Netflix is ​​doubling down on its streaming video efforts with iHeartMedia deal

Netflix and audio company iHeartMedia have entered into a new partnership to bring 14 video podcasts exclusively to Netflix in early 2026, the companies announced Tuesday. This marks Netflix’s second major move into podcasting, following its recent collaboration with Spotify.

The new video podcast episodes will premiere on Netflix in the US in early 2026, with plans to expand to additional markets.

As part of the agreement, Netflix will get a diverse lineup of shows spanning comedy, crime, history, sports and more, featuring notable names such as “Dear Chelsea” with Chelsea Handler, “The Breakfast Club” with Charlemagne, and “My Favorite Murder” with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark.

The show covers all new episodes from the podcast lineup, as well as selected library episodes from each show. Meanwhile, iHeartMedia will retain audio and distribution rights only, ensuring the podcast remains available on iHeartRadio and other major podcast platforms.

Netflix hopes that millions of people who prefer the video version of these shows will flock to the streaming platform over competitors like YouTube. However, since these podcasters no longer get video versions of their shows on YouTube, they may lose ad revenue and reach, which could alienate fans who are used to watching there.

This deal comes after Netflix announced a similar deal with Spotify for shows including “The Ringer,” “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” and “The Zach Lowe Show.”

Netflix’s move into audio video is part of its mission to expand its offerings beyond TV shows and movies. For example, Netflix struck a deal with two YouTube personalities, Ms. Rachel and Mark Robert, to attract a wider audience and tap into the growing creator economy. Netflix recently launched multiplayer games on TV.

Notably, the streamer is looking to dive into the theatrical business as it seeks to acquire Warner Bros. Entertainment.

Below are the offers included in the new partnership:

• Breakfast Club
• Bobby Bones Presents: PoppyCast
• My favorite murder
• Dear Chelsea
• Joe and Jada
• This is important
• Psychology in your twenties
• Behind the scoundrels
• Things they don’t want you to know
• Things you missed in history class
• Stuff to blow your mind
• New Rory and Mal
• 3 and going out with John Middlecoff
• Buried bones