Netflix is doubling down on video podcasts, unveiling exclusive shows led by Pete Davidson and Michael Irvin as the platform vies for YouTube’s audience.
At a Glance
- Netflix will release “The White House” with Michael Irvin on January 19 and “The Pete Davidson Show” on January 30
- Both series are subscriber-only and add to Netflix’s expanding podcast catalog
- Viewers watched 700 million hours of podcasts monthly on living-room devices in 2025
- Why it matters: Netflix’s star-driven originals aim to chip away at YouTube’s dominance and keep subscribers glued to the app
The streaming giant announced the two originals on Wednesday, betting that celebrity-hosted, video-first podcasts will entice fans to stay inside its walled garden.
Inside the New Shows
Davidson’s weekly garage-set series promises candid conversations with his comedian friends every Friday. Irvin’s twice-weekly program will deliver sports news, analysis, and commentary alongside co-hosts such as former NFL All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
The projects lean on proven appeal: Davidson already has two Netflix comedy specials that performed strongly for the service, while Irvin was a focal point of Netflix’s documentary series “America’s Team: The Gambler and His Cowboys.”
A Growing Catalog
The newcomers join licensed titles from iHeartMedia, Spotify, and Barstool Sports, including “Dear Chelsea,” “My Favorite Murder,” and “The Ringer.” Licensing deals keep full episodes off YouTube, nudging fans toward Netflix.
The YouTube Challenge
Netflix’s push lands as viewers watched more than 700 million hours of podcasts per month on TVs in 2025, according to internal data cited by the company. Yet Netflix remains a late entrant; millions of podcasts already thrive on YouTube, Spotify, and rival apps.
During October’s News Of Philadelphia Disrupt 2025 event, Netflix chief technology officer Elizabeth Stone framed the expansion as part of a broader strategy to test interactive content types. She acknowledged that the platform still has “a lot of catching up to do” if it wants a meaningful slice of the audience.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix’s subscriber-only model differentiates it from ad-supported rivals
- Star power is central: Davidson and Irvin bring built-in audiences
- Licensed shows remain Netflix-exclusive, blocking full YouTube uploads
- The company views video podcasts as an experimental gateway to new formats
