The Watch

Latest Episodes:

New Seasons of ‘House of the Dragon’ and ‘Rings of Power,’ and the State of Franchise TV. Plus, ‘Big Cigar’ and Adrien Brody on ‘Winning Time’ and ‘Succession.’ May 16, 2024

Show notes

Chris and Andy discuss standing ovation culture at the Cannes Film Festival (01:29), and Bob Iger’s admission that he tried to tell too many stories at the start of streaming (05:47). They talk about the many prequels being announced, starting with ‘Dune: Prophecy’ (12:31), as well as the companies’ commitment to getting a return on investment for their IP. They then get into the trailer for Season 2 of ‘The Rings of Power’ and ‘House of Dragon’ (17:25), and the renewal of ‘3 Body Problem’ (29:53) and ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’ (45:26),. They also express their excitement over new stories being told that aren’t ancillary projects. Later, they note their disappointment in the safe choices made in ‘Big Cigar’ (49:26). Finally, they interview Adrien Brody on his roles in ‘Winning Time’ and ‘Succession’ (58:57).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Adrien Brody

Producers: Kaya McMullen and Olivia Crerie

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‘Ripley’ Is the Best Show of the Year So Far. Plus, ‘Fantastic Four’ Casting News and ‘Hacks.’ May 13, 2024

Show notes

Chris and Andy talk about the just-OK box office performance of ‘The Fall Guy’ and what that says about the state of the movie industry right now (11:09). Then they talk about some more casting news for ‘Fantastic Four’ (19:07) before discussing the first four episodes of ‘Hacks’ Season 3 and the crossroads where the show finds itself right now (27:19). Finally, they talk about the final three episodes of ‘Ripley’ and why it is their favorite show of the year so far (37:43).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Producer: Kaya McMullen

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‘Shogun’ and ‘The Bear’ News, the Disney-Hulu-Max Bundle, and ‘Everybody’s in L.A.’ May 10, 2024

Show notes

Chris and Andy remember the legendary engineer and producer Steve Albini, who passed away this week (1:00). They then talk of news that the third season of ‘The Bear’ will be out this June (13:25) and that ‘Shogun’ will be getting a second season (18:30). Next, they talk about Disney and Warner Bros. reaching a deal to offer a Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle (28:44), before diving into their new favorite delight on Netflix: John Mulaney’s quasi-late-night show, ‘Everybody’s in L.A.’ (36:33).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Producer: Kaya McMullen

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Scott Frank on 'Monsieur Spade' and Lessons Learned From Over 25 Years of Screenwriting May 02, 2024

Show notes

Chris and Andy are joined by screenwriter Scott Frank to talk about making 'Monsieur Spade' and what pulled him toward that adaptation (1:00), how he shifted from being primarily a script doctor to running his own shows (21:39), and how he feels about the shifting ways in which people consume TV and movies (41:49).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guest: Scott Frank

Producers: Kaya McMullen and Eduardo Ocampo

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‘Baby Reindeer,’ ‘Sugar,’ and This Maybe Era of “Mid TV” Apr 29, 2024

Show notes

Andy is joined by Joanna Robinson to discuss a New York Times article published last week declaring that we’re in the midst of an era of “mid TV” with shows like ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’ and ‘Hijack’ (11:42). Then, they talk about the new Netflix hit ‘Baby Reindeer’ in relation to that article (39:36), before discussing episodes 2-5 of ‘Sugar’ and why it should have worked when unfortunately it doesn't (50:44).

Read the New York Times piece here.

Host: Andy Greenwald

Guest: Joanna Robinson

Producer: Kaya McMullen

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‘The Office’ Spinoff, ‘Sympathizer’ Episode 2, and ‘Top Chef’ Episode 6. Apr 25, 2024

Show notes

Chris and Andy discuss the success of ‘Shogun,’ then dig into the latest news, including Tina Fey and Steve Carell teaming up for a new Netflix comedy series, as well as the latest casting news for the new ‘Office’ spinoff (04:45). Then, they discuss Episode 2 of ‘The Sympathizer’ and whether the show's flair is both a benefit and detriment (27:47). They end with a recap of ‘Top Chef’ Episode 6 and decide if the show is delivering an undercooked product (50:13).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Producers: Eduardo Ocampo and Kaya McMullen

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‘Shogun’ Finale With Creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks Apr 24, 2024

Show notes

Chris and Andy do a quick culture catch-up, featuring Sunday’s surprise ‘Bluey’ episode, "Surprise!," and Taylor Swift’s new double album, before getting into their unfiltered thoughts on the ‘Shogun’ finale (9:30). Then, they speak with ‘Shogun’ creators Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks about how they approached writing the show, casting Cosmo Jarvis, the finale, and more (25:40).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Guests: Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks

Producers: Sasha Ashall and Kaya McMullen

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Apple Gets Into the Franchise Business, the Penultimate Episode of ‘Shogun,’ and ‘Ripley’ Episodes 4 and 5 Apr 18, 2024

Show notes

Chris and Andy talk about the news that Apple TV will be making a ‘For All Mankind’ spinoff called ‘Star City,’ and adapting another one of Mick Herron’s novels (author of ‘Slow Horses’) for a show starring Emma Thompson (1:00). Then, they talk about an article in Harper’s that looks at the role private equity firms have played in the TV industry over the past decade (13:38), before discussing the penultimate episode of ‘Shogun’ (29:07) and episodes 4 and 5 of ‘Ripley’ (59:09).

Read the Harper’s piece here.

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Producer: Kaya McMullen

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Weekend Watches, ‘The Sympathizer,’ and ‘Fallout’ Apr 16, 2024

Show notes

Chris and Andy talk about some of the things they watched over the weekend, including a supersized episode of ‘Bluey’ (1:00) and 'Saturday Night Live' hosted by Ryan Gosling (15:51). Then, they talk about the first episode of ‘The Sympathizer’ and whether shows are helped or hurt by having a famous director like Park Chan-wook direct the first few episodes (22:16). Finally, they discuss ‘Fallout’ and where it ranks among other video game adaptations, such as ‘The Last of Us’ (42:12).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Producer: Kaya McMullen

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‘Shogun’ Episode 8, ‘Ripley’ Episode 3, and ‘Top Chef’ Episode 4 Apr 11, 2024

Show notes

Chris and Andy talk about some news from the week, including the trailer for ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’ and the announcement that the John le Carré adaptation ‘The Night Manager’ will be returning for two more seasons (1:00). Then they talk about the latest episode of ‘Shogun’ (16:49) and Episode 3 of ‘Ripley’ (41:14) before discussing how they are liking this season of ‘Top Chef’ so far (53:04).

Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald

Producer: Kaya McMullen

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