iHeartMedia Takes Video Podcasts To Netflix In Exclusive Deal.

iHeartMedia is betting Netflix’s dominance in the television viewing space will translate into success for some of its biggest podcasts. The company has inked a video podcast partnership with Netflix, that will give the streaming exclusive video podcasting rights to more than 15 leading original series on iHeartPodcasts. The deal means that beginning in early 2026, shows like “The Breakfast Club,” “My Favorite Murder,” and a trio of its “Stuff” branded series will still have their audio episodes widely distributed. But the only place fans of the series will be able to watch the shows will be on Netflix.

“Audio podcasting has been the fastest-growing medium over the past 20 years, and now we’re thrilled to expand that experience with an exciting new category — video podcasts. Netflix has a leading video-first service, and this partnership perfectly complements our strong audio foundation,” iHeart CEO Bob Pittman says. “Working with Netflix — an important leader in entertainment — gives fans one more way to connect with the personalities they love and opens the door to new audiences, including viewers discovering these shows for the first time.”

The agreement includes all new episodes from the podcast lineup, as well as select library episodes from each show. New video podcast episodes will launch on Netflix in early 2026 in the US, with more markets around the world to follow. As part of the deal, iHeartMedia retains all audio-only rights and distribution for the shows. 

“With this partnership we are incredibly excited to offer our members such unmatched variety, and to deliver highly entertaining podcasts featuring some of the world’s most dynamic personalities,” Netflix VP Lauren Smith says in the joint announcement. “Get ready to dive in with the true crime phenomenon My Favorite Murder, the dynamic perspectives of The Breakfast Club, and the sharp, unfiltered comedy of Chelsea Handler in this initial collection.”

The lineup of iHeart podcasts that will be available on Netflix includes:

• “The Breakfast Club,” the on-demand version of the morning show from flagship “Power 105.1” WWPR New York. It surpassed a billion downloads in June.

• “Bobby Bones Presents: The Bobbycast,” the music and entertainment podcast, hosted by iHeart syndicated country radio host Bobby Bones. It features him sitting down with some of the biggest names in music and entertainment.

• “My Favorite Murder,” a hit true crime show with approximately 2 billion lifetime downloads featuring hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. 

• “Dear Chelsea,” a weekly advice show with host Chelsea Handler answering listener questions alongside celebrity guests. 

• “Joe and Jada,” music superstars Fat Joe and Jadakiss to link up twice a week to discuss the news dominating music, sports and culture and interview influential figures across those sectors for candid and compelling conversations.

• “This Is Important,” a hit comedy podcast, features “Workaholics” stars Adam Devine, Anders Holm and Blake Anderson seriously discussing some very important topics.

• “The Psychology of Your 20s,” the top-ranked mental health podcast, which offers a biweekly guide to surviving growing pains through psychology with host Jemma Sbeg.

• “Behind the Bastards,” a fan-favorite history podcast, goes into the bizarre realities that formed the lives of some very bad people with host Robert Evans.

• “Stuff They Don’t Want You to Know,” described as a “curiosity podcast,” the series delves into the unexplained with hosts Matt Frederick, Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown. 

• “Stuff You Missed in History Class,” another “curiosity podcast,” that sees hosts Holly Frey and Tracy Wilson recount the strangest, most unusual untold stories that weren’t covered in school.

• “Stuff To Blow Your Mind,” a podcast that examines just how weird reality is with hosts Robert Lamb and Joe McCormick. 

• “New Rory & MAL,” the culture and sports podcast featuring Jamil 'Mal' Clay and Rory Farrell always bringing the hottest takes. 

• “3 and Out with John Middlekauff,” the sports podcast features former NFL scout John Middleauff giving his unique perspective on college and professional football. 

• “Buried Bones,” a history and true crime podcast, features journalist Kate Winkler Dawson and retired investigator Paul Holes dissecting the most compelling cases from centuries ago.

“These shows feature dynamic hosts, compelling conversations, and passionate fan communities — available in both audio and now as a natural video extension,” Pittman says in the announcement. “Audiences can now not only listen but also watch and enjoy top-rated iHeartPodcasts alongside award-winning series and movies from Netflix.”

Shares of iHeartMedia jumped 5% Tuesday on news of the Netflix deal during trading in New York .

Netflix executives have said they’re looking at moving deeper into video podcast distribution if subscribers embrace the content. Co-CEO Greg Peters said during an earnings call in October that podcasts could offer even more entertainment options for subscribers when they’re looking for pop culture, lifestyle, sports or true crime.

Netflix earlier announced a “co-exclusive partnership” with Spotify that will see a selection of shows produced by Spotify Studios and The Ringer make video episodes available on Netflix early next year. And Netflix ix reportedly in talks with other podcast producers as well as Hollywood talent agents as it looks to leave the gates with a wide selection of video podcast content to appeal to subscribers.

Terms of the deals have not been made public. But Bloomberg reported earlier that Netflix is signing one-year deals, most of them worth less than $10 million, as it looks to ensure there is enough demand to watch podcasts among its subscribers.