Netflix is moving deeper into podcasting, but not in the traditional audio sense. The streaming company has announced an exclusive partnership with iHeartMedia that will bring more than 15 major iHeartPodcasts to Netflix as video content starting in early 2026 in the United States, with international expansion planned afterward.
Under the agreement, new episodes from the participating shows will debut on Netflix in video form, along with select episodes from their existing catalogs. The deal covers a wide mix of genres, including true crime, comedy, culture, sports, music, and history. Audio versions of every show will continue to be distributed by iHeartMedia across its own platforms and all major podcast services.
The lineup includes some of the most recognizable brands in podcasting. The Breakfast Club, one of the biggest radio driven podcasts in the country, is part of the package. True crime heavyweight My Favorite Murder is also included, along with Behind the Bastards and Buried Bones. Comedy plays a big role as well, with Dear Chelsea and This Is Important joining the slate. Music, sports, and culture are represented by shows like Joe and Jada, New Rory and MAL, and 3 and Out with John Middlekauff. Several long running curiosity and history podcasts from the Stuff network are also part of the agreement.
For Netflix, this looks like a strategic bet on video podcasts as a category rather than a novelty. Podcasts tend to be cheaper to produce than scripted series, arrive on a regular cadence, and come with built in audiences that already spend hours each week with these personalities. Turning them into video gives Netflix more informal, talk driven content that fits neatly alongside stand up specials, documentaries, and reality programming.
From iHeartMedia’s perspective, the structure of the deal is important. The company keeps full control of audio distribution, meaning listeners are not pushed toward Netflix or locked out of their usual podcast apps. Video becomes an additional layer rather than a replacement, which limits disruption while opening the door to new viewers who may not normally seek out podcasts at all.
What stands out is the exclusivity. Netflix is not simply licensing podcasts after the fact. It is positioning itself as the primary home for these shows in video form. That signals confidence that audiences will actually watch podcasts on a TV focused platform, even when many people still treat podcasts as background listening.
There is also a broader industry implication. As more platforms chase video podcasts, the line between streaming television and online creator content continues to blur. Netflix appears to be betting that viewers do not care much about format, only whether the personalities and conversations keep them engaged.
Whether this turns into a major viewing habit or remains a niche offering is still an open question. But with names this large and fan bases this loyal, Netflix clearly sees video podcasts as worth locking down early.
