Netflix Launches iHeartMedia Video Podcasts Led by The BobbyCast | Streaming News 2026
Netflix is officially accelerating its move into the video podcast space, launching a new slate of iHeartMedia-powered video podcasts — with country music favorite “Bobby Bones Presents: The BobbyCast” leading the rollout.
This marks a major milestone in Netflix’s evolving content strategy as it expands beyond scripted series and films into talk-driven, creator-led, and personality-based formats — signaling a major shift in how streaming platforms engage audiences worldwide.
The collaboration brings 14 popular iHeartPodcasts to Netflix in video format, offering subscribers a fresh way to experience conversations, celebrity interviews, pop culture commentary, true crime storytelling, and educational content — all in a visual-first environment.
“The BobbyCast” Launches on Netflix With Kenny Chesney Interview
The Nashville-based podcast “Bobby Bones Presents: The BobbyCast” has officially debuted on Netflix, becoming one of the first major titles under the new partnership.
To mark the launch, the premiere Netflix episode features a brand-new interview with country superstar Kenny Chesney, where he opens up about:
His Country Music Hall of Fame induction
The pressures and preparation behind stadium tours
His New York Times bestselling memoir, Heart Life Music
His personal friendship with rising country star Megan Moroney
Behind-the-scenes stories from decades in music
This exclusive episode aims to draw both music fans and Netflix subscribers into the expanding video podcast ecosystem.
Bobby Bones: “We’re Meeting Fans Where They Are”
Bobby Bones, one of country music’s most influential media personalities, described the Netflix launch as a natural evolution of the show’s mission.
“Launching ‘The BobbyCast’ on Netflix is about meeting fans where they are and letting them experience these conversations in a whole new way,” Bones said.
He emphasized that the platform opens the door to a massive global audience, transforming an already successful audio podcast into a visually immersive fan experience.
“Getting to kick this new era off with Kenny Chesney — who is honest, funny, and vulnerable — makes it the perfect way to bring country music’s most creative voices to a brand-new audience,” Bones added.
New Episode Schedule: Twice Weekly on Netflix
Netflix confirmed that new video episodes of “The BobbyCast” will premiere on:
Tuesdays
Thursdays
This consistent release schedule is designed to build viewer habits, increase engagement, and strengthen Netflix’s presence in weekly episodic talk content — a format traditionally dominated by YouTube and Spotify.
Meanwhile, the audio-only version of the podcast will continue on iHeartRadio and major podcast platforms, ensuring fans have multiple ways to listen or watch.
Full List: iHeartPodcasts Now Streaming on Netflix
“The BobbyCast” is just one of 14 iHeartMedia podcasts included in the first phase of Netflix’s rollout.
🎙️ Podcasts Now Available in Video Format on Netflix:
The Breakfast Club
Bobby Bones Presents: The BobbyCast
My Favorite Murder
Dear Chelsea
Joe and Jada
This Is Important
The Psychology of Your 20s
Behind the Bastards
Stuff They Don’t Want You to Know
Stuff You Missed in History Class
Stuff To Blow Your Mind
New Rory & MAL
3 and Out with John Middlekauff
Buried Bones
This diverse lineup spans comedy, crime, culture, sports, history, science, and mental health, giving Netflix a broad appeal across demographics.
Netflix and iHeartMedia Deal: What Was Announced Last Month?
Netflix first revealed its multi-show partnership with iHeartMedia in December 2025, announcing plans to bring video versions of more than 15 podcasts to its streaming platform.
The move aligns with Netflix’s growing focus on:
Creator-driven content
Talk-based entertainment
Low-cost, high-engagement formats
Content that builds long-term audience loyalty
For iHeartMedia, the partnership represents a major opportunity to expand podcast reach beyond audio listeners and tap into Netflix’s global subscriber base.
iHeartMedia Leadership: Why Video Podcasts Matter
iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman and President/COO Rich Bressler called the partnership a strategic expansion of the company’s audio dominance.
“Our video podcast partnership with Netflix perfectly complements our No. 1 position as the leading audio podcaster in America,” they said.
They emphasized that video is a natural evolution of podcasting — allowing fans to:
See their favorite hosts and guests
Feel more emotionally connected
Experience conversations in a richer, more immersive format
Discover podcasts they might not otherwise find
“These video podcasts give fans one more way to connect with the personalities they love — while expanding audiences to new viewers discovering them for the first time,” the statement added.
Netflix’s Bigger Strategy: Podcasts, Creators, and Co-Exclusive Deals
Netflix’s move into video podcasts is part of a broader content expansion strategy that includes partnerships with Spotify, Barstool Sports, and original talk-based productions.
Recent Netflix Content Partnerships Include:
Co-exclusive video podcast deal with Spotify
Multi-year partnership with Barstool Sports
Expansion into stand-up comedy, sports commentary, and creator-driven shows
Investment in weekly episodic video talk formats
These initiatives reflect Netflix’s push to retain subscribers, diversify content, and compete with platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Spotify, and Amazon Prime Video.
Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos: Early Response Looks Strong
Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos expressed optimism about the platform’s early performance in the video podcast category.
“It’s still very early, but we’re extremely encouraged by the initial response from members,” Sarandos said during a recent earnings call.
By integrating podcasts into its library, Netflix gains:
More frequent release cycles
Lower-cost content production
Higher engagement retention
Creator-led community building
What This Means for Podcast Fans and Creators
For Fans:
Watch podcasts in high-quality Netflix video format
Discover new shows more easily
Enjoy cinematic lighting, multi-camera setups, and improved visuals
Access podcasts on TVs, tablets, and phones without switching apps
For Creators:
Exposure to Netflix’s global subscriber base
New monetization opportunities
Brand elevation through premium production
Potential crossover into original Netflix programming
How This Could Change the Future of Streaming
Netflix’s expansion into video podcasts could:
Blur the line between TV, talk shows, and podcasts
Shift audiences away from traditional cable talk formats
Encourage more celebrity-hosted conversation shows
Increase competition among streaming platforms for creator talent
Turn podcasts into mainstream television-style entertainment
This evolution signals a new era of hybrid content, where storytelling, talk, comedy, and culture converge in bingeable, personality-driven formats.
Industry Reaction: A New Content Power Move
Media analysts say Netflix’s partnership with iHeartMedia positions the platform as:
A major player in creator-led media
A challenger to YouTube’s podcast dominance
A competitor to Spotify’s video podcast ambitions
A home for high-profile cultural conversations
Industry insiders predict more streaming services will soon follow Netflix’s lead.
What’s Next? Netflix Plans “A Lot More” Podcasts
Ted Sarandos confirmed that Netflix intends to:
Add more licensed podcasts
Launch new Netflix Originals in podcast format
Expand into news commentary, pop culture, sports, and true crime
Experiment with interactive and live podcast formats
“We plan to add a lot more podcasts. Members love them — and we’re excited to keep building this space,” Sarandos said.
Final Thoughts: Netflix Is Redefining Digital Talk Entertainment
Netflix’s rollout of iHeartMedia video podcasts, led by “The BobbyCast,” represents more than a content experiment — it marks a strategic shift in streaming entertainment.
By blending celebrity interviews, creator culture, music storytelling, comedy, sports, and education, Netflix is building a new type of media ecosystem designed for modern viewers who crave authenticity, personality, and on-demand connection.
As video podcasting continues to grow, Netflix appears poised to become a global hub for next-generation talk entertainment.
