Netflix and iHeartMedia announced a partnership on Tuesday to bring 14 video podcasts exclusively to Netflix in the United States in early 2026, with expansion to additional markets afterward. The deal represents Netflix’s second major entry into podcasts after its collaboration with Spotify.
The partnership provides Netflix with a diverse slate of shows covering comedy, crime, history, sports, and other genres. Featured programs include “Dear Chelsea” hosted by Chelsea Handler, “The Breakfast Club” with Charlamagne, and “My Favorite Murder” with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. These selections target varied audience interests through established podcast formats now adapted for video delivery on the streaming service.
The agreement encompasses all new episodes from the 14-show lineup, along with select library episodes from each program. This arrangement allows Netflix to offer both current content and archival material to subscribers, building a comprehensive video podcast library over time.
iHeartMedia retains full audio-only rights and distribution for the podcasts. The shows remain accessible on iHeartRadio and other major podcast platforms, preserving their presence in the audio ecosystem while Netflix handles video versions exclusively.
Netflix anticipates that millions of viewers who prefer video formats of these podcasts will choose its platform instead of competitors such as YouTube. The exclusive access aims to direct traffic from free video-sharing sites to the paid streaming service.
Podcasters involved will cease producing video versions for YouTube under the terms of the deal. This shift may result in lost ad revenue and reduced audience reach on that platform, as well as potential alienation of fans habituated to watching episodes there.
The iHeartMedia partnership follows Netflix’s earlier agreement with Spotify, which includes shows such as “The Ringer,” “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” and “The Zach Lowe Show.” Both deals position Netflix to compete directly in the growing video podcast market.
Netflix’s expansion into video podcasts aligns with efforts to diversify beyond traditional television series and films. The company secured a deal with YouTube personalities Ms. Rachel and Mark Rober to attract broader demographics and engage the creator economy. Netflix also introduced party games playable on television screens. In a major move, the streamer pursues acquisition of Warner Bros. to enter the theater business.
The 14 shows in the iHeartMedia partnership are:
- 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
