SAG-AFTRA Signs Podcast Agreement With Netflix for Pete Davidson Show

Netflix’s newest weekly series starring comedian Pete Davidson has officially become more than just a “podcast in name only.” After weeks of industry speculation and union-related questions, SAG-AFTRA has reportedly signed a podcast agreement with Netflix covering The Pete Davidson Show, effectively ending the debate about whether Netflix was attempting to bypass traditional entertainment union contracts.

While the specific deal terms have not been disclosed publicly, the agreement marks a major development in the rapidly evolving intersection of streaming platforms, podcasting, and union labor rules.

SAG-AFTRA Signs Podcast Agreement With Netflix for Pete Davidson Show

Why Netflix’s “Podcast” Label Sparked Controversy

When Netflix announced The Pete Davidson Show last month, the platform billed it as a weekly podcast-style talk show, featuring Davidson interviewing celebrity guests in relaxed, candid conversations.

However, industry insiders quickly pointed out one major issue:

This led many in Hollywood to question whether Netflix was using the “podcast” branding as a strategic loophole—potentially avoiding the higher costs associated with standard union contracts for television or streaming productions.

Now, SAG-AFTRA’s reported agreement appears to shut down that theory.

SAG-AFTRA’s Podcast Agreement: What It Typically Covers

According to SAG-AFTRA’s publicly available outline, a podcast agreement allows the union to negotiate:

While SAG-AFTRA did not reveal the financial structure or conditions of the Netflix-Davidson deal, the signing itself signals that Netflix has accepted the union’s jurisdiction over the production.

That move also reinforces Netflix’s claim that the show qualifies as a legitimate podcast—even if it doesn’t follow traditional podcast distribution models.

The Pete Davidson Show: What Netflix Has Announced So Far

Netflix has described the series as a casual, “no-holds-barred” conversation show that will bring Davidson’s personality front and center.

Key details Netflix shared:

Davidson, best known for his time on Saturday Night Live, has built a strong following through stand-up comedy, film roles, and viral media appearances—making him a strong fit for Netflix’s push into celebrity-driven conversational content.

Why This Deal Matters for Netflix and the Podcast Industry

This agreement isn’t just about Pete Davidson—it reflects Netflix’s larger ambition to become a major player in the podcast space, especially as video podcasting continues to explode in popularity.

The move also highlights a growing industry reality:

Video-first podcasts are becoming the new standard.

While traditional podcasting was built around audio and RSS feeds, platforms like YouTube and Spotify have shifted the landscape toward visual podcast experiences.

Netflix now appears to be positioning itself as the next major home for that format.

Netflix Expands Podcast Strategy With Major Media Partnerships

The Pete Davidson Show is only one part of Netflix’s much larger podcast strategy.

Over the past few months, Netflix has been rapidly securing partnerships with major podcast networks and media brands.

Netflix and Spotify: A Co-Exclusive Video Podcast Push

Netflix recently announced a “co-exclusive partnership” with Spotify, which will bring video episodes of selected shows produced by:

This partnership suggests Netflix is looking to compete directly with YouTube in the premium podcast video space, while also leveraging Spotify’s existing podcast dominance.

Netflix and iHeartMedia: More Than 15 Podcast Series Coming to Netflix

Netflix has also confirmed a major deal with iHeartMedia, which will make over 15 popular iHeart shows available to Netflix viewers.

Some of the most notable titles include:

This partnership strengthens Netflix’s catalog by adding podcasts that already have massive loyal fanbases.

Netflix and Barstool Sports: Multi-Year Deal for Exclusive Video Episodes

Perhaps the most attention-grabbing partnership is Netflix’s new multi-year deal with Barstool Sports, which will bring exclusive video podcast episodes to Netflix.

Confirmed shows include:

Barstool’s audience is highly engaged and sports-focused, giving Netflix a direct pipeline into one of the strongest podcast fan communities in the world.

Industry Reaction: Is Netflix Redefining What a Podcast Means?

The debate surrounding The Pete Davidson Show has raised an important question for the entertainment world:

If a podcast is only available on Netflix, is it still a podcast?

Traditional podcasting relies on open distribution, RSS feeds, and availability across multiple platforms. Netflix’s model breaks that norm entirely.

Still, SAG-AFTRA signing a podcast agreement sends a strong message: the definition of podcasting is evolving, and unions are adapting accordingly.

This could set a precedent for future Netflix projects—and potentially for other streamers looking to adopt podcast-style programming.

What This Could Mean for Future Netflix “Podcast” Productions

Netflix’s rapid expansion into video podcasting suggests more celebrity-driven talk formats are likely on the way.

With SAG-AFTRA now reportedly involved through podcast agreements, Netflix may be building a new pipeline for:

And with unions now recognizing these productions formally, it may encourage more A-list talent to join without contract ambiguity.

Key Takeaways: What We Know So Far

Here’s a quick breakdown of the major developments:

Highlights

The Bigger Picture: Netflix’s Race to Dominate Video Podcasting

Netflix’s aggressive partnerships and new formats show the company is making a calculated bet: the future of podcasting is visual, and premium platforms will control distribution.

This strategy also aligns with changing audience behavior, as more listeners consume podcast content through:

By placing podcast-style shows behind its subscription wall, Netflix may be attempting to turn podcasts into a new category of bingeable streaming entertainment.

Final Thoughts: A Major Moment for Streaming and Podcast Unions

The SAG-AFTRA agreement may appear like a simple contract move, but it represents something much larger: streaming platforms and labor unions are now negotiating how podcasting fits into the modern entertainment economy.

For Netflix, it’s another step toward becoming a multi-format media giant.

For the podcast industry, it’s a signal that the boundaries between TV, streaming, and podcasting are fading faster than ever.

And for Pete Davidson, it’s another high-profile platform move that keeps him firmly in the spotlight.

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