Netflix Doubles Down on Video Podcasts with iHeartMedia Deal

Netflix and audio giant iHeartMedia have announced a new partnership to bring 14 video podcasts exclusively to Netflix beginning in early 2026. The collaboration marks Netflix’s second major expansion into the podcast space, following its recent deal with Spotify.

The new video podcast episodes will debut on Netflix in the U.S. in early 2026, with plans for international rollout in additional markets.

As part of the agreement, Netflix will gain access to a wide variety of shows across comedy, crime, history, sports, and more, featuring well-known personalities such as “Dear Chelsea” with Chelsea Handler, “The Breakfast Club” with Charlamagne, and “My Favorite Murder” with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark.

The deal includes all new episodes from the selected podcast lineup as well as a portion of archived episodes. iHeartMedia will retain audio-only rights and distribution, ensuring listeners can continue to access the podcasts on iHeartRadio and other major podcast platforms.

Netflix hopes this move will attract viewers who prefer watching video podcast versions, drawing them away from platforms like YouTube. However, the shift could impact creators who previously relied on YouTube for video-based ad revenue and audience engagement, potentially frustrating viewers accustomed to that platform.

This partnership follows Netflix’s similar agreement with Spotify, which includes shows such as “The Ringer,” “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” and “The Zach Lowe Show.”

Netflix’s rapid expansion into video podcasts reflects its broader strategy to diversify beyond traditional TV series and films. The company has recently partnered with YouTube stars Ms Rachel and Mark Rober and launched TV-based party games to broaden its content ecosystem. Most notably, Netflix is pursuing a significant move into theatre ownership by seeking to acquire Warner Bros.

Podcasts included in the Netflix–iHeartMedia partnership:

• The Breakfast Club

• Bobby Bones Presents: The Bobbycast

• My Favourite 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: Things You Missed in History Class

• Stuff to Blow Your Mind

• New Rory & MAL

• 3 and Out with John Middlekauff

• Buried Bones