Netflix is diversifying in a notable way as it looks to move into original scripted podcasts beginning with one centered on their recent hit seriesDaybreak. Although Netflix is no stranger to the podcasting world thanks to shows like “Present Company with Krista Smith”, “Strong Black Legends”, and “You Can’t Make This Up”, going into original scripted territory shows an interest in continuing to break new ground. Good thing Netflix has designs on beginning this endeavor ASAP because it will need to diversify to stay appealing as new streamers like Disney+, Apple TV+, and HBO Max debut in the coming months.
According to a report fromVariety, Netflix is partnering with Spotify for their first original scripted podcast, which is set to launch on November 7 on Spotify. The podcast, titled “The Only Podcast Left,” will be set in the same world asDaybreak: a post-apocalyptic Glendale, California. As noted in the report, “the 6-episode narrative is designed to be complimentary to the main show. The podcast will branch off from season 1 to tell the of a group of teens who decide to make a podcast during an apocalypse.”
Daybreakshowrunner and head writerAron Coleiteshared this about Netflix bringing “The Only Podcast Left” to the podcast arena:
“Netflix is an amazing creative partner. When they asked us to do a narrative podcast in theDaybreakworld, we came back with the most insane idea we could think of and they didn’t even blink. In fact they got even more excited about what we were trying to create.”
Additionally,Rae Votta, podcast lead for Netflix’s brand and editorial team, shared in a statement why a podcast based onDaybreakwas the perfect way for Netflix to move into original scripted podcasts.
“We love how podcasts give creators more freedom to explore and go deeper into elements of their stories, and we see original scripted podcasts as the next level in world exploration. WithDaybreak, it’s a world ripe for that. If theDaybreaktribes can play video games after the apocalypse, we figured they could also be creating a podcast! This one was especially fun as it’s playing into the meta nature of it all and explores what makes a podcast.. by making a podcast.”
To round out the celebratory statements,Lauren Jarvis, Spotify’s Head of Content Partnerships in North America, also commented on the company’s partnership with Netflix on “The Only Podcast Left”:
“We’re thrilled that Netflix is partnering with Spotify to exclusively bring theDaybreakpodcast to the show’s fans around the world. A scripted companion podcast is an exciting new format for the medium — we can’t wait for fans to listen to the podcast and dive deeper into the post-apocalyptic world ofDaybreak.”
Although “The Only Podcast Left is the first official scripted podcast coming from Netflix, Variety’s report (plus common sense from knowing how Netflix operates) heavily implies more original scripted podcasts are on the way. It’s unclear as of this moment if they will create more scripted podcasts based on pre-existing Netflix shows or if they will create entirely new ones just for the podcasting medium. Either way, it’s a win in my book.
TheDaybreakpodcast “The Only Podcast Left” launches on November 7 and will stream exclusively on Spotify until December 12 when it becomes available on other platforms.DaybreakSeason 1 is available to watch on Netflix now. Take a listen to the trailer for “The Only Podcast Left” below:
