Netflix is significantly expanding its video podcast offerings, announcing an exclusive partnership with audio giant iHeartMedia. This new deal will bring 14 popular video podcasts, including fan favorites like "My Favorite Murder" and "The Breakfast Club," exclusively to the streaming platform starting in early 2026. This marks Netflix's second major foray into the burgeoning video podcast space, following a similar agreement with Spotify.

Details of the Exclusive Partnership

The collaboration, officially announced Tuesday, will see the new video podcast episodes premiere in the U.S. in early 2026, with plans for a broader international rollout. The lineup promises a diverse range of content, spanning comedy, true crime, history, and sports, featuring well-known personalities such as Chelsea Handler with "Dear Chelsea," Charlamagne Tha God's "The Breakfast Club," and Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark's "My Favorite Murder."

Rights and Distribution

Under the terms of the agreement, Netflix will gain exclusive video streaming rights for all new episodes from the selected podcast lineup, alongside a curated selection of library episodes for each show. Crucially, iHeartMedia will retain the audio-only rights and distribution, ensuring that these podcasts remain accessible on iHeartRadio and other major audio podcast platforms.

Netflix's Strategy and Potential Challenges

This strategic move underscores Netflix's ambition to broaden its content ecosystem beyond traditional TV shows and movies. The streamer aims to attract the millions of viewers who prefer video versions of these popular shows, drawing them away from competitors like YouTube. However, the exclusivity could present challenges for the podcasters themselves. By removing video versions from platforms like YouTube, they risk losing out on established ad revenue streams and potentially alienating a segment of their audience accustomed to watching content there.

Broader Diversification Efforts

This iHeartMedia deal builds on Netflix's earlier commitment to video podcasts, which began with an October announcement of a similar deal with Spotify. That agreement brought shows like "The Bill Simmons Podcast" and "The Ringer" to Netflix. Beyond podcasts, Netflix has been actively diversifying its offerings, including striking a deal with YouTube personality Ms. Rachel to appeal to younger audiences and tapping into the creator economy, as well as launching party games on TV screens to boost user engagement.

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