Netflix’s first original video podcasts feature Pete Davidson and Michael Irvin

Netflix is ramping up its foray into video podcasts, unveiling two exciting original series featuring renowned figures Pete Davidson and Michael Irvin. The streaming powerhouse revealed on Wednesday that Irvin’s show, titled "The White House," will premiere on January 19, while "The Pete Davidson Show" is set to debut on January 30. Both shows will be exclusive to Netflix subscribers and aim to capitalize on the popularity of their hosts. Davidson, who has previously released two successful comedy specials on the platform, brings his unique comedic style to the new series. On the other hand, Michael Irvin, a celebrated name in the sports arena, is expected to attract a substantial audience, particularly fans of football, given his prominent role in Netflix’s documentary series “America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys.” Davidson’s show promises an intimate setting with candid discussions among friends, filmed in his garage and airing every Friday. Conversely, Irvin’s podcast will feature comprehensive sports analysis, commentary, and interviews with notable guests, including former NFL All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Marshall, airing twice a week. These new additions will enhance Netflix's expanding catalog of video podcasts, which already includes licensed programs from iHeartMedia, Spotify, and Barstool Sports, such as “Dear Chelsea” and “My Favorite Murder.” However, it's important to note that, under current licensing agreements, these shows will not be available in full on YouTube. This announcement comes as Netflix aims to compete with YouTube's stronghold in the podcast industry, with projections suggesting viewers will consume over 700 million hours of podcasts monthly on living room devices by 2025. Despite its ambitions, Netflix is still in the nascent stages of building its podcast library and faces significant challenges in attracting a large audience amidst a vast selection of podcasts offered by competitors like YouTube and Spotify. Elizabeth Stone, Netflix’s chief technology officer, shed light on the company’s podcast strategy at the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 event, emphasizing the shift toward innovative interactive content as part of their broader growth strategy.