Netflix is getting into the growing video podcast market by signing a big multi-year licensing deal with Spotify. This will bring popular shows like “The Bill Simmons Podcast” to Netflix in the US starting in early 2026. This deal includes content from Spotify Studios and Bill Simmons’ The Ringer network, such as “The Rewatchables” and “Conspiracy Theories,” which will stream simultaneously on both Netflix and Spotify while being pulled from YouTube.
The partnership expands Netflix’s entertainment offerings with fresh voices in sports, pop culture, true crime, and film analysis, helping Spotify reach Netflix’s massive global audience. Shows will retain their original host-read ads, even on Netflix’s ad-free tiers, similar to live sports streams, with potential for further markets and titles down the line.
“The Bill Simmons Podcast,” the most-downloaded sports podcast ever, sets its Netflix live debut for January 11, 2026, at 11:30 PM ET, followed by on-demand availability on Netflix and Spotify (audio on other platforms). This move positions Netflix to rival YouTube’s dominance in video podcasts amid rising creator popularity.
Spotify gets more people to see its own content, like host-read ads, while Netflix gets people to watch more of its shows to get and keep subscribers—just like YouTube stars like Alex Cooper have been doing lately. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, who serves on Spotify’s board, had forecasted video podcasts heading to the streamer earlier in 2025.
