In a significant expansion of their media footprint, comedians Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers have officially signed a multi-year renewal deal with iHeartMedia to continue their critically acclaimed podcast, Las Culturistas. The agreement, which ensures the program’s long-term future on the iHeartPodcast Network, comes at a pivotal moment for both hosts as they celebrate the 10th anniversary of the show’s debut. This high-profile extension is further bolstered by the continued involvement of Saturday Night Live legend Will Ferrell, whose Big Money Players Podcast Network will remain as the executive producer for the series.
The renewal serves as a cornerstone for iHeartMedia’s comedy division, solidifying Las Culturistas as one of the most influential digital properties in contemporary pop culture. Since its inception in 2016, the podcast has evolved from a niche comedy project into a mainstream cultural phenomenon that dictates trends, analyzes entertainment media with surgical precision, and provides a platform for some of the biggest names in the global entertainment industry.
The Evolution of Las Culturistas: A Decade of Influence
The timing of the renewal coincides with the podcast’s 10th anniversary, a rare milestone in the rapidly shifting landscape of digital media. To commemorate a decade of "culturista" history, Yang and Rogers are set to release a landmark anniversary special featuring Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman. This guest appearance is emblematic of the show’s trajectory; what began as a conversation between two friends has transformed into a mandatory stop on the press tours of A-list celebrities and political figures.
Over the last ten years, Las Culturistas has cultivated a dedicated fanbase—affectionately categorized by the hosts into "Readers," "Publicists," "Finalists," and "Kayteighs"—who tune in weekly for the hosts’ unique brand of cultural critique. The show is perhaps best known for its "I Don’t Think So, Honey!" segment, a fast-paced, one-minute comedic rant against a specific cultural grievance. This segment has become so popular that it has spawned live touring shows and a televised awards ceremony, proving the intellectual property’s versatility across different media formats.
The podcast’s ability to attract high-caliber guests has been a key factor in its commercial success. Previous episodes have featured former First Lady Michelle Obama, pop icon Lady Gaga, and television veteran Jennifer Aniston. By blending deep-dive interviews with absurdist humor and "the rules of culture," Yang and Rogers have created a format that bridges the gap between traditional talk shows and modern digital commentary.
Strategic Timing Following Bowen Yang’s SNL Departure
The multi-year deal arrives just three months after Bowen Yang’s high-profile departure from Saturday Night Live (SNL). Yang, who joined the venerable NBC sketch series as a writer in 2018 before being promoted to the cast in 2019, made a surprise early exit from the show on December 20, 2025. During his tenure at SNL, Yang broke numerous barriers, becoming the first Chinese-American cast member and earning multiple Emmy nominations for his performances.
His exit from 30 Rockefeller Plaza was initially met with speculation regarding his next career moves. However, this renewal with iHeartMedia suggests a strategic pivot toward independent content creation and the expansion of the "Las Culturistas" brand. For Yang, the podcast provides a direct channel to his audience, free from the constraints of network television sketch comedy. It also allows him to maintain a powerful presence in the industry while pursuing film and television projects that align with the cultural commentary he has championed for a decade.
Matt Rogers has similarly seen his star rise during the podcast’s run. With successful ventures such as the film Fire Island, the Showtime series I Love That for You, and his musical comedy specials, Rogers has established himself as a multifaceted entertainer. The podcast remains the central hub for his creative partnership with Yang, serving as a laboratory for the comedic chemistry that has defined their careers.
The Role of Will Ferrell and Big Money Players
A critical component of the deal is the continued partnership with Will Ferrell and his Big Money Players Podcast Network (BMP). Launched as a joint venture between Ferrell and iHeartMedia, BMP was designed to identify and amplify the most innovative voices in comedy. By serving as executive producer, Ferrell provides the show with both institutional support and the prestige of one of comedy’s most enduring legacies.
In a statement released via Variety, Ferrell expressed his enthusiasm for the continued partnership, utilizing the podcast’s own vernacular to praise the hosts. “I don’t think so Honey? Well I DO think so!” Ferrell remarked. “To say we are honored to have this partnership renewed is an understatement. Bowen and Matt have created through hard work and their brilliance, a podcast that continues to entertain, through humor and inclusion, a massive, ever-growing audience. They are two of the funniest people ever and dare I say it… great Americans!”
Ferrell’s endorsement underscores the industry’s recognition of Yang and Rogers as the vanguard of a new generation of comedians. The collaboration between the SNL veteran and the newer icons of the digital age represents a passing of the torch, as the mechanics of fame shift from linear television to podcasting and social media.
Expanding the Franchise: From Audio to Bravo
The renewal also reflects the success of the hosts’ efforts to expand the Las Culturistas brand beyond the audio format. Last year, the duo hosted the Las Culturistas Culture Awards, an event that was televised on Bravo. This move was a significant milestone, as it brought the podcast’s internal lore and niche comedic style to a broader cable television audience.
The Culture Awards served as a parody of traditional Hollywood awards shows while simultaneously acting as a legitimate celebration of the year’s cultural highlights. By securing a partnership with Bravo, a network synonymous with high-energy reality television and a dedicated fan base, Yang and Rogers demonstrated that their "culturista" philosophy has significant commercial crossover appeal. The success of this televised event likely played a role in the favorable terms of their new multi-year contract with iHeartMedia, as it proved the brand could sustain multiple revenue streams.
Industry Implications and the Growth of Podcasting
The multi-year nature of the deal highlights the continued robustness of the podcasting industry, even as other sectors of digital media face volatility. For iHeartMedia, retaining top-tier talent like Yang and Rogers is essential for maintaining its dominant position in the audio market. According to industry data, comedy remains one of the most-consumed podcast genres, and "personality-driven" shows like Las Culturistas benefit from high listener loyalty, which translates into premium advertising rates.
The deal also reflects a broader trend where established entertainers are prioritizing their own platforms. In the current media landscape, a successful podcast can offer more stability and creative freedom than a traditional sitcom or variety show. For Yang and Rogers, the podcast is not a side project; it is the engine that drives their individual brands and allows them to navigate the entertainment industry on their own terms.
In their joint statement regarding the renewal, the hosts maintained their trademark wit while acknowledging the significance of the partnership. “We couldn’t be happier to continue Las Culturistas alongside our friends at iHeart and Big Money Players,” the hosts stated. They added, with a satirical nod to the medium’s ubiquity: “Hopefully people start spreading the word about podcasts, a medium with a lot of potential.”
Chronology of Key Events
The journey to this multi-year renewal can be traced through several defining moments in the hosts’ careers:
- 2016: Las Culturistas launches, establishing the "Rules of Culture" and the "I Don’t Think So, Honey!" segment.
- 2018: Bowen Yang joins the writing staff of Saturday Night Live.
- 2019: Yang is promoted to the SNL cast; the podcast experiences a surge in listenership.
- 2020-2022: The podcast signs with iHeartMedia and Will Ferrell’s Big Money Players; guests like Michelle Obama and Lady Gaga appear.
- 2023: The inaugural Las Culturistas Culture Awards airs on Bravo, marking a successful transition to television.
- December 20, 2025: Bowen Yang officially exits Saturday Night Live after seven seasons.
- March 2026: iHeartMedia announces a multi-year renewal deal as the podcast celebrates its 10th anniversary with a Nicole Kidman special.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Culture
As Las Culturistas enters its second decade, the focus remains on the hosts’ ability to adapt to an ever-changing cultural landscape. The inclusion of Nicole Kidman in the anniversary special suggests that the show will continue to pursue high-profile interviews that dissect the nature of stardom and artistry.
Furthermore, the stability provided by a multi-year deal allows Yang and Rogers to experiment with new formats, potentially including more live events, international tours, or further collaborations with the Bravo network. For the "Finalists" and "Publicists" who have followed the show since its inception, the renewal is a validation of the hosts’ vision and a promise of many more hours of cultural analysis, comedic rants, and the relentless pursuit of what truly matters in the world of entertainment.
The partnership between iHeartMedia, Big Money Players, and the duo of Yang and Rogers stands as a testament to the power of authentic voice in the digital age. As the podcasting industry continues to mature, Las Culturistas remains a primary example of how digital-first content can achieve the longevity and influence once reserved for traditional broadcast media.
