Disney is doubling the size of its video podcast library on Disney+ and Hulu over the next two months, signaling a strategic shift to transform its streaming platforms into comprehensive hubs for multi-format content. The expansion moves beyond traditional “companion” pieces that serve as marketing for existing shows, introducing a diverse slate of licensed rewatch podcasts, true crime investigations, and sports programming.
The push into video podcasting is driven by significant viewer conversion data. According to The Walt Disney Company, 90% of viewers who streamed the “Tell Me Lies” companion podcast also completed every episode of the series’ third season. This high level of retention suggests that video podcasts are serving as a critical “lock-in” mechanism, keeping subscribers engaged with the platform’s ecosystem between major series releases.
Upcoming Slate and Partnerships
The current expansion relies heavily on licensing deals with major podcast networks, including iHeartMedia and Headgum. Following a distribution agreement established in August 2026, several high-profile titles are scheduled to join the platforms this fall.
The rollout includes the following major releases:
- September 22, 2026: Headgum’s “Best Friends” with Nicole Byer and Sasheer Zamata, along with “Perfect Person” featuring Miles Bonsignore, officially premiered on both Disney+ and Hulu.
- September 24, 2026: The “FX’s American Horror Story Official Podcast” is scheduled to debut on Hulu, offering behind-the-scenes insights into the long-running anthology series.
- October 1, 2026: The popular “Scrubs” rewatch podcast, “Fake Doctors, Real Friends” with Zach Braff and Donald Faison, will launch on Hulu.
This trajectory follows an iHeartMedia partnership that previously brought titles like “Pod Meets World” and “Desperately Devoted” to the services. By integrating these established fanbases, Disney is attempting to capture the “lean-back” viewing habits of podcast listeners who may prefer visual elements over audio-only experiences.
Broadening the Content Mix
In addition to licensed comedy and rewatch shows, Disney is diversifying into original news and true crime formats. ABC News recently debuted its first original video podcast, “The Scream Murder: A True Teen Horror Story Podcast.” The six-part series represents an effort to leverage investigative journalism within the streaming interface, catering to the platform’s growing true crime audience.
The current strategy suggests Disney sees video podcasts not as secondary content, but as a primary tool for habituation. By providing a mix of licensed comedy, sports, and news alongside its core cinematic library, the company aims to reduce subscriber churn by offering content that fits into daily routines more easily than high-budget scripted dramas.
