Netflix’s Christmas Day NFL Games Attract Record Viewership and Star Power

On Christmas Day, Netflix averaged 24 million viewers for NFL games, featuring Beyoncé’s halftime performance. The event marked Netflix’s debut in live sports broadcasts and drew interest from over 200 countries. This successful day highlighted the importance of celebrity appearances to enhance viewership and showcased a new era for streaming sports.

On Christmas Day, Netflix made a splash by streaming NFL games that drew an impressive average of 24 million viewers in the U.S. The event, which kicked off with the Kansas City Chiefs versus the Pittsburgh Steelers, followed by the Baltimore Ravens against the Houston Texans, included a halftime performance by Beyoncé. Her set peaked viewership at 27 million, contributing to a historic day for both Netflix and the NFL as they marked their new partnership in live sports broadcasting.

The Kansas City Chiefs triumphed over the Steelers with a score of 29-10, while the Ravens steamrolled the Texans, ending 31-2. Netflix’s early coverage included a pregame show, and the network’s stats depicted a record-breaking interest, with one-third of its global subscribers watching the games at one point. Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s chief content officer, celebrated the success, appreciating their collaboration with the NFL and the star performances of Beyoncé and Mariah Carey.

While Netflix was hosting a football frenzy, the NBA also shone on Christmas, registering its highest viewership in five years with an average of 5.25 million viewers across five games. LeBron James’s Lakers secured attention with a thrilling win over the Warriors, which peaked at 8.2 million viewers. Given the success of both leagues, Christmas Day 2023 became a highlight reel of sports entertainment.

Continuing its foray into live sports, Netflix’s NFL Christmas event is part of a strategic deal worth $150 million to host Christmas Day games for three years. This collaboration not only increases viewership access globally but also enriches the NFL’s audience pool by streaming games to over 200 countries. The excitement reverberated around social media, showcasing Netflix’s capabilities in live coverage without technical hiccups.

Ultimately, Netflix’s foray into live sports reflects a shift in their business model as they navigate the changing tides of streaming content. The NFL’s investment in making football popular across various global markets aligns with Netflix’s objectives, ensuring football fans worldwide can enjoy exciting NFL matchups and performances.

The article highlights Netflix’s significant achievement in streaming NFL games on Christmas Day, marking its debut as a live sports partner. It reflects on the numbers drawn by both games while emphasizing the importance of celebrity performances integrated into the broadcast to attract viewers. By providing a glimpse into the potential of streaming platforms in live sports, the article sets the stage for future developments and collaborations in the realm of sports entertainment.

In summary, Netflix’s Christmas Day NFL event was a massive success, averaging 24 million viewers and showcasing the potential for streaming services to host live sports. The strategic partnership with the NFL underscores a future where fans can enjoy high-quality sports broadcasts from anywhere. With innovative programming and star-studded performances, Netflix is poised to reshape the landscape of sports entertainment in the streaming era.

Original Source: variety.com