Brian Williams To Host Podcast Series For Netflix

Brian Williams will host a podcast series for Netflix, set to debut later this year.

The former MSNBC host and NBC News anchor has been largely absent from media platforms since he exited the news channel at the end of 2021. He did anchor 2024 election night coverage for Amazon Prime, an effort by the streamer to distinguish itself from traditional outlets. Williams won an Emmy for the special.

We’re Back! With Brian Williams will feature interviews with celebrity figures and others, expanding Netflix’s podcast fare.

In a statement, Williams said, “With scientists predicting that every American will have a podcast by 2030, I thought it was time to get in the game. After 40 years in the news business, where an in-depth interview gets 4 minutes of airtime at best, I just want to have interesting conversations with creative, funny, smart, talented, and consequential people — like the shows we all grew up watching and listening to. Netflix is the perfect home.” The Los Angeles Times first reported on Williams’ new venture.

Williams gained a following with his MSNBC show The 11th Hour, in which he talked of the news of the day with journalists and pundits, usually with a sardonic wit that is more in keeping with the time slot. MSNBC continued the show with Stephanie Ruhle and, after its rebranding as MS NOW, Ali Velshi.

Jonathan Wald, who worked with Williams at NBC News and oversaw Amazon’e election night special, will serve as executive producer.