House of R
The Ringer
Welcome to ‘House of R,’ where Mallory Rubin and Joanna Robinson explore your favorite fictional universes with their signature Deep Dives into everything from ‘Game of Thrones’ to ‘Star Wars,’ ‘The Lord of the Rings’ to Marvel, and beyond. Whether they’re parsing mythology, story themes, and character arcs or tracing influences across decades of fantasy and sci-fi stories, Jo and Mal will be here weekly with Deep Dives into new nerd culture releases, nostalgic revisitations of their favorite tales in fandom, Tropes Course examinations, Hall of Fame inductions, Hype Meters, drafts, mailbags, watch lists, top moments countdowns, recommendations, and more.
Episodes
Mentioned books
20 snips
Feb 23, 2026 • 54min
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 6 Reactions | Talk the Thrones
They break down the aftermath of a tense trial and Dunk and Egg’s first steps on the road. The conversation covers warnings of a looming war and how a pivotal death reshapes the realm. They debate new scenes added for Egg, which Season One characters might return, and reactions to the Season 3 teaser for the related series.
Feb 20, 2026 • 1h 59min
‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Season 3 Rewatch (Part 2)
They rewatch the back half of Buffy Season 3, digging into standout fights and the most dated late‑90s fashion moments. They unpack character turns like Faith’s descent and the Mayor’s weird paternalism. There's talk of iconic episodes such as The Zeppo and Doppelgangland, prom as a turning point, and theories about graduation and lingering mysteries.
Feb 18, 2026 • 2h 54min
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 5 Deep Dive
They dissect the brutal Trial of Seven and the tense battlefield flashback at Redgrass Field. Conversation turns to surprising deaths and whether narrative choices cross lines. The hosts debate adaptive changes like Dunk’s age, Arlen’s backstory, and striking cinematography choices. Fans' reactions, theory seeding, and spoiler-heavy futures get teased throughout.
34 snips
Feb 16, 2026 • 50min
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 5 Reactions | Talk the Thrones
They break down a brutal trial-by-seven melee and the shocking on-screen death that follows. A surprising flashback to Dunk’s youth and new origin material sparks debate. The panel maps the Redgrass Field aftermath and teases legal and emotional ripples for the surviving characters.
Feb 13, 2026 • 1h 57min
Our 10 Favorite Ships, Sex Scenes, and Seminal Love Stories of the Century (So Far)
They rank ten favorite ships, from long-simmering will-they-won't-they romances to emotional payoffs. They pick standout first kisses and passionate scenes that linger. They debate surprising pairings that actually worked and reimagine sexy moments with whiteboard diagrams. They close with gorgeous descriptions of love and a poignant farewell that tugs at the heart.
12 snips
Feb 11, 2026 • 3h 45min
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 4 Deep Dive
They dissect Dunk’s judgment, the Trial of Seven setup, and the tense buildup to trial by combat. Conversation centers on knighthood, loyalty shifts, and who takes up Dunk’s banner. Visual choices, prophetic dragon dreams, and theatrical moments like the dubbing scene get playful analysis. Themes of identity, crowd myth-making, and unexpected betrayals drive the discussion.
11 snips
Feb 6, 2026 • 43min
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 4 Reactions | Talk the Thrones
They break down Daeron’s prophetic dream and its ties to Targaryen lore. The panel debates Arian’s motives and whether his actions make sense. They analyze how teams are chosen for the Trial of Seven and the spectacle around recruiting champions. The knighting of Raymun Fossoway and Dunk’s hesitation about true knighthood get close attention.
Feb 5, 2026 • 3h 23min
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 3 Deep Dive
They unpack morning routines, squire training, and small domestic rituals that build character bonds. The conversation highlights expanded scenes and songs added to the story. They examine a cruel noble’s showmanship, a match-fixing scheme, and tense jousting stakes. The reveal of a hidden royal identity and an ominous prophecy loom over the rising conflict.
29 snips
Feb 2, 2026 • 52min
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 3 Reactions | Talk the Thrones
They break down the tournament chaos, from a brutal joust to a viral song that lightens the mood. A shocking identity reveal reframes earlier scenes and raises questions about lineage and prophecy. Conversations probe Targaryen reputation, incest and political fallout. Music, minor character expansions, and how the show’s release strategy shapes reactions also get lively attention.
Jan 29, 2026 • 1h 39min
The 2026 Hype Draft
Sean Fennessey, cultural critic who brings sharp picks and commentary. Rob Mahoney, film and TV commentator known for strategic, enthusiastic selections. They debate hype vs. realism, pick standout 2026 films and shows, riff on sequels, adaptations, surprise wildcards, and the rules and tactics that make the annual draft chaotic and fun.
