Amazon’s Wondery has entered an exclusive distribution and ad-sales deal for the popular podcast, Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard.
As part of the deal, Wondery and Armchair Expert will co-develop and produce two new podcasts and one livestream a year. Wondery will also have a first-look option for any additional new podcasts created by Dax Shepard.
Starting on 1 September, the deal includes rights to the podcast’s full back catalogue of content, distribution rights to RSS feed, launch video episodes for the first time, as well as rights to create translated versions of the podcast for Wondery’s global audience.
In addition, new episodes of will be available one week early and ad-free on Wondery+ exclusively for subscribers, prior to going wide. Wondery will also have exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and sell all Armchair Expert merchandise.
“I could not be more excited about making Wondery our home,” said Dax Shepard. “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.”
Now in its seventh year, Armchair Expert has featured more than 600 in-depth interviews with celebrities, artists, authors, scientists and global thought leaders.
Under the Armchair Umbrella NetworkDax, Shepard and co-host Monica Padman have three weekly shows, with celebrities on Monday, experts on Thursday, and an interactive call-in show for “Armcherry” listeners and fans each Friday.
The award-winning podcast launched in 2018 and has consistently topped the Apple Comedy Podcast chart and has remained one of the most listened to podcasts overall in the US and around the world.
Previous guests include former President Barack Obama, Prince Harry, Hillary Clinton, Trevor Noah, Stacey Abrams, Bill Gates, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Jason Bateman, and frequent guest Kristen Bell. The podcast has been featured in The New Yorker, Vogue, Vanity Fair, The New York Times, Vulture and more.
Jen Sargent, CEO of Wondery said: “Armchair Expert consistently delivers relatable, thought-provoking and entertaining social commentary based on shared human experiences and interests from the most recognisable 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.
“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.”