Netflix's Video Podcast Expansion: What's Coming in 2026

Netflix is making another bold move into audio entertainment with a significant deal bringing video versions of popular podcasts exclusively to its platform. The streaming giant has partnered with iHeartMedia to launch 14 video podcasts, with new episodes premiering in early 2026 and gradual expansion into additional territories.

The Podcast Lineup: What Viewers Can Expect

The content slate features an impressive roster of established shows across multiple genres. Comedy fans will enjoy “Dear Chelsea” hosted by Chelsea Handler, while crime enthusiasts have “My Favorite Murder” with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Sports and talk programming includes “The Breakfast Club” featuring Charlamagne, alongside offerings like “Bobby Bones Presents: The Bobbycast,” “New Rory & MAL,” and “3 and Out with John Middlekauff.”

Educational and entertainment content rounds out the collection with shows such as “Behind the Bastards,” “Stuff They Don’t Want You to Know,” “Stuff You Missed in History Class,” and “The Psychology of Your 20s.” The agreement encompasses all newly produced episodes plus select archival content from each program, giving Netflix a comprehensive video library from day one.

A Strategic Continuation

This partnership marks Netflix’s continued investment in video podcast content, following an earlier October announcement involving popular series including “The Zach Lowe Show” and “The Bill Simmons Podcast.” The dual-track strategy demonstrates how seriously Netflix is taking this emerging format.

The arrangement allows iHeartMedia to maintain audio-only distribution rights across its platforms and other podcast networks, ensuring the shows remain available to audio-first listeners. This hybrid approach lets content creators reach audiences through multiple channels while Netflix captures the growing demographic that prefers watching podcasts visually.

Broader Strategic Context

Netflix’s podcast initiative reflects a wider diversification beyond traditional film and television. Recent moves include partnerships with digital creators, interactive gaming experiences on televisions, and experimental ventures into live entertainment. The company is clearly betting that video podcasts represent a significant growth opportunity in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.

The exclusivity of video content on Netflix creates a unique value proposition to attract viewers from competing platforms, positioning podcasts as a key differentiator in Netflix’s competitive strategy against other streaming services.