Netflix's ambitious move into live sports broadcasting hit a significant hurdle on Christmas Day, as its coverage of two NFL fixtures was met with a wave of criticism from disgruntled fans. The streaming giant, which secured a three-year deal for Christmas games in May 2023, aired the clashes between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders, followed by the Detroit Lions versus Minnesota Vikings.
A Star-Studded Lineup Fails to Impress
Despite assembling a high-profile presenting team, the broadcast quickly alienated its audience. Fan favourite Kay Adams led a studio panel featuring former stars like Michael Irvin, Austin Ekeler, and Jason McCourty. Commentary for the early game came from Ian Eagle, Nate Burleson, and Matt Ryan, with Noah Eagle and Drew Brees handling the later matchup.
However, the decision to continuously interrupt live game action with impromptu video interviews became the central point of contention. Viewers saw the broadcast cut away to former NFL greats such as Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders, and Cris Carter, who called in during crucial moments of play.
Viewer Backlash Erupts on Social Media
The reaction on social media platform X was swift and overwhelmingly negative. Fans lambasted the production choices, labelling the experience frustrating and poorly executed.
"These former player Zoom interviews while game is being played are a terrible idea," wrote one furious viewer, capturing the sentiment of many. Another criticised the overall quality, stating, "These Netflix NFL broadcasts are amateurish. The in-game-interviews are a disaster. The scorebug looks like it was made by cheap AI."
Further complaints highlighted confusion over non-traditional analysis, with one post asking, "And why the f*** is a wrestler giving me football analysis at halftime?" in reference to an appearance by WWE star Seth Rollins. The core grievance was summarised by a fan who stated, "I want to watch the game... this is a football game not remember the past."
Broader Concerns Over Streaming Rights
The backlash extended beyond Netflix's production, with some fans blaming the NFL itself for granting broadcast rights to the platform. "Hey @NFL stop selling games to @netflix. They can't handle it. The stream is absolutely trash," one user demanded. Another called the move "the opposite of customer-focused."
This year's broadcast marked Netflix's second venture into NFL games after its inaugural airing on the holiday in 2023. The negative reception poses a significant challenge for the streaming service as it seeks to establish itself as a credible home for major live sports events, suggesting that securing premium rights is only the first step in winning over a dedicated and vocal fanbase.
