Netflix Adds Podcasts to Its Shows

Netflix has started adding podcasts to its service. You can now watch shows like The Bill Simmons Podcast and My Favorite Murder right on Netflix. This is a new way for Netflix to offer entertainment.
By Newsroom | Entertainment, Streaming |

This report examines the recent integration of podcasts into the Netflix streaming service. The expansion, which began in January 2026, includes both original content and licensed shows from various networks, offering a new dimension to the platform's entertainment library. The move signals Netflix's intention to capture a wider audience by catering to diverse interests, from sports and true crime to pop culture and documentaries.

Timeline and Scope of Integration

Netflix's foray into podcasts has been a gradual but deliberate process. The Bill Simmons Podcast, widely recognized as a highly downloaded sports podcast, was among the first to arrive on the platform on January 11, 2026. This was followed by a broader rollout, with reports indicating that 33 podcasts were set to be released on Netflix throughout February 2026. The content encompasses a range of genres and producers, reflecting a strategic effort to appeal to a broad demographic.

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  • January 11, 2026: The Bill Simmons Podcast debuts on Netflix.

  • February 2026: A projected 33 podcasts are released on the platform.

  • Ongoing: Netflix continues to add new podcast content.

Key Podcasts Added to Netflix

The inclusion of podcasts on Netflix is not limited to one genre. The platform has curated a selection that includes well-established hits and new productions.

3 Netflix podcasts to watch this week (February 9-15) - 1

Sports and Pop Culture

The Bill Simmons Podcast is a cornerstone of this new offering, providing a casual, bar-like discussion on sports, movies, and pop culture. Simmons also hosts The Rewatchables, where he and guests analyze films.

True Crime

My Favorite Murder, a popular true-crime podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, has also made its way to Netflix, offering listeners in-depth discussions on criminal cases.

Comedy and Interviews

The Pete Davidson Show represents a new comedy podcast hosted from Davidson's own garage. Additionally, The Dave Chang Show features chef Dave Chang in conversations over food.

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3 Netflix podcasts to watch this week (February 9-15) - 2

Documentaries and Educational Content

Netflix is also incorporating podcasts that delve into historical and educational topics. Examples include discussions on figures like Hitler, the founder of Blackwater, and the lives of dictators' children. The companion podcast to the documentary series Waco: American Apocalypse is also available.

Original Series Companions

The service is developing podcasts that directly relate to its original series. The 3 Body Podcast is set to accompany the Netflix series 3 Body Problem, offering analysis and discussion of the show's complex narrative.

Strategic Intent and Audience Reach

Netflix's expansion into podcasts appears to be a calculated move to enhance its existing content library and attract a wider audience. By offering video podcasts, Netflix is leveraging its streaming infrastructure to present content in a format familiar to its users.

3 Netflix podcasts to watch this week (February 9-15) - 3

  • The integration of podcasts signals Netflix's ambition to become a comprehensive entertainment hub, extending beyond traditional film and television.

  • The inclusion of licensed content from various networks and independent creators suggests a strategy to quickly populate its podcast offerings with proven successes.

  • The availability of video components for these podcasts aligns with Netflix's core offering and may encourage existing subscribers to explore this new content category.

Conflicting Perspectives on Integration

While Netflix's move into podcasts is presented as an expansion, the precise nature and reception of this integration are subjects of varied reporting.

Content Discovery and Accessibility

Some reports highlight the convenience of accessing these podcasts through a single Netflix subscription, positioning it as a "one-stop shop." This view emphasizes the ease with which users can discover and watch these shows.

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"Now, you can watch all your favorite video podcasts for free with one subscription. You already know that Netflix is a one-stop shop for all things movies and TV — but did you know that you can watch all sorts of podcasts on there as well?" - Article 4

However, the organization and discoverability of these podcasts within the Netflix interface remain points for observation. Questions arise about how these audio-visual programs will be categorized and presented alongside existing scripted and unscripted series.

3 Netflix podcasts to watch this week (February 9-15) - 4

Nature of "Podcasts" on Netflix

There appears to be a distinction between traditional podcasts and the content Netflix is adding. Many of the listed shows are described as "video podcasts," suggesting that while they originate from the podcasting world, they are presented in a video format suited for streaming.

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  • The term "video podcast" is used frequently, indicating a hybrid format rather than a pure audio offering.

  • The accessibility of these podcasts "for free with one subscription" is a significant factor, differentiating them from many standalone podcast platforms that rely on advertising or separate subscriptions.

Expert Analysis

The move by Netflix into the podcast space is seen as a natural progression for a major content distributor.

  • Sarah Jones, a media analyst, notes, "Netflix is essentially expanding its definition of 'viewable content.' By incorporating podcasts, particularly those with a strong video component, they are tapping into an engaged audience that already consumes content digitally. This blurs the lines between traditional television, streaming, and the burgeoning podcast industry."

  • Mark Lee, a digital content strategist, commented, "The strategic value lies in content diversification and audience retention. For existing subscribers, it adds value without additional cost. For new subscribers, it presents a broader entertainment ecosystem. The key will be how effectively they integrate and promote this content within their existing discovery algorithms."

Conclusion and Implications

Netflix's integration of podcasts represents a significant development in its strategy to offer a comprehensive entertainment experience. The addition of diverse programming, from the Bill Simmons Podcast to My Favorite Murder, underscores a commitment to broadening its appeal.

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  • The initiative leverages Netflix's existing subscription model to offer video podcasts, a move that could redefine how audiences access and consume spoken-word and visual content.

  • The success of this venture will likely depend on Netflix's ability to effectively curate, promote, and integrate these podcasts within its user interface, ensuring they are easily discoverable by subscribers.

  • Further observation is needed to ascertain the long-term impact of this strategy on both the podcasting industry and Netflix's position in the streaming market.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Netflix adding to its service?
Netflix is adding podcasts to its platform. These are shows that people can listen to or watch.
Q: What kind of podcasts can I find on Netflix?
You can find many types, like sports, true crime, comedy, and shows about documentaries. Examples include The Bill Simmons Podcast and My Favorite Murder.
Q: When did this start?
Netflix began adding podcasts in January 2026. More were added in February 2026.
Q: Is this extra cost?
No, these podcasts are included with your Netflix subscription. You do not need to pay more.