By Variety | Created at 2026-08-10 15:40:39 | Updated at 2026-08-10 16:41:39
2 hours ago
Disney cut a licensing deal for six podcasts from iHeartMedia that will stream on Disney+ and/or Hulu, starting with the Jonas brothers‘ recently launched “Hey Jonas!”
In addition to “Hey Jonas!”, the deal encompasses video editions of iHeartPodcasts’ “Pod Meets World,” which will stream on Disney+ as well as “Desperately Devoted,” “Fake Doctors, Real Friends With Zach and Donald,” “StraightioLab” and “Thanks Dad With Ego Nwodim” to Hulu (and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers in the U.S.). The shows, with weekly episode releases, will be coming to the Disney streaming platforms in the coming months.
Disney is banking on some synergy with the Jonas siblings’ podcast, in which Kevin, Joe and Nick “share “another side of themselves” in a “playful, intimate and irreverent way.”
“Hey Jonas!” will debut simultaneously on Disney+ and Hulu on Aug. 14 with an episode highlighting “Camp Rock 3” — the latest installment in the music franchise that stars the three Jonas brothers that premieres that same day on Disney+. Then, “Hey Jonas!” will feature additional episodes with Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas live at Disney’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event that weekend.
Other tie-ins: “Desperately Devoted” on Hulu will begin streaming with video for the first time on Nov. 2, aimed at driving fans to rewatch episodes of “Desperate Housewives.” Fans of “Scrubs” can also revisit each episode of the series on Hulu alongside co-stars (and real-life BFFs) Zach Braff and Donald Faison with “Fake Doctors, Real Friends With Zach and Donald,” streaming on Hulu beginning later this year.
“Fans can’t get enough of the stories and talent they love, and podcasts have become one of the fastest growing ways for audiences to connect with them,” said Lauren Tempest, Disney’s head of direct-to-consumer content planning and partnerships, in a statement. “These new video podcasts from iHeartMedia bring fans closer to their favorite worlds and the creators behind them, and we’re thrilled to make them available on Disney+ and Hulu as part of an even richer streaming experience.”
Bob Pittman, chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia, commented about the pact, “Disney+ and Hulu have built powerful streaming destinations with incredibly passionate fan communities, making them ideal partners to expand the reach of these beloved iHeartPodcasts.”
iHeartMedia also has licensed podcasts to Netflix, including Charlamagne tha God’s “The Breakfast Club” and shows from Martha Stewart and Lele Pons.
Other podcasts available on Disney+ and Hulu include licensed titles like “Handsome” and “We’re Here to Help,” in addition to rewatch podcasts like “The Mess Around With Hannah and Lamorne” (for “New Girl”) “Prison Breaking With Sarah and Paul” (“Prison Break”) and “That Was Us” (“This Is Us”). Companion podcasts for Disney+ and Hulu series include those for “Paradise,” “American Idol” and “Dancing With the Stars,” as well as FX’s “The Shards” and “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette.”
Here are descriptions of the six iHeart podcasts under the deal, provided by the companies:
- “Hey Jonas!” (premieres Aug. 14 on Disney+ and Hulu): The official Jonas Brothers podcast. Hosted by Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas. It’s the Jonas Brothers you know… musicians, actors, and well, yes, brothers. Now, they’re sharing another side of themselves in the playful, intimate, and irreverent way only they can. Spend time with the Jonas Brothers here and stay a little bit longer for deep conversations like never before.
- “Pod Meets World” (Aug. 24 on Disney+): After recapping all seven seasons of “Boy Meets World” — the sitcom they starred in as teenagers — Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle and Rider Strong take their 30-year friendship to the next level. This newest chapter of the podcast will dig deeper into their undeniable chemistry through more shared ‘90s memories, random tangents, new side quests and exciting guests. They’re back for a new era – so fans can join their three childhood best friends on “Pod Meets World”!
- “Desperately Devoted” (Nov. 2 on Hulu): Dear Neighbor, Welcome back to Wisteria Lane. Viewers are cordially invited to “Desperately Devoted,” a re-watch of the groundbreaking show Desperate Housewives. Viewers are welcome to wander with the hosts as they stroll past the picket fences, and straight into the homes and hearts of Wisteria Lane. Hosted by Teri Hatcher, her on-screen daughter Andrea Bowen, and her real-life daughter Emerson Tenney, this podcast brings together three women with distinct perspectives to reflect on the iconic storylines and characters that resonated across generations, turning the show into a global phenomenon. While rewatching the series, the hosts use its themes as a springboard for broader conversations on women’s issues, relationships, parenting, sex, identity, and more, with warmth and humor. Teri and Andrea share insider insight and firsthand memories, while Emerson brings a fresh, modern perspective as she watches the full series for the first time.
- “Fake Doctors, Real Friends With Zach and Donald” (fall 2026 on Hulu): What’s long, tedious and boring? Surgery. What isn’t? This new podcast! Join Scrubs co-stars and real-life best friends Zach Braff and Donald Faison for a weekly comedy podcast where they relive the hit TV show, one episode at a time. Each week, these BFFs will discuss an episode of Scrubs, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and reminiscing on some of their favorite memories from filming. They’ll also connect with Scrubs super fans and feature beloved show cast members for exclusive interviews.
- “StraightioLab” (fall 2026 on Hulu): “StraightioLab” is an intellectual podcast where smart comedians George Civeris and Sam Taggart unpack the rich, multicolored tapestry of straight culture. Each episode investigates a different “straight topic,” from college fraternities and gender reveal parties to overhead lighting and themed restaurants. Over the last six years, George and Sam have welcomed countless superstar guests to the studio, toured the country, and been showered with accolades from once-prestigious magazines that have since made the switch to vertical video. Next stop? Winning the streaming wars once and for all.
- “Thanks Dad With Ego Nwodim” (fall 2026 on Hulu): Raised by a single mom, Ego Nwodim may have daddy issues, but she suspects she’s in good company. Ego has funny, heartfelt conversations with her guests about the good, the bad and the not-so-pretty that have shaped their trajectories and made them who they are.
