Katt Williams, Harlan Coben Variety/Penske Media/Getty Images; Kristina Bumphrey/Variety/Getty Images Netflix is doubling down on podcasts, ordering up a handful of original shows featuring familiar names, renewing its initial slate of programming, and lining up acquired shows that will join its platform alongside other podcast venues.
The new shows include programming from stand-up comic Katt Williams; author Harlan Coben (whose series I Will Find You is one of Netflix’s big hits); YouTuber Stephanie Soo; Kaelyn Moore; Meredith Hayden; and Allison Kuch and Isaac Rochell. The company is also bringing established shows The Pivot Podcast and OUTLORE with Eleanor Neale to its platform, while renewing its initial slate of shows, which include Murder with My Husband, The Pete Davidson Show, Shut Up Evan, The Puzzle Room with David Kwong, and Allegedly with Ellison Barber.
Netflix says it now has more than 60 podcasts available on its platform.
“Podcasts are a way for members to get more of the genres, stories and personalities they love. No matter where or when you want to listen or watch, we have a curated selection of podcasts representing the best of true crime, sports, comedy, food, and storytelling of every kind,” says Brandon Riegg, VP of nonfiction series for Netflix.
The podcasts are filling something of a vacuum for Netflix, providing expansive content that covers genres like true crime, cooking, interviews and news. The shows also serve to eat up time during dayside hours when consumers may not be interested in binging a drama series or original movie.
But they also serve as a new avenue for established talent, from Williams and Davidson to Coben and Kwong, giving them a chance to flex their creative muscles in new ways.
“I’m excited to create my first original podcast with Netflix — they’ve been a wonderful partner in telling new stories,” says Coben. “I’ve always been fascinated by plot twists, in fiction and in real life, especially the unexpected turns that change who we are. What’s the plot twist that formed you, surprised you, changed your life for the better — or even the worse? That’s a question I’m excited to explore together with a wide variety of guests, from writers and artists to entrepreneurs, actors, athletes, and everyday people with extraordinary stories. I’m looking forward to seeing where this next collaboration takes us.”
Coben, Hayden, Kuch, Rochell, Neale and See are all repped by UTA.
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