Padma Lakshmi

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On top of your various streaming services, you’re probably going to want to pay for straight-to-video releases as well. Just how big can your streaming budget get (3:15)? Chris and Andy break down the second episode of ‘I May Destroy You’ and the penultimate episode of ‘Top Chef’ (28:07). Then, Andy interviews Tom Russo and Fran Keany from Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever about their second album, ‘Sideways to New Italy’ (43:08).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guests: Tom Russo and Fran Keany

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‘I May Destroy You,’ written by and starring Michaela Coel, may be the one of the best new shows of 2020 (5:16). The show feels like Coel announcing herself as a new voice in television (12:16). Plus, an interview with Sam Boyd, the creator of ‘Love Life’ (20:39).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Sam Boyd

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We recap last week’s episode of ‘Top Chef’ in which the contestants head to Italy to hunt some truffles (4:32). Netflix’s new splashy comedy ‘Space Force' isn’t sure if it wants to be mean like ‘Veep’ (23:26) or comforting like ‘The Office’ (32:15). Plus, author Elwood Reid joins the show to talk about his new TV series, ‘Barkskins’ (47:36).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Elwood Reid

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Revisiting a beloved TV show that you haven’t seen in a long time can almost feel like traveling back in time (1:54). Plus, once you figure exactly what HBO Max is and how to get into it (21:05), there’s a bounty of streaming options. We craft our prime-time grids of what we’re watching from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. (36:12).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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Some musings on getting older (3:44) and then ‘The Great,’ a show you may have skipped over because it looks just fine, but is worth your time (16:07). Plus, Kristen Bell joins the show to talk about her new show ‘Central Park,’ as well as her iconic roles in ‘Veronica Mars’ and ‘Frozen’ (32:44).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Kristen Bell

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We take a moment to remember Lynn Shelton, a brilliant director of movies and TV (1:00). Then, Dan Pfeiffer joins the show to talk about his love for ‘Top Chef’ (15:52) and break down the most recent episode of ‘Top Chef: All-Stars L.A.’ (34:07). Finally, Chris talks with James Badge Dale about his new show ‘Hightown’ (57:22).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guests: Dan Pfeiffer and James Badge Dale

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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 Greenwald

Read the Variety article on HBO Max here.

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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 Greenwald

Guest: Kathryn Hahn

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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 Greenwald

Guest: Clark Duke

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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 Greenwald

Guest: Tom Pelphrey

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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 Greenwald

Guest: Lenny Abrahamson

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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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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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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 Greenwald

Guest: Tony Dalton

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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 Greenwald

Guests: Rosario Dawson and Jay Ferguson

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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 Greenwald

Guest: Scott Teems

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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 Greenwald

Guests: Josh Phelps and Laura Linney

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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 Greenwald

Guest: Andrea Riseborough

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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 Greenwald

Guest: Rhea Seehorn

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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 Greenwald

Guest: Chris Mundy

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We draw from the mailbag to talk about some pop culture moments we feel like we missed out on, including ‘The Sopranos’ and rave culture (3:04). Plus: We’re running out of ways to say that Rhea Seehorn deserves an Emmy for her performance as Kim Wexler in ‘Better Call Saul’ (23:27) and an interview with Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield (49:16).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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The Season 10 finale of ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ aired last night and marked a remarkable comeback for the show that first premiered 20 years ago (7:53). We list some of our dream adaptations we’d like to see right now (19:24). Plus: ‘Devs’ and ‘ZeroZeroZero’ (35:36).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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Social distancing is making us appreciate TV in a new light (1:06). In the fifth episode of ‘Better Call Saul,’ the show showcases Jimmy and Kim’s relationship in a way that stands in contrast to Walter and Skylar’s relationship in ‘Breaking Bad’ (15:23). And Reese Witherspoon’s character in ‘Little Fires Everywhere’ is very similar to her character in ‘Big Little Lies,’ but maybe that’s the point (30:32).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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The spread of the coronavirus has halted many television productions, and we take stock of what the TV landscape may look like in the near future (1:39). ‘Westworld’ returned on Sunday for its third season and many of the show’s old problems returned along with it (21:11). And with ‘Devs,’ Alex Garland is creating a different kind of TV world that’s interested in the “why” (33:42).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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‘Ugly Delicious’ starts off Season 2 by showing a softer side of celebrity chef Dave Chang, and in the process makes revelatory food television (11:01). ‘Better Call Saul’ Episode 4 is an episode best appreciated by a binge watch (19:02). Plus: an interview with the set designer for ‘Briarpatch,’ Richard Bloom (30:34).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Richard Bloom

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‘The Outsider’ ended the way most Stephen King stories do—with a lot of buildup to nothing. But we still enjoyed ourselves along the way (1:00). FX on Hulu is here with the premier of ‘Devs,’ a science-fiction show that packs in mystery, emotion, and beautiful set design (29:38). Plus, a conversation about the current television landscape with the president of AMC, Sarah Barnett (46:36).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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Episode 3 of ‘Better Call Saul’ is the best Bob Odenkirk episode yet, as this season continues to get better (3:17). You should be watching ‘Devs,’ FX on Hulu’s flagship show from director Alex Garland (19:25). And a conversation with the ‘Briarpatch’ director of photography Zach Galler (26:11).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Zach Galler

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Chris and Andy review the penultimate episode of ‘The Outsider’ (SPOILERS) (0:55), before trying to glean meaning from a new feature on Netflix—its top-10 most popular list (29:10).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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