Netflix is embarking on a high-stakes Christmas Day programming venture, featuring two NFL games and a Beyoncé halftime performance, in a bid to establish its live streaming capabilities after a previous technical hiccup. The streaming giant will broadcast the Kansas City Chiefs versus Pittsburgh Steelers game followed by the Baltimore Ravens against the Houston Texans, offering the games globally in five languages. This ambitious undertaking aims to showcase Netflix’s commitment to live sports and entertainment, but it comes with the added pressure of avoiding the technical glitches that plagued its stream of the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight. The success of this Christmas Day venture could be pivotal in determining Netflix’s future in live broadcasting.
The day’s programming will commence with a pregame show at 11 a.m. EST, featuring comedians Bert Kreischer and Nate Bargatze, followed by a performance by Mariah Carey singing her holiday classic, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” The Chiefs and Steelers will kick off at 1 p.m. EST, with the Ravens and Texans game following at 4:30 p.m. EST. Beyoncé is scheduled to perform during halftime of the second game. The games will be available for replay up to three hours after the live stream concludes in the U.S. and up to 24 hours internationally. This full day of programming is designed to attract a wide audience and solidify Netflix’s position as a comprehensive entertainment platform.
Netflix’s foray into live sports streaming began with the Tyson-Paul fight, which, despite attracting over 60 million viewers, was marred by technical difficulties. The streaming service faced significant criticism for the glitches, buffering, and freezing that disrupted viewers’ experience. This Christmas Day broadcast presents a crucial opportunity for Netflix to redeem itself and demonstrate its ability to handle the demands of live streaming, particularly for high-profile sporting events. The company has stated that it has made significant improvements to its infrastructure and protocols, emphasizing its preparedness for the NFL games.
The decision to schedule NFL games on Christmas Day has drawn criticism from various quarters. Players, including Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce of the Chiefs, have voiced concerns about the demanding schedule, with three games in 11 days posing physical challenges. Commentators, such as Chris Russo, have questioned the viewership potential on a day traditionally reserved for family activities. Furthermore, Bomani Jones has criticized the NFL for encroaching on the NBA’s established Christmas Day tradition, suggesting it could dilute the basketball league’s holiday viewership. These criticisms underscore the inherent risks associated with scheduling NFL games on a day typically reserved for other traditions.
Adding to the intrigue surrounding the Christmas Day broadcast is Beyoncé’s halftime performance. While the exact setlist remains under wraps, Netflix has confirmed she will perform songs from her latest album, “Cowboy Carter,” alongside undisclosed special guests featured on the album. This performance comes amidst a lawsuit naming her husband, Jay-Z, in an alleged sexual assault case, though the NFL has stated this will not affect their professional relationship. Jay-Z’s company, Roc Nation, is not listed as a producer of the halftime show, leaving Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment and Jesse Collins Entertainment at the helm.
This Christmas Day venture represents a significant gamble for Netflix. The streaming giant is staking its reputation on a seamless live broadcast experience while navigating the complexities of scheduling games on a major holiday and managing the publicity surrounding Beyoncé’s performance amidst her husband’s legal troubles. The success of this endeavor could significantly impact Netflix’s future in live sports and entertainment, marking either a triumphant entry into a new arena or a setback that reinforces doubts about its live streaming capabilities. The pressure is on for Netflix to deliver a glitch-free Christmas miracle.
