Netflix has described its recently released “The Pete Davidson Show” as a “video podcast” — and now SAG-AFTRA has signed an agreement with the streamer that covers the production as such.
The talk show hosted by the “Saturday Night Live” alum, which debuted Jan. 30 on Netflix, sort of looks like a TV show. For one thing, it’s available exclusively on Netflix, 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 reached out to Netflix to discuss whether the project should be treated as a TV show or a podcast. On Thursday, the actors union announced that it struck a podcast agreement.
“SAG-AFTRA and Netflix have executed a podcast agreement covering ‘The Pete Davidson Show,’” a rep for the union said in a statement to Variety.
The news comes as SAG-AFTRA on Monday (Feb. 9) commenced a round of bargaining on a new overall agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), of which Netflix is a member.
SAG-AFTRA didn’t disclose the terms of the podcast agreement with Netflix for the Davidson show. But typically the union’s podcast agreements have less stringent requirements than TV agreements do. Whereas TV contracts require payment of residuals, podcast contracts generally do not. In addition, TV contracts have relatively strict rules regarding a production’s safety protocols, working hours, breaks and travel, which are often simplified in podcast agreements.
According to its FAQ on podcast contracts, the union says, “SAG-AFTRA negotiates term Podcast Agreements with podcast companies that have minimum rates and specific terms that may be different from our promulgated agreements. We also have contracts and relationships with broadcast shops and audiobook companies that produce podcasts.”
On “The Pete Davidson Show,” the comedian sits down “with his famous friends for revealing 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 president Marc Lieberman and Ayala Cohen (former head of talent at “SNL”). Sarah Brennan Kolb directs. Separately, Davidson has made 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 wide receiver Brandon Marshall. It’s not immediately clear if SAG-AFTRA and Netflix have a podcast agreement covering this show as well.