SAG-AFTRA signs podcast deal with Netflix
Netflix has described its recently released “The Pete Davidson Show” as a “video podcast” – and now SAG-AFTRA has signed a deal with the streamer that includes production as such.
The talk show hosted by the “Saturday Night Live” alum, which debuted on Netflix on Jan. 30, is a bit like a TV show. For starters, it’s available exclusively on Netflix and not widely distributed on major audio platforms like Apple Podcasts or Spotify, as is typical for podcasts.
After the Davidson show was announced, SAG-AFTRA contacted Netflix to discuss whether to treat the project as a TV show or a podcast. On Thursday, the actors’ union announced that it had concluded a podcast agreement.
“SAG-AFTRA and Netflix have entered into a podcast agreement on ‘The Pete Davidson Show,’” a union representative said in a statement to Variety.
The news comes as SAG-AFTRA began a round of negotiations on Monday (February 9) on a new overall agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), of which Netflix is a member.
SAG-AFTRA did not disclose the terms of the podcast deal with Netflix for the Davidson show. But typically, the union’s podcast agreements have less stringent requirements than TV agreements. While TV contracts require the payment of residuals, podcast contracts generally do not. Additionally, TV contracts contain relatively strict rules regarding a production’s safety protocols, working hours, breaks and travel, which are often simplified in podcast agreements.
According to his Frequently asked questions about podcast contractssays the union: “SAG-AFTRA negotiates term podcast agreements with podcast companies that have minimum rates and specific terms that may differ from our promulgated agreements. We also have contracts and relationships with broadcast outlets and audiobook companies that produce podcasts.”
On “The Pete Davidson Show,” the comedian sits down “with his famous friends to reveal conversations from the comfort of his garage,” Netflix says. The guests on the first two episodes of the show are Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) and Charlamagne Tha God.
The podcast is produced by Above Average chairman Marc Lieberman and Ayala Cohen (former head of talent at “SNL”). Sarah Brennan Kolb directs. Davidson has also created two comedy specials for Netflix: 2020’s ‘Alive From New York’ and 2024’s ‘Turbo Fonzarelli’.
Netflix also has an original video podcast hosted by former NFL star Michael Irvin called “The White House,” featuring sports analysis from a rotating roster of co-hosts, including former pro football receiver Brandon Marshall. It’s not immediately clear if SAG-AFTRA and Netflix also have a podcast deal for this show.
