Netflix is set to embark on a significant live streaming venture this Christmas Day, showcasing two NFL games and a star-studded musical performance by Beyoncé. This move represents a bold step for the streaming giant as it delves deeper into live programming, aiming to overcome past technical challenges and establish itself as a viable platform for live sports and entertainment. The Christmas Day lineup includes a pregame show featuring comedians Bert Kreischer and Nate Bargatze, a performance by Mariah Carey, and the highly anticipated halftime show by Beyoncé. This programming strategy highlights Netflix’s ambition to create a comprehensive entertainment experience, catering to a diverse audience with a blend of sports, comedy, and music.
The two NFL matchups feature the Kansas City Chiefs against the Pittsburgh Steelers, followed by the Baltimore Ravens versus the Houston Texans. These games will be available to stream globally in five languages, underscoring Netflix’s global reach and its intention to make this event accessible to a wide international audience. The streaming availability extends for three hours post-livestream in the U.S. and up to 24 hours internationally, offering viewers flexibility in catching the action. The Chiefs enter their game as favorites against the Steelers, while the Ravens are similarly favored against the Texans, setting the stage for potentially compelling contests.
Beyoncé’s halftime performance is expected to be a major draw, with the singer set to perform songs from her latest album, “Renaissance” (previously misstated as “Cowboy Carter”). While the exact setlist and guest appearances remain under wraps, the inclusion of special guests from the album adds an element of surprise and anticipation to the performance. The duration of the performance remains undisclosed, despite previous rumors. Mariah Carey’s performance of her holiday classic, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” adds another layer of festive cheer to the day’s programming.
Netflix’s foray into live programming has been marked by both ambition and challenges. The streaming service’s previous attempts, including a Chris Rock comedy special and a “Love is Blind” reunion, encountered technical difficulties that delayed broadcasts and frustrated viewers. The recent Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight, while attracting a significant audience, was plagued by glitches and buffering issues, raising concerns about Netflix’s ability to handle live streaming, particularly high-profile events like the NFL games. Netflix has acknowledged these past issues and claims to have implemented improvements to their infrastructure, including adjustments to content delivery, encoding, and streaming protocols, in anticipation of the Christmas Day games.
The scheduling of these NFL games on Christmas Day has drawn criticism from various quarters, including NFL players and commentators. Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce have voiced concerns about the tight turnaround between games, citing the physical toll it takes on players. The compressed schedule requires the Chiefs to play three games in just 11 days, a demanding feat even for elite athletes. Broadcaster Chris Russo questioned the practicality of airing NFL games on Christmas afternoon, traditionally a time for family gatherings, suggesting it might not align with viewers’ priorities. Bomani Jones, a sports podcast host, criticized the NFL’s increasing emphasis on Christmas Day games, arguing that it encroaches on the NBA’s established tradition of holding games on Christmas.
Adding another layer to the narrative is a recent lawsuit naming Beyoncé’s husband, Jay-Z, and Sean “Diddy” Combs, alleging sexual assault of a minor in 2000. While the NFL has stated that this lawsuit won’t affect their relationship with Jay-Z, who serves as the league’s live music entertainment strategist, it adds a layer of complexity to the backdrop of Beyoncé’s performance. It’s noteworthy that Jay-Z’s entertainment company, Roc Nation, is not involved in producing Beyoncé’s halftime show, with Parkwood Entertainment and Jesse Collins Entertainment taking the lead instead. This Christmas Day venture represents a significant test for Netflix as it strives to prove its capabilities in live streaming and carve out a space in the competitive landscape of live sports and entertainment broadcasting. The success of these broadcasts will be closely scrutinized, with implications for Netflix’s future ambitions in the live programming arena.
