Netflix and iHeartMedia have announced a new partnership to bring 14 video podcasts exclusively to Netflix in early 2026. 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 United States in early 2026, with plans to expand to additional markets. The deal covers a diverse range of shows spanning comedy, crime, history, and sports. Notable programs include “Dear Chelsea” with Chelsea Handler, “The Breakfast Club” with Charlamagne, and “My Favorite Murder” with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark.
The agreement includes all new episodes from the podcast lineup, as well as select library episodes from each show. iHeartMedia will retain the audio-only rights and distribution, ensuring the podcasts remain available on iHeartRadio and other major podcast platforms.
Netflix hopes the millions of people who prefer the video versions of these shows will flock to its streaming service over competitors like YouTube. However, since these podcasters will no longer host video versions on YouTube, they could lose out on ad revenue and reach, potentially alienating fans accustomed to watching there.
This move is part of Netflix’s broader mission to expand its offerings beyond traditional TV shows and movies. The company recently announced a similar deal with Spotify for shows including “The Ringer” and “The Bill Simmons Podcast.” Netflix has also struck deals with creators like Ms. Rachel and Mark Rober to appeal to a wider audience and tap into the growing creator economy.
Further diversifying its content, Netflix recently launched party games for TV screens. Most notably, the streamer is looking to dive into the theater business as it seeks to acquire Warner Bros.
The shows included in the new partnership with iHeartMedia 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, and Buried Bones.