New York: In recent months one of the pop-culture podcast world’s most talked-about shows, BFFs, has announced major changes — prompting media speculation that the show is either ending or undergoing a full refresh. Host departures, shifting priorities and internal decisions have all contributed. Here’s what we know so far, and what it means for the podcast’s future.
The Rise of BFFs
Launched in 2020, the podcast BFFs brought together hosts Josh Richards and Dave Portnoy to dive into pop culture, social media trends, and the lives of young creators. Before long they were joined by Brianna LaPaglia (also known as “Chickenfry”) in order to broaden the viewpoint and bring in a female perspective.
The show grew rapidly in popularity with a younger audience, tapping into TikTok drama, influencer culture, and the unfiltered banter that appeals to Gen Z and millennials alike.
Must Read: Ted Danson Podcast: Reddit, Spotify, Apple & YouTube Podcast
What’s Changing: Portnoy’s Departure
The first major signal of change came when Dave Portnoy announced he would be leaving the show by year’s end. In a November 2024 episode he said that just because he’s “getting older, like nearing 50,” the subject matter of talking about “teenage drama … is a little out of my wheelhouse now.” He added that going forward Josh and Brianna would continue the podcast while he looked to “try the next thing.”
Media coverage described the decision as part of a natural evolution: the show achieved what Portnoy had set out to do, and it was time for a new chapter. For fans of the show, this marked the end of one era and the beginning of another — whether that means a complete shutdown or a reimagined format.
External Pressures & Personal Turmoil
The timing of the announcement also lines up with personal and professional turbulence among the hosts. Brianna LaPaglia’s relationship with country singer Zach Bryan became a highly publicised breakup, with LaPaglia alleging emotional abuse and discussing it on the show. She later took a break from the podcast to prioritise her mental health, announcing that she was “having a very hard time” following the split and would be stepping back temporarily.
These off-mic matters created inevitable ripple effects inside the podcast structure: the hosts were dealing with high-pressure personal stories, intense public scrutiny, and internal shifts in focus. That combination frequently leads to a reassessment of show direction.
Why Some Interpret It as “Ending”
While the show hasn’t necessarily declared an outright end (at least publicly), many in the podcast world view this as the effective close of the current BFFs format. Here’s why:
- The departure of a founding host signals a structural shift. With Portnoy gone, the chemistry and identity of the show will inevitably change.
- LaPaglia’s temporary departure and mental-health break suggest the hosts are reconsidering pace, content and intended audience.
- Statements from the hosts indicate the next phase will be “very different.” According to Wikipedia, after Portnoy’s exit the next episode in 2025 dropped with Josh and Brianna only.
Hence, it’s not simply a new season: it’s a new version of the show. For many listeners and observers, that means the “old” BFFs is ending, making way for something new.
What Will Be Different Going Forward?
From the information available, we can anticipate several changes:
- Hosting dynamic: With Portnoy departing, the spotlight shifts to Josh Richards and Brianna LaPaglia as the primary hosts. They’ve stated that they will record more in-person episodes and bring on more guest stars.
- Content focus: Portnoy’s candid remarks suggest that the older host wants out of discussions around influencer-content and teen drama. The implication is that the show will pivot slightly—perhaps toward matured topics, broader culture commentary and a slightly older demographic.
- Format refresh: When a major host leaves and another takes over, it is a chance to refresh branding, structure (e.g., new segments, guest formats), and possibly release rhythm.
- Audience positioning: Given LaPaglia’s openness about personal issues and the show’s increased willingness to tackle serious matters (rather than just surface-level trending content), the audience may expect more depth and vulnerability rather than only hot-topic banter.
What This Means for the Podcast Landscape
The changes at BFFs reflect a broader trend in podcasting: shows evolve or end when either audience expectations shift, hosts’ priorities change, or the cultural moment passes. Podcasts built on influencer culture and trending topics sometimes struggle to sustain in the long term because the “fast-moving” nature of that world demands constant reinvention.
Moreover, when a founding personality (in this case Portnoy) leaves, many listeners see it as the final beat of the original version of the show. That doesn’t mean the brand disappears—but the chapter closes. For podcast producers and creators, this offers a reminder: continually evaluate your show’s purpose, target audience, and whether the hosts are aligned with the format long term.
What’s Next for BFFs?
While there is no formal announcement that BFFs is permanently ending, the signals are strong that the podcast is entering a new phase. Hosts Josh Richards and Brianna LaPaglia have the reins and have hinted at a “very different” version of the show. Fans should expect changes in tone, guest selection, and perhaps release frequency.
For loyal listeners of the original format—characterised by youthful banter, trending topics and the dynamic between Portnoy, Richards and LaPaglia—this may feel like the end of an era. For new listeners, it may mark a fresh beginning: a version of BFFs that is more mature, guest-driven and reflective.
Must Read: Why Andrew Schulz & Charlamagne’s Tha God’s Politics and Comedy Podcast Misses the Mark
Every podcast has a life cycle. The rise of BFFs was rapid, tapping into the zeitgeist of social media culture, influencer drama and youth-oriented conversation. But as hosts age, priorities shift, and the cultural lens changes, even successful shows must evolve—or end.
In this case, the departure of Dave Portnoy, personal headwinds for Brianna LaPaglia, and the natural wear of the format all contributed to the decision to pivot the show. Whether you view it as the end of BFFs or the rebirth of a new version, one thing is clear: change is happening.
For now, fans should keep an eye on the show’s announcements. The upcoming episodes may reveal exactly how different the next iteration will be. And for many in podcasting, the story of BFFs serves as a case study in how to both build and gracefully evolve—or close—a popular show.
