In an exciting turn of events, Bill Simmons is set to join the Netflix lineup sooner than expected! Fans won't have to wait until January to see him in action as he and his partner, "Cousin" Sal Iacono, will be featured on Netflix's pregame show ahead of their Christmas Day NFL doubleheader.
In the latest episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, available here, Simmons shared this thrilling news. This appearance comes just weeks before a new partnership kicks off between Netflix and Spotify, which will make video podcasts from The Ringer, including Simmons' own, exclusive to the streaming giant.
Simmons enthusiastically stated, "We’re popping on the Netflix pre-game show," revealing that they are filming a brief segment for the occasion. Cousin Sal chimed in, expressing his excitement, saying, "That’s gonna be fun!"
While specific details about the segment remain under wraps, it’s likely that it will touch on gambling, particularly given the matchups featuring the Dallas Cowboys against the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions versus the Minnesota Vikings. For those who have followed Simmons since his podcasting days began, predicting point spreads has been a cherished tradition, integral to his content both at ESPN and The Ringer.
Regardless of the segment's duration—Simmons himself hinted that it would be a short feature—this collaboration offers a glimpse into Netflix's strategic direction with its podcasting endeavors. This strategy isn't limited to The Ringer alone; Barstool Sports has also joined in, agreeing to feature video versions of popular shows like Pardon My Take and Spittin’ Chiclets behind Netflix’s paywall.
Could the Christmas Day appearance by Simmons and Cousin Sal set a precedent for future collaborations as Netflix seeks to enhance its live sports offerings? Only time will reveal the answer. In the meantime, fans can look forward to this special segment, adding a bit of extra excitement to what is shaping up to be a somewhat underwhelming lineup of games.
