Gary Lineker takes on an exciting new role in a brand-new sport thanks to a deal with Netflix.
Gary Lineker is diving into the world of darts after making a new deal with Netflix to keep broadcasting his podcast, ‘The Rest Is Football.’
He hosts the show with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, and it will be back on Netflix for the 2026/27 season, covering the Premier League and Champions League.
The podcast used to be posted daily on YouTube when Lineker was still presenting Match of the Day, but now, thanks to the Netflix deal, it will air twice a week on Mondays and Fridays.
Lineker co-founded the production company Goalhanger in 2014. This company also creates other podcasts like The Rest Is Politics, hosted by Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart, and The Rest Is Entertainment, led by Richard Osman and Marina Hyde.
While Lineker doesn’t appear on those other shows, he will team up with author and former Pointless co-host Richard Osman to host a new darts-themed show on Netflix.
The show, called ‘Beat Luke Littler,’ will be a one-time live event where 20 players from around the country try to beat Luke Littler, the two-time world darts champion, in a single leg of 501.
If someone beats Littler in that leg, they have a chance to win £501,000 in prize money. The show will air on Netflix on October 30, with Osman acting as the expert analyst, breaking down the stats and gameplay in real time.
Lineker said, “I’m excited to work more with Netflix after a great time with The Rest Is Football at the World Cup. Beat Luke Littler is just the kind of live, unpredictable event that really gets me pumped – I can’t wait to see who’s ready to take on the challenge.”
The show was first announced on social media in July, with Littler appearing in the promo videos.
Littler said, “Everyone thinks they can beat me. Now’s their chance to prove it.”
Fans over 18 who have never been a PDC Tour Card holder can sign up to compete against Littler, though big names like Phil Taylor won’t be eligible.
Darts fans have often wanted a Royal Rumble-style event, inspired by WWE. The idea is that two players face off in a single leg of 501, with the winner staying on. Then a surprise new player comes in for the next leg, and this keeps going until all competitors have played and a winner is crowned.
In January, MODUS Super Series held a Royal Rumble event with 12 players, including stars like Steve Beaton, Richie Burnett, and Devon Petersen.
Swedish player Andreas Harrysson won that event, but PDC Tour Card holders couldn’t take part due to their contracts.