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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‘Space Force’ Isn’t Sure What It Wants to Be. Plus, ‘Top Chef’ and Elwood Reid on ‘Barkskins’

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.

TV & Film

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

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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Scott Frank on 'Monsieur Spade' and Lessons Learned From Over 25 Years of Screenwriting

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

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

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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‘Space Force’ Isn’t Sure What It Wants to Be. Plus, ‘Top Chef’ and Elwood Reid on ‘Barkskins’

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