The Big Picture

Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins host The Big Picture, The Ringer's flagship film podcast that treats movies with the seriousness of art criticism and the fun of a bar conversation. Episodes drop twice a week, covering everything from Oscar contenders and box office analysis to top-five lists and movie drafts that get surprisingly heated. Sean's background as a filmmaker and critic gives the show a level of depth you won't find on most movie podcasts, while Amanda's sharp cultural commentary and dry humor provide the perfect counterbalance. The show regularly features guests from The Ringer universe — Chris Ryan, Van Lathan, and Bill Simmons all rotate in — plus occasional interviews with directors, actors, and screenwriters. Their annual traditions have become appointment listening: the end-of-year rankings, the Oscar predictions episodes, and the anticipated-films draft where Sean and Amanda count down their most-awaited releases for the coming year. What separates The Big Picture from other film podcasts is its willingness to engage with the movie industry as a business, not just an art form. Sean and Amanda regularly discuss streaming economics, studio strategy, and the changing theatrical landscape alongside their reviews. A recent episode saw them debating whether a period drama could realistically contend for Best Picture against bigger-budget competition, the kind of insider analysis that makes the show essential during awards season. Production quality from The Ringer is sharp throughout, and episodes run around an hour — substantial enough for real discussion without becoming exhausting.