Netflix Ventures into Original Video Podcasts with Pete Davidson and Michael Irvin
Netflix is expanding its content offerings by introducing original video podcasts, featuring renowned comedian Pete Davidson and former NFL star Michael Irvin. This strategic move aims to diversify the platform’s content and attract a broader audience.
Launch of Original Video Podcasts
On January 14, 2026, Netflix announced the upcoming release of two exclusive video podcasts:
– The White House with Michael Irvin: Premiering on January 19, this series will provide in-depth sports news, analysis, and commentary. Irvin will be joined by notable guest co-hosts, including former NFL All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
– The Pete Davidson Show: Debuting on January 30, this show will feature candid, behind-the-scenes conversations with Davidson’s friends, filmed in his own garage. New episodes will be available every Friday.
Both series will be exclusive to Netflix subscribers, leveraging the star power of their hosts to attract viewers.
Strategic Expansion into Video Podcasts
Netflix’s foray into original video podcasts is part of a broader strategy to diversify its content offerings and compete with platforms like YouTube. In 2025, viewers watched over 700 million hours of podcasts per month on living room devices, highlighting the growing popularity of this format.
In addition to original content, Netflix has secured licensing agreements with major podcast distributors:
– iHeartMedia: In December 2025, Netflix partnered with iHeartMedia to bring 14 video podcasts to the platform, including popular shows like Dear Chelsea with Chelsea Handler and My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark.
– Spotify: In October 2025, Netflix collaborated with Spotify to feature select video podcasts from Spotify Studios and The Ringer, covering genres such as sports, culture, lifestyle, and true crime.
These partnerships aim to attract audiences who prefer video versions of podcasts, offering exclusive content not available on platforms like YouTube.
Challenges and Opportunities
While Netflix’s expansion into video podcasts presents opportunities to reach new audiences, it also faces challenges. The podcast market is highly competitive, with millions of options available across various platforms. To capture a significant share of this audience, Netflix must continue to invest in high-quality, exclusive content and innovative formats.
Elizabeth Stone, Netflix’s Chief Technology Officer, discussed the company’s podcast ambitions at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, emphasizing that the expansion into video podcasts is part of a broader strategy to explore new interactive content types.
Conclusion
Netflix’s introduction of original video podcasts featuring Pete Davidson and Michael Irvin marks a significant step in diversifying its content portfolio. By leveraging the popularity of these hosts and securing strategic partnerships, Netflix aims to establish itself as a key player in the video podcast space, offering exclusive content to its subscribers.
