The Watch (podcast)

The Watch (podcast). A weekly cultural analysis podcast produced by The Ringer and hosted by television critics Andy Greenwald and Chris Ryan. Launched in 2016, the program focuses on in-depth discussions of contemporary television series, streaming media trends, and the broader entertainment industry. It has established itself as a prominent voice in television criticism, known for its conversational yet analytical approach to popular culture.

Overview

The podcast serves as a critical guide to the evolving landscape of scripted television and prestige television, frequently analyzing shows from networks like HBO and platforms such as Netflix and Hulu. Discussions often extend beyond individual series to examine industry-wide shifts, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on production and the rise of franchise storytelling. The hosts contextualize current programming within the history of the medium, drawing comparisons to landmark series like The Sopranos and The Wire.

Hosts and format

Hosts Andy Greenwald, a former writer for Grantland, and Chris Ryan, a senior editor at The Ringer, bring complementary perspectives from their careers in sports journalism and cultural commentary. Their dynamic is conversational and debate-driven, typically structured around a central topic such as a season finale of Succession or the cultural moment of Euphoria. The format regularly includes segments analyzing recent news from studios like Warner Bros. Discovery or The Walt Disney Company, and listener mail.

Production and network

The podcast is a flagship production of The Ringer, the digital media company founded by Bill Simmons following the closure of ESPN's Grantland. It is recorded in Los Angeles and is part of a larger podcast network that includes shows like The Bill Simmons Podcast and The Rewatchables. Following Spotify's acquisition of The Ringer in 2020, the program's distribution expanded significantly across the Spotify platform.

Reception and impact

The podcast has been cited by publications like The New York Times and Vanity Fair for its insightful television criticism and influence within media journalism. It has cultivated a dedicated listenership, contributing to the professional profiles of Andy Greenwald and Chris Ryan as sought-after commentators for events like the Primetime Emmy Awards. Its analysis is often referenced in discussions about the business strategies of companies like Apple TV+ and Amazon MGM Studios.

Notable episodes and series

Notable discussions have included deep dives into the final seasons of Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad, as well as extensive coverage of phenomena like Ted Lasso and The Mandalorian. The hosts have produced recurring series of episodes dedicated to analyzing specific shows in real-time, such as their weekly breakdowns of Better Call Saul and The White Lotus. Special episodes have featured interviews with creators like Damon Lindelof and actors from series including Stranger Things.

Category:2016 podcast debuts Category:The Ringer podcasts Category:Television review podcasts