The Watch

Chris and Andy discuss the news that Bob Chapek will replace Bob Iger as CEO of Disney at the end of Iger’s contract in 2021 (1:57). Then they analyze what it’s like to try to keep up with the current deluge of TV content (13:36). Then, 'Briarpatch' co–executive producer Eva Anderson joins the show to discuss the making of Season 1, Episode 3 (34:23).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Eva Anderson

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‘Better Call Saul’ returned on Sunday night for its penultimate season and it’s time to start appreciating the show for what it is: a masterpiece (2:14). Episode 8 of ‘The Outsider’ was the most Stephen King–influenced episode yet (26:45). And an interview with the musician Greg Dulli about his first solo album, ‘Random Desire’ (51:56).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Greg Dulli

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The ‘Westworld’ Season 3 trailer dropped today and the show looks more sci-fi, and more expensive, than ever (5:41). ‘Better Call Saul’ is back on Sunday night with its penultimate season. It’s a show we loved, left, and have come to love again (18:56). Plus, Andy sits down with his longtime friend Chris Carraba, lead singer of Dashboard Confessional, to reflect on his career (24:43) and the legacy of emo music (1:03:08). 

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Chris Carraba

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‘High Fidelity’ is a show where you get to hang out with Zoë Kravitz for 10 episodes, but it’s also much more than that (9:35). The seventh episode of ‘The Outsider’ doesn’t do too much to push the story forward (21:04). Plus, conversations with Eric Newman (30:06), Scoot McNairy (0:00), and Diego Luna (46:27) about Season 2 of ‘Narcos: Mexico’ (1:08:44).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guests: Eric Newman, Scoot McNairy, and Diego Luna

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Chris is first joined by Riley McAtee to break down the premier of ‘Survivor Season 40: Winners at War’ (1:17). Then he sits down with Andy and ‘Briarpatch’ actress Allegra Edwards to talk about how Allegra got cast on the show (29:12) and break down the second episode (47:27). Finally, Chris is joined by ‘High Fidelity’ creators Veronica West and Sarah Kucserka to talk about how they got to create their dream show with their dream star, Zoe Kravitz (1:08:18).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guests: Riley McAtee, Allegra Edwards, Veronica West, and Sarah Kucserka

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The 2020 Academy Awards deliver a fun, messy, and ultimately feel-good telecast (0:41). Plus: Episode 6 of ‘The Outsider’ showcases everything that makes the show so captivating (41:15).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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Andy reflects on his journey to creating 'Briarpatch' and the challenges of creating a pilot episode (1:00). Then, Chris and Andy are joined live on stage by Sam Esmail, Kim Dickens, and Jay Ferguson to break down the first episode of 'Briarpatch' (27:58).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guests: Sam Esmail, Kim Dickens, and Jay Ferguson

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The Super Bowl isn’t just for football; it’s for trailer debuts as well. After watching three new trailers for Marvel TV shows, we try to suss out what a Marvel television universe will look like (3:04). Plus: Quibi’s bet on the way people will be watching TV in the near future (21:50), and ‘The Outsider’ S1E5 (34:01).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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By dabbling in the supernatural, ‘The Outsider’ is quickly becoming the best mystery on TV right now (1:23). It’s hard to imagine a fictional version of the docuseries ‘Cheer,’ and that’s what makes it so good (23:55). Plus: living voyeuristically through Larry in ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (32:40) and wondering what exactly is going on with the Obi-Wan Kenobi series (39:01).

Host: Chris Ryan

Guest: Jason Concepcion

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It’s a ‘True Detective’ reunion over at FX, with Nic Pizzolatto and Matthew McConaughey linking up to produce a drama series called ‘Redeemer’ (10:21). Andy finally saw ‘Parasite’ and is ready to crown it the best movie of 2019 (16:44). Plus, thoughts on the first episode of ‘Star Trek: Picard’ (27:15) and a report from the 2020 Sundance Film Festival (40:13).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Juliet Litman

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Andy gives an update on where he is in ‘Briarpatch’ production (4:33) and the guys preview some shows that are coming soon, including ‘Star Trek: Picard’ (11:21) and the ‘Star Wars’ series centered on Obi-Wan Kenobi (19:29). Plus: the reality TV moment that’s happening on Netflix (29:37).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Kaya McMullen

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In its third episode, ‘The Outsider’ has managed to avoid mistakes made by other Stephen King adaptations (6:39) and also be more than a procedural crime drama (21:15). Plus, we break down ‘The New Pope’ (28:03), ‘Avenue 5’ (38:42), and the Season 10 premiere of ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (50:55).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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Chuck talks about why he's in no rush to see 'Rise of Skywalker,' despite being a massive fan of the franchise (5:07) and why it might be time to stop trying to expand the 'Star Wars' universe (26:45). Plus: 'Don't F**k With Cats,' a good show that you can't really recommend (36:43).

Host: Chris Ryan

Guest: Chuck Klosterman

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Andy tells us what it was like to present ‘Briarpatch’ at the TCAs (2:11) and gives some hot takes on the Oscar nominations (26:13), before breaking down the first episode of ‘The Outsider’ (34:44). Then, Jason Concepcion joins to talk about ‘The Outsider’ Episode 2 and Patrick Radden Keefe’s book, ‘Say Nothing’ (47:24).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Jason Concepcion

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The FX network gave its presentation at the TCAs today and told us when to expect the next season of ‘Atlanta’ (1:00) and gave premiere dates for a slate of other shows (11:34). Then, Chris sits down with the creators of ‘Medical Police,’ Rob Corddry and Krister Johnson, to talk about the process of creating the show (32:12) and why they looked to ‘Jack Ryan’ for inspiration while writing it (44:39).

Host: Chris Ryan

Guests: Rob Corddry and Krister Johnson

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Chris and Andy shout out the 'Watch’ Facebook group’s favorite TV shows of 2019 (2:26) before opening up the mailbag to answer some listener questions. They talk about which 2019 movies should have been TV shows (27:24), what they were watching at the beginning of the decade (34:35), and which Netflix films they’re most excited for in 2020 (43:45).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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We break down the finale of ‘The Mandalorian’ and reflect on why this piece of ‘Star Wars’ content worked where others failed (1:39). Plus: a special shoutout to the show's score (26:47) and what the success of the Disney+ product means for streaming networks like Netflix and Amazon (43:14).

Host: Chris Ryan

Guest: Sean Fennessey

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Chris previews the TV landscape for 2020, including what might fill the void left by 'Game of Thrones' (1:00), his 10 most anticipated shows of 2020 (5:15), and what to look out for in the next stage of the streaming wars (34:00).

Host: Chris Ryan

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If you liked 'Rise of Skywalker,' you're not going to like this podcast. The latest movie left us totally confused about where the franchise wants to go (4:15). We break down what worked and didn't work in the latest installment (23:35).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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Chris Ryan, Andy Greenwald, and Sam Esmail reflect on the past 10 years of television (1:00) before revealing their 10 favorite TV shows of the decade (27:48).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guests: Sam Esmail and Kaya McMullen

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The season finale, and potentially the series finale, of ‘Watchmen’ aired last night. Chris and Andy talk about what it takes to wrap up a show like this (1:10), how closely the show hewed to the source material in the end (8:25), and their favorite parts of the final episode (38:25). Plus, a temperature check for ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,’ just a few days ahead of the premiere (50:56).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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Andy announces the official premiere date for 'Briarpatch' (1:10) before the guys break down the latest drama in the 'Star Wars' universe (5:52). Then, Chris sits down with Yahya Abdul-Mateen II to talk about playing Cal on 'Watchmen' (15:57) and how he handled his character's big reveal in the latest episode (25:43).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

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‘Watchmen’ showrunner Damon Lindelof joins the show to talk about why he doesn’t want to be called a creator, but rather a “remixer” (2:55), how he chose which part of the comic book series to reimagine (24:17), and the pilot-making process (48:59).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Damon Lindelof

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2019 was defined by two TV shows: ‘Fleabag’ and ‘Succession.’ We debate which one was better (2:43). Plus: other favorite shows of the year, including ‘Russian Doll’ and ‘Mindhunter’ (29:25), and some honorable mentions (54:24).

Host: Chris Ryan

Guest: Juliet Litman

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Chris and Andy recap their Thanksgiving holidays before diving into another plot-heavy episode of ‘Watchmen’ (1:00). They break down the big reveal in “An Almost Religious Awe” (13:16). Plus: an unspecified amount of time at the farm with Mando and Baby Yoda in last week’s ‘The Mandalorian’ (37:57).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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Chris lays out a night of television for you to watch during the holiday weekend including ‘Mrs. Fletcher,’ ‘Servant,’ and ‘Condor’ (1:02). Then he sits down with the producer of ‘Treadstone,’ Ben Smith, to talk about what it is like to create a show within the Jason Bourne universe (16:32) and the logistics of shooting a show in so many different locations (30:02).

Host: Chris Ryan

Guest: Ben Smith

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We break down another mind-bending episode of ‘Watchmen,’ a show that’s leaving it all on the field (1:00). Do we like talking about ‘The Mandalorian,’ or do we just like talking about Baby Yoda GIFs (35:25)? Plus: Daddington Corner, ‘Frozen 2’ edition (51:00) and ‘The Crown’ S3E8-10 (59:32).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Amanda Dobbins

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Despite all of the pressure on ‘The Mandalorian’ to make Disney+ a success, the show is an easy and enjoyable watch (1:08). Plus: An update on ‘Briarpatch’ production (13:04) and a breakdown of episodes 5-7 of ‘The Crown’ (23:48).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Amanda Dobbins

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In the second episode of ‘The Mandalorian,’ the story gets deep in the details in the way that a 'Star Wars' movie can’t (4:09). It’s almost as though every episode of ‘Watchmen’ is a bottle episode; we break down the fifth episode, “Little Fear of Lightning” (27:57). Plus: ‘The Crown’ Season 3, Episodes 1-4 (46:18).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Amanda Dobbins

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‘The Mandalorian’ premiered this week, and although we have a lot of mixed feelings about the pilot, we're willing to hang on (1:38). Then Bloomberg reporter Lucas Shaw takes us inside the launch of Disney+ (28:52) and tells us why we shouldn’t be calling this the “streaming wars” (58:28). Plus: We break down what may be the most controversial episode of ‘Survivor’ in the history of the show (1:10:56).

Host: Chris Ryan

Guests: Andy Greenwald, Lucas Shaw, and Riley McAtee

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Starting next year, FX will stream shows exclusively on Hulu. What does this mean for the future of a network that has produced several award-winning shows (1:06)? In his new book, Bob Iger reminisces about his relationship with Steve Jobs and Disney’s acquisition of Pixar (17:04). Plus, we break down the fourth episode of ‘Watchmen,’ a show that just keeps on getting better (33:58).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Read an excerpt from Bob Iger’s book here.

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'The Morning Show' may not be great TV, but it's certainly engaging. We break down the first three episodes, including the seemingly disconnected plot lines (1:57), Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston's performances (19:14), and our personal MVP of the first three episodes: Billy Crudup (32:43).

Host: Chris Ryan

Guest: Amanda Dobbins

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‘The Morning Show,’ the flagship series for Apple TV+, debuted on Friday. Despite star power from Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carrell, the first episode fell flat (1:38). The show, and subsequently Apple TV+, seem confused about what it’s trying to be (20:08). Plus, we break down the third episode of ‘Watchmen’ (38:10) and bid farewell to ‘The Deuce’ (49:25).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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It was announced this week that Benioff and Weiss will no longer be creating a ‘Star Wars’ trilogy for Lucas Films (2:17). The news calls into question the future of the franchise (14:38). HBO is finding itself in a similar situation after cancelling a ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel starring Naomi Watts (26:58). Where will one of the most valued pieces of intellectual property go from here (39:00)?

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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The AppleTV+ flagship, ‘The Morning Show,’ will premiere on Friday, and early reviews are not looking great (6:37). Meanwhile, ‘Watchmen’ is picking up steam in its second episode (12:07). We break down the episode (20:25) and examine why it’s so hard to create mystery television (27:26).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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Chris and Andy review the music scene in 2005, their roles in covering it, and how that era of music fits onto the big and small screen (1:00). Plus, the creators of ‘Looking for Alaska’, Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, on the long road to getting the show created, making television about teenagers, and creating a series that is distinctly 2005 (21:11).

Host: Chris Ryan

Guests: Andy Greenwald, Josh Schwartz, and Stephanie Savage

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Damon Lindelof’s newest show, ‘Watchmen,’ started off with a bang and we feel like we’re in good hands (0:43). We take a deeper look at the texts the show seems to be drawing from (17:34) and the importance of the musical ‘Oklahoma!’ in the first episode (41:14).

Host: Chris Ryan

Guests: Andy Greenwald and Juliet Litman

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We preview Hulu’s upcoming original series ‘Looking for Alaska’—the first TV adaptation of a John Green novel (0:54). Then we talk about how ‘Looking for Alaska’ and HBO’s ‘Watchmen’ are two prime examples of content that would’ve been made into a movie in a previous decade but are now being serialized as TV (15:30), before running down the list of Apple streaming shows set to release soon (22:50).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

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Andy calls in to talk about the finale of ‘Succession’ as well as the second season as a whole (0:40). Then they dive into ‘El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie’ and the continuation of the Jesse Pinkman story line (21:30). Finally, your number one boys dissect the 'Succession' finale (39:00).

Host: Chris Ryan

Guest: Andy Greenwald

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‘El Camino’ is the heavily marketed movie follow-up to ‘Breaking Bad’—can that proposition ever live up creatively to the titanic achievements of the original AMC series? We share our reactions to the film, Aaron Paul’s continuation of the iconic Jesse Pinkman character, and the balance of fan service and creative ambition in the era of the commercialized Thursday-night Netflix release.

Host: Chris Ryan

Guest: Sean Fennessey

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Andy is back in the studio to catch up on all things entertainment, including ‘Joker.’ Martin Scorsese’s recent comments about superhero movies, the return of ‘Mr. Robot,' and the state of modern TV and consumerism (0:40) before your number one boys break down Season 2, Episode 9 of ‘Succession’ (47:30).

Host: Chris Ryan

Guest: Andy Greenwald, Jason Concepcion

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Season 5 of ‘Peaky Blinders’ premieres on Netflix tomorrow, but it’s not too late to get into the show (2:00). We talk about the surprisingly stacked cast (9:36), our favorite characters on the show (27:05), and what else we’re watching on TV right now (29:58).

Host: Chris Ryan

Guest: Juliet Litman

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In just over a week, ‘El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie’ will extend the ‘Breaking Bad’ universe, so we revisit some of our favorite episodes and moments from the show (1:51). ‘Stranger Things’ is leaving Hawkins for Season 4 (6:14) and ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ feels like it could go on forever (14:23). Plus, breaking down ‘Succession’ S2E8, “Dundee” (21:42).

Host: Chris Ryan

Guests: Andrew Gruttadaro and Jason Concepcion

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Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige is being tapped to develop a new ‘Star Wars’ movie for Disney, and we discuss what this could mean for the franchise (4:16). Andy gives some lukewarm takes on the latest episode of ‘Succession' (12:50). Plus, we break down the season premiere of ‘Survivor’ (17:54).

Host: Chris Ryan

Guests: Andy Greenwald and Riley McAtee

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After the lowest number of viewers in history, the Emmys are suffering from an importance problem (1:42). J. Smith-Cameron, who plays Gerri on ‘Succession,’ joins the show to talk about her character’s unique role within the family (22:23) and and the differences between Season 1 and Season 2 (35:23). Plus, breaking down S2E7 of ‘Succession,’ “Return” (40:29).

Host: Chris Ryan

Guests: Andy Greenwald, J. Smith-Cameron, and Jason Concepcion

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NBC launched its streaming service Peacock this week, and its backlog of shows like ‘The Office’ and ‘30 Rock’ make it an instant contender (1:00). September continues to be a very good month for television, with shows like ‘Top Boy’ (7:30) and Ken Burns’s newest documentary ‘Country Music’ (27:37). Plus, we have to talk about this week’s episode of ‘Righteous Gemstones’ (43:09).

Host: Chris Ryan

Guests: Donnie Kwak and Jason Gallagher

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September is shaping up to be a great month for television. We talk about 'Unbelievable' (1:15) and 'Undone' (14:34), two shows that premiered over the weekend on Netflix and Amazon Prime, respectively. Plus, breaking down 'Succession' S2E6, "Argestes" (22:51).

Host: Chris Ryan

Guests: Kaya McMullen and Jason Concepcion

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Live from the set of 'Briarpatch' in Albuquerque, Chris sits down with Andy and 'Briarpatch' leading man Jay R. Ferguson to talk about the decision-making that went into creating the show (2:57), Jay's experience playing Stan Rizzo on 'Mad Men (24:12), and of course, the Dallas Cowboys vs. the Philadelphia Eagles (54:13).  

Host: Chris Ryan

Guests: Andy Greenwald and Jay R. Ferguson

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‘It Chapter Two’ is a three-hour time commitment that doesn’t really go anywhere (0:41). A Texas native tells us what ‘The Righteous Gemstones’ gets right about megachurches (6:46). Plus, breaking down ‘Succession’ S2E5, “Tern Haven” (19:31).

Host: Chris Ryan

Guests: Jason Concepcion and Jason Gallagher

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Andy calls in from New Mexico with a couple of people from the ‘Briarpatch’ cast on the line (2:43). Katie Couric really loves tomatoes, and other things we learned from her Grub Street Diet (8:20). Plus, we’re watching ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ and the final season of ‘Orange Is the New Black’ as the summer winds down (24:55).

Host: Chris Ryan

Guests: Andy Greenwald and Juliet Litman

Read Katie Couric’s Grub Street Diet here.

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