Yahoo News Dax Shepard’s ‘Armchair Expert’ Podcast Jumps to Amazon’s Wondery In $80M Deal
Maybe the podcast wars aren’t over after all.
In a major deal, Amazon’s Wondery has signed a distribution and ad sales deal with Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast.
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The deal, valued at an estimated $80 million, also includes plans to develop two new podcasts, a first look deal for future podcast ideas, plans to host livestreams, and rights to develop and sell Armchair Expert merchandise. The company will also launch video episodes of the podcast.
“I could not be more excited about making Wondery our home,” said Shepard in a statement. “Jen Sargent and her team have created a brand that imbues quality, daring and creativity. The Wondery logo actually means something. They are the HBO of the podcast space. We are extremely excited to join forces and bring fresh new content to listeners around the world.”
Armchair Expert, which Shepard co-hosts with Monica Padman, had been exclusive to Spotify since 2021, with the streaming platform scooping up a slew of big podcasts around that time. Since then, the market has slowed somewhat, but top shows are still demanding big deals from platforms, including Wondery and SiriusXM.
“Armchair Expert consistently delivers relatable, thought-provoking and entertaining social commentary based on shared human experiences and interests from the most recognizable entertainment and cultural figures in the world. This incredible show is a natural fit for the Wondery roster built to entertain, engage and delight podcast fans globally,” said Jen Sargent, CEO of Wondery. “As we embark on a true collaboration with Dax and Monica, we look forward to helping the Armchair Expert brand expand its audience and reach within Amazon’s fandom-flywheel across audio, video, merchandise and beyond.”
Armchair Expert sees Shepard and Padman interview interesting people, from celebrities and scientists to authors and artists.
WME negotiated the deal on behalf of Armchair Expert and the Armchair Umbrella Network with Wondery; Dax Shepard and Monica Padman are both repped by WME.
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