Netflix's Podcast Push Begins with Pete Davidson and Michael Irvin Originals

Netflix has officially entered the podcasting space with its first two original shows, marking a significant expansion beyond its core streaming video business. The company announced that The Pete Davidson Show and The White House with Michael Irvin will premiere later this month, representing Netflix's initial investment in creating podcast content rather than simply licensing existing shows.

This move follows Netflix's recent deals with Spotify, iHeartRadio, and other platforms to bring video podcasts exclusively to Netflix. While those partnerships brought existing content to the service, these new original podcasts represent Netflix's commitment to becoming a destination for audio-visual content.

The New Shows

The Pete Davidson Show premieres Friday, January 30, with new episodes releasing every Friday. According to Netflix, the show will feature "candid, no-holds-barred conversations" as the former Saturday Night Live cast member films conversations with friends from his garage. The format suggests a more informal, personality-driven approach that mirrors successful podcast formats on other platforms.

The White House with Michael Irvin launches Monday, January 19, offering two episodes per week. The former NFL wide receiver will tackle sports news, game analysis, and commentary with rotating co-hosts, including former NFL All-Pro Brandon Marshall, who also serves as a producer for the show. The twice-weekly schedule indicates Netflix is betting on consistent, frequent content to build audience habits.

Why Netflix is Making This Move

Podcasting has evolved from a niche medium to a mainstream component of entertainment and marketing strategies. The Golden Globes introduced its first award for "Best Podcast" last weekend, signaling industry recognition of podcasting's cultural impact. Politicians, film studios, and TV networks now regularly use podcasts as promotional tools, while platforms like YouTube and Spotify have driven growth through video podcast integration.

For Netflix, this represents a relatively low-risk expansion into a growing content category. The company already has the infrastructure for global distribution, recommendation algorithms, and subscriber management. Adding podcasts leverages these existing systems while potentially increasing subscriber value and engagement.

Platform Integration and Accessibility

All Netflix subscribers will have access to these podcasts at no additional cost, similar to the platform's existing licensed podcast content. This approach differs from Spotify's model, which offers both free and premium tiers, and could make Netflix an attractive option for users who want consolidated access to video podcasts.

The integration also raises questions about discovery and recommendation. Netflix's algorithm will need to determine how to surface podcast content to users who primarily expect video streaming, potentially creating new user experience challenges.

What This Means for the Podcasting Landscape

Netflix's entry into original podcast production signals that major streaming platforms view podcasts as complementary content rather than direct competition. As traditional media companies continue to invest in podcasting, we're likely to see more platform-exclusive shows and increased competition for talent.

For developers and content creators, this expansion creates new opportunities for platform-specific tools and analytics. The intersection of video streaming and audio content may require new technical approaches to metadata, playback, and user engagement tracking.

The success of these initial shows will likely determine whether Netflix continues to invest in original podcast production or remains focused on licensing partnerships. With premiere dates just weeks away, the industry will be watching closely to see if Netflix can translate its video streaming expertise into podcasting success.