Netflix doubles down on video podcasts with iHeartMedia deal
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Netflix and audio powerhouse iHeartMedia have entered into a new partnership to bring 14 video podcasts exclusively to Netflix in early 2026, the companies announced Tuesday. This represents Netflix’s second major step into the podcast space, following its recent collaboration with Spotify. The new video podcast episodes will premiere on Netflix in the U.S. in early 2026, with plans to expand to additional markets. As part of the agreement, Netflix will get a diverse range of shows spanning comedy, crime, history, sports, and more, which feature notable names such as “Dear Chelsea” with Chelsea Handler, “The Breakfast Club” with Charlamagne, and “My Favorite Murder” with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. The deal covers all new episodes from the podcast lineup, as well as select library episodes from each show. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia will retain the audio-only rights and distribution, ensuring podcasts remain available on iHeartRadio and other major podcast platforms. Netflix hopes that the millions of people who prefer the video version of these shows will flock to the streaming platform over competitors like YouTube. However, since these podcasters are no longer getting video versions of their shows on YouTube, they could lose out on ad revenue and reach, potentially alienating fans who are accustomed to watching there. The deal is Netflix’s second foray into video podcasts, following an October announcement of a similar deal with Spotify for shows including “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” “The Ringer,” and “The Zach Lowe Show.” Netflix’s push into video podcasts is part of its mission to broaden its offerings beyond TV shows and movies. For instance, Netflix struck a deal with YouTube personality Ms. Rachel to appeal to a wider audience and tap into the growing creator economy. And Netflix recently launched party games on TV screens to increase engagement. Most notably, the streamer is looking to dive headfirst into the theater business as it seeks to acquire Warner Bros. Here are the shows included in the new partnership: The Breakfast Club Bobby Bones Presents: The Bobbycast My Favorite Murder Dear Chelsea Joe and Jada This Is Important The Psychology of Your 20s Behind the Bastards Stuff They Don’t Want You to Know Stuff You Missed in History Class Stuff to Blow Your Mind New Rory & MAL 3 and Out with John Middlekauff Buried Bones Topics iheartmedia, Media & Entertainment, Netflix, podcast Lauren Forristal Lauren covers media, streaming, apps and platforms at TechCrunch. You can contact or verify outreach from Lauren by emailing laurenf.techcrunch@gmail.com or via encrypted message at laurenforris22.25 on Signal.
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