iHeartMedia and CitizenSkull Team Up To Develop Premium Scripted Podcasts and Announce First-Look Deal

First show of the deal, a sci-fi podcast from best-selling comic book duo Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, set to launch this fall 

NEW YORK – April 23, 2026 – iHeartMedia, the leading audio media company in America, has entered into a multi-year first-look development deal on all projects developed by CitizenSkull, the companies announced today. The partnership establishes an ongoing, multi-project relationship focused on developing and producing premium scripted audio content in the elevated genre space, with a focus on sci-fi and horror, and an emphasis on franchise-ready intellectual property (IP).

The first project under the deal will be “Prodigal,” a sci-fi thriller created and written by New York Times bestselling comic book duo Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, set to release this fall. The pair are known for their work across Marvel and DC, where they have written titles including Batman Beyond, Captain America, and Kang the Conqueror, building a reputation for high-concept, character-driven storytelling.

“We built this partnership with iHeart to create elevated genre storytelling that doesn’t just live in audio, but has the potential to expand across platforms,” said Butler. “’Prodigal’ is exactly the type of bold, high-concept IP we want to bring to market—grounded in character but designed to scale.”

“The deal underscores iHeartMedia’s continued commitment to high-end scripted audio, aligning with top-tier creative talent to develop original IP with multiplatform franchise potential,” said Will Pearson, President, iHeartPodcasts.

The series will be showrun by Kevin Arbouet, whose work spans film, television, and audio, and who previously served as showrunner on THE MOVE: The Untold Story of an American Tragedy for Audible.

Executive producing for CitizenSkull are Sean M. Butler and Mark Myers, with Butler also serving as Producer. Paul Yurick of The Future Party co-produces alongside Butler, and Boye Akolade serves as co-executive producer. Butler has established a track record in premium audio and franchise-driven storytelling, having developed, sold and served as Executive Producer on the first iteration of the hit sports podcast All The Smoke, which was sold to Showtime, and serving as Executive Producer and Producer on THE MOVE: The Untold Story of an American Tragedy alongside Oscar-nominated studio MACRO, led by Charles King.

About CitizenSkull

CitizenSkull is a production and management company focused on developing premium content across film, television and audio, with an emphasis on distinctive voices and franchise-driven storytelling.

About iHeartMedia, Inc.

iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, with nine out of ten Americans listening to iHeart broadcast radio in every month. iHeart's broadcast radio assets alone have a larger audience in the U.S. than any other media outlet and over four times the ad-enabled audience of the largest digital only audio service. iHeart is the largest podcast publisher according to both Podtrac and Triton, with more downloads than the next two podcast publishers combined, has the most recognizable live events across all genres of music, has the number one social footprint among audio players, has the highest-reach and most engaged influencers, and is the only fully integrated audio ad tech solution across broadcast, streaming and podcasts. The company continues to leverage its strong audience connection and unparalleled consumer reach to build new platforms, products and services. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.