Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast has struck an exclusive $80 million deal with Amazon’s Wondery division.
The agreement includes developing two new podcasts annually, hosting one livestream per year, and giving Wondery the first option on any additional podcasts created by Shepard.
“I could not be more excited about making Wondery our home,” Shepard said in a statement. Wondery CEO Jen Sargent and her team “have created a brand that imbues quality, daring and creativity,” he continued.
“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.”
After concluding its exclusive distribution deal with Spotify, Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast has entered into an $80 million agreement with Wondery, an Amazon company.
This new deal grants Wondery rights to the podcast’s entire back catalog starting September 1, distribution control over the RSS feed, and the opportunity to release video episodes for the first time.
Wondery can also create translated versions of the podcast for a global audience. New episodes of “Armchair Expert” will debut one week early and ad-free on Wondery’s subscription service, Wondery+, before wider release.
Additionally, Wondery has exclusive rights to develop, produce, and sell all merchandise related to “Armchair Expert.”
Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast, launched in 2018, has amassed over 600 episodes featuring a wide array of guests including celebrities, artists, authors, scientists, and global thought leaders.
Operating under the Armchair Umbrella Network, the podcast offers three weekly shows: celebrity interviews on Mondays, expert discussions on Thursdays, and an interactive call-in show for fans, known as “Armcherry,” every Friday.
Notable guests have included Barack Obama, Prince Harry, Hillary Clinton, Trevor Noah, Stacey Abrams, Bill Gates, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and Jason Bateman, with frequent appearances by Shepard’s wife, Kristen Bell.
“’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,” Wondery’s Sargent said.
“This incredible show is a natural fit for the Wondery roster built to entertain, engage and delight podcast fans globally.”
WME, representing both Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast and the Armchair Umbrella Network, negotiated the deal with Wondery.
Both Dax Shepard and co-host/producer Monica Padman are clients of WME, the agency that facilitated the agreement.
