Netflix is taking another step into original audio–visual content with its first wave of Netflix Original video podcasts, and the lineup is already turning heads. The streaming giant announced two flagship shows featuring Pete Davidson and Michael Irvin, signaling a bigger push into a format that blends long-form conversation, personality-led storytelling, and visual production values that go beyond traditional podcasting. (techcrunch.com)
Here’s what this means for Netflix, for creators, and for anyone who loves podcasts with a visual edge.
Why Netflix Is Betting on Video Podcasts
Audio podcasts have been popular for years, but video podcasts are increasingly seen as the next evolution — especially when hosted by big names with strong personalities and built-in audiences. Netflix’s move makes sense for a few key reasons:
- People already consume long-form video on the platform
- Video podcasts blend the familiarity of podcast conversation with visual storytelling
- It gives Netflix another avenue to expand original content beyond scripted TV and film
By positioning itself in this space early, Netflix is signaling that the company sees more opportunities than just episodic TV or games. It sees engagement that can keep subscribers inside the Netflix app for longer and with varied content types.
Meet the First Shows
Netflix’s initial lineup features two very different personalities, which suggests the company is experimenting with tone and audience appeal.
Pete Davidson Project
Comedian Pete Davidson will be at the center of one of the first shows. Known for his candid humor and cultural commentary, Davidson’s podcast aims to bring his irreverent voice — and his circle — into Netflix’s audio-visual universe. Fans of Davidson’s stand-up and television work are already buzzing, and this format gives him a platform to engage in unscripted conversation that feels more personal and real.
Michael Irvin Conversation Series
On the other end of the spectrum, NFL legend Michael Irvin will lead a show that taps into sports, culture, and personal storytelling. With his decades of experience in football and life beyond the field, Irvin’s presence promises a show that mixes sports insight with broader life reflections. It’s a format that can appeal to sports fans and general audiences alike.
What Sets Video Podcasts Apart
Why does this matter? Why not just audio, or just traditional Netflix shows?
Video podcasts meet people halfway between old-school TV interviews and new-school conversational content. They are usually:
- Longer than traditional television episodes
- More freeform than scripted series
- Centered around personality and voice rather than plot
- Visually shot like a talk show, documentary, or raw conversation
This lets creators express themselves more freely, and lets audiences feel closer to the host’s perspective.
How This Fits Into Netflix’s Strategy
Netflix has been expanding its original content for years. Beyond scripted series and films, the company has invested heavily in interactive content, documentaries, games, and now video podcasts. There are a few strategic advantages to this:
Broader Content Library: Video podcasts can expand the range of content available without the production costs of scripted drama or cinematic projects.
Audience Stickiness: Fans of the hosts are likely to tune in regularly, boosting retention and engagement.
Creator Flexibility: Unlike serialized fiction, podcasts are easier to produce on a regular schedule and can evolve over time with minimal constraints.
This is not just a filler category. It opens Netflix up to new creators, new demographics, and new formats of storytelling that compete with YouTube, Spotify, and other platforms where video podcasts are already growing.
What Viewers Can Expect
If you subscribe to Netflix, here’s what you need to know:
- You’ll be able to watch these shows visually, not just listen
- The tone will be conversational and personality driven
- Expect candid moments, guest appearances, and unscripted dialogue
- Content may premiere on a weekly schedule, similar to podcasts
For fans of Pete Davidson, this could feel like being part of his world. For sports fans, Michael Irvin’s series offers context and conversation that goes deeper than typical sports coverage.
