We're Back! With Brian Williams": A New Podcast Adventure on Netflix
Brian Williams, a former anchor for NBC News and MSNBC, is set to host a weekly podcast on Netflix called "We're Back! With Brian Williams." The podcast will feature extended interviews with pop culture figures and newsmakers in a relaxed setting. Williams, known for his traditional TV news background, will be one of the biggest names from that realm to join a major video streaming platform. He has been off TV since leaving MSNBC in 2021, where he anchored "The 11th Hour" and covered major breaking news events. Prior to that, Williams spent a decade as the anchor of "NBC Nightly News" before leaving due to false statements about his experiences during the Iraq war.
Williams previously tested the streaming waters by anchoring extended coverage of the 2024 presidential election on Amazon Prime Video, which was well-received and earned an Emmy. However, Amazon has not made any further commitments to live news programming. "We're Back!" is expected to showcase a more playful side of Williams, who has expressed a desire for more conversational and in-depth interviews with interesting and influential individuals. The podcast will be produced by Jonathan Wald, a veteran TV news executive who has worked with Williams in the past.
Netflix has been actively expanding its podcast offerings, with popular sports columnist Bill Simmons recently moving his podcasts to the platform as part of a deal with Spotify. Currently, Netflix hosts 51 video podcasts, indicating a strong push into the podcasting space. Williams is excited to bring his unique interviewing style to Netflix, aiming to have engaging conversations with a variety of guests. The platform provides the perfect home for his vision of creating a show reminiscent of the classic talk shows and podcasts that have inspired him throughout his career. "We're Back! With Brian Williams" is expected to debut later this year, offering viewers a new way to engage with the veteran journalist and his guests.