SAG-AFTRA Signs Netflix Deal Covering Pete Davidson Podcast

Netflix released The Pete Davidson Show on January 30, a talk show hosted by the former Saturday Night Live star that mixes podcast and TV elements. SAG-AFTRA, the union for actors and media professionals, has now signed an agreement with Netflix that covers this production as a video podcast. The deal comes as streaming platforms expand into new formats, and it ensures union protections for those involved.

Background

Pete Davidson built his name on Saturday Night Live with sharp comedy and personal stories. After leaving the show, he moved into films, stand-up, and now this Netflix project. The show debuted last month with guests and casual chats in a studio setup that feels part TV program, part podcast. Netflix calls it a video podcast, which sets it apart from traditional series.

SAG-AFTRA has long worked to cover members in shifting media landscapes. The union represents over 160,000 performers in TV, film, and digital content. In recent years, it has pushed for contracts with streamers like Netflix to match the old studio deals. This agreement follows talks that wrapped up with the union's national board giving strong approval. It builds on past Netflix pacts from 2022, which added benefits after tough negotiations.

The union's efforts trace back to changes in how content gets made. Podcasts with video have boomed, especially on platforms like Netflix and YouTube. Performers in these shows often lack the same safeguards as in scripted series, such as fair pay, residuals, or safety rules. SAG-AFTRA stepped in with new podcast contracts last year to fill that gap, making it easier for smaller productions to sign on while protecting workers.

Netflix has been a key player in these talks. The streamer invests heavily in original content, from series to specials. Deals like this one help it hire union talent without strikes or delays. For Pete Davidson's show, the classification matters because it determines contract terms, from auditions to overtime.

Key Details

The agreement labels The Pete Davidson Show as a video podcast under SAG-AFTRA rules. This means cast and crew get union standards for pay, hours, and working conditions. Background actors, a big part of talk shows, gain from updated zones, like a new one in Albuquerque for location shoots.

Gains for Performers

Background performers see better pay scales and travel support. Stunt coordinators get stronger protections in contracts, important for any physical bits in comedy segments. Spanish-language dubbing artists now have wider coverage, opening doors for more work on Netflix titles.

Exclusivity rules have changed too. Series regulars on Netflix shows face new options clauses that limit how long they can be tied up. This gives actors more freedom to take other jobs. The union highlighted these points in member updates, stressing how they fix old industry issues.

"As a member, it was enlightening to see how strategically [the union] fights on behalf of our members. It was a treat to see how much thought, effort, conversation and research goes into these negotiations." – Ben Whitehair, SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President

Negotiators like Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the national executive director, led the talks. They joined forces with contracts officers Ray Rodriguez and Beth Millman. The team broke down the deal in podcasts and webinars for members, covering everything from residuals to AI protections in other contracts.

The Pete Davidson Show fits into this because it uses union talent in hosting, guests, and support roles. Debuting on January 30, it has aired several episodes with celebrities dropping by for talks. The format relies on live-feel energy, much like Davidson's stand-up roots.

SAG-AFTRA's podcast push started with low-budget options last year. Producers of shows like Macaw praised the flexibility. This Netflix deal scales that up for a high-profile release, setting a model for others.

What This Means

This agreement smooths production for Netflix shows like Pete Davidson's. It avoids labor disputes, letting the streamer focus on content. For actors, it means steadier protections across podcast-style work, which is growing fast.

Union members vote on ratification, a step that follows board approval. Past deals passed with strong yes votes, pointing to support here. Broader talks with studios like AMPTP are underway for 2026 contracts, with media blackout rules in place.

Performers in dubbing and stunts benefit right away. Background actors in new zones get local hiring boosts. For talk shows, this covers improv and audience bits under union eyes.

The deal reflects streaming's rise. Netflix now competes with broadcast TV, pulling in stars like Davidson. Union coverage ensures fair shares from global views.

Davidson's show could run longer if popular. Guests might include SNL alums or new faces, all under these terms. It tests how video podcasts evolve into mainstay entertainment.

SAG-AFTRA keeps negotiating on commercials, animation, and influencers. Each win builds use for the next round. This Netflix pact shows progress in covering hybrid formats that blur lines between TV and online.

Workers in the industry gain confidence knowing contracts adapt to change. Productions move faster without gaps in coverage. As more shows launch, expect similar deals to follow.

The union's education efforts, like primers and panels, keep members informed. Leaders like Ben Whitehair and Michelle Hurd host sessions on details. This transparency helps build trust in the process.