Netflix just made its second big podcast move, announcing a deal with iHeartMedia to exclusively host the video versions of more than a dozen of its shows.
Those shows include “The Breakfast Club,” cohosted by popular radio personality Charlamagne tha God; true crime show “My Favorite Murder”; and “Dear Chelsea” with Chelsea Handler.
Netflix said the shows will launch on its platform in early 2026 in the US, with other markets to follow.
Netflix stressed the variety of the shows available through the deal. Bob Pittman, iHeartMedia’s CEO, said it let his company complement its audio foundation with a leading video-first service. The video versions of the shows will only be available on Netflix — and crucially won’t be on YouTube — while iHeartMedia retains the audio-only rights and distribution.
The deal is Netflix’s second big foray into video podcasts after announcing a similar deal with Spotify in October for shows including “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” “The Rewatchables,” and “Conspiracy Theories.”
Netflix’s move into video podcasts is part of a broader effort to expand its content offerings beyond its core of TV series and movies. The streamer has added content from YouTubers like Ms. Rachel, sports programming, and even games as its engagement time has flattened. Netflix is also seeking to buy Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming and studios business.
Besides its Spotify and iHeartMedia deals, Netflix has explored potential pacts with individual podcasters, including Alex Cooper of “Call Her Daddy” fame, two people familiar with the talks previously told Business Insider. Netflix has also been looking to hire a video podcast executive.
The streamer told potential partners it wants to have 50 to 75 shows when its video podcasts launch in early 2026, two dealmakers previously told Business Insider, with one hearing the platform was looking to build that number to as many as 200 over time.
The iHeartMedia deal checks a few boxes for Netflix, which, in keeping with its stated goal of serving everyone, has been seeking shows across various genres, including pop culture, true crime, sports, and comedy. “The Breakfast Club” is the 15th most listened to podcast, according to Edison Research, and its daily format could help Netflix establish itself as a routine destination. The deal notably doesn’t include iHeartMedia’s other podcasts in the top 50, including the flagship “Stuff You Should Know,” “Club Shay Shay,” and “On Purpose with Jay Shetty.”
Netflix’s podcast negotiations have, in general, been complicated by the fact that video distribution rights are often controlled by a mix of the host and the network.
For some podcasters, being on Netflix offers a potential new audience and the prestige of being part of a curated offering. However, for others, Netflix’s demand for video exclusivity would mean giving up the important ad revenue and reach they gain on YouTube, and potentially alienating their fans who find them there.
There are also questions about how much Netflix will promote the shows and what viewer data it’ll share with hosts, who are accustomed to receiving robust data on their shows from YouTube.
Podcasts are mostly an audio experience, but people are increasingly watching them in video form. An Edison Research report in July found that over half (51%) of people in the US 12 and up said they had watched a video podcast, with 37% having watched one in the previous month.
Here are all the shows initially coming to Netflix as part of the iHeart deal:
- “The Breakfast Club,” the replay of the popular news and culture radio show featuring hosts Charlamagne Tha God, DJ Envy, and others
- “Bobby Bones Presents: The Bobbycast,” the music and entertainment podcast that features host Bobby Bones
- “My Favorite Murder,” a true crime comedy show hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark
- “Dear Chelsea,” Chelsea Handler’s weekly advice show with celebrity guests
- “Joe and Jada,” where Grammy nominees Fat Joe and Jadakiss discuss music, sports, and culture, as well as conduct interviews
- “This Is Important,” a comedy podcast featuring “Workaholics” stars Adam Devine, Anders Holm, and Blake Anderson
- “The Psychology of Your 20s,” a mental health podcast with host Jemma Sbeg
- “Behind the Bastards,” a history podcast about bad people with host Robert Evans
- “Stuff They Don’t Want You to Know,” a curiosity podcast about the unexplained with hosts Matt Frederick, Ben Bowlin, and Noel Brown
- “Stuff You Missed in History Class,” where Holly Frey and Tracy Wilson recount unusual, untold stories that weren’t covered in school
- “Stuff to Blow Your Mind,” a show about weird realities with hosts Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick
- “New Rory & MAL,” a culture and sports podcast featuring Jamil “Mal” Clay and Rory Farrell
- “3 and Out with John Middlekauff,” where former NFL scout John Middlekauff gives his perspective on college and professional football
- “Buried Bones,” a history and true crime podcast where journalist Kate Winkler Dawson and retired investigator Paul Holes dissect cases from the past
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