Netflix Scores Big with record-Breaking Christmas Day NFL Games and Beyoncé Halftime Show
The holiday season brought a surge in viewership for Netflix, as the streaming giant’s inaugural Christmas Gameday event shattered records. According to Nielsen data, nearly 65 million unique U.S. viewers tuned in to watch the two NFL matchups, making it the most-watched day for NFL streaming in history.
The event featured two thrilling games: the Kansas City Chiefs dominating the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-10, and the Baltimore Ravens crushing the Houston texans 31-2.Each game averaged over 24 million viewers, with the Ravens-Texans game drawing a peak audience of 27 million during Beyoncé’s electrifying halftime performance, dubbed the Beyoncé Bowl.
This historic event marked the beginning of a three-year partnership between Netflix and the NFL, which will see two Christmas gameday games streamed annually on the platform for a hefty $150 million per year.
“We are thrilled with the success of our first Christmas Gameday on Netflix,” said Hans Schroeder,NFL executive vice president of media. “Fans around the world were able to witness some of the league’s biggest stars, along with an unforgettable performance from Beyoncé, making it a truly historic day for the NFL.”
Adding to the star power, singer Mariah Carey also graced the pre-game show, further amplifying the excitement surrounding the event.
Netflix’s chief content officer, Bela Bajaria, expressed her delight, stating, “Giving our members this record-breaking day with two NFL games was the best Christmas gift we could have given them. We are grateful for our partnership with the NFL, all of our talented entertainers, and of course, the unbelievable Beyoncé and Mariah Carey.”
The Beyoncé bowl generated significant buzz on social media, with the hashtag #BeyonceBowl trending globally on X (formerly Twitter) as soon as her performance began.
Netflix plans to release comprehensive global audience data and additional U.S. viewership information on December 31st, providing a clearer picture of the event’s global reach.
The success of christmas Gameday highlights the growing influence of streaming platforms in the world of sports broadcasting. This partnership between Netflix and the NFL represents a significant shift in how audiences consume sports and entertainment, potentially paving the way for even more innovative collaborations in the future.
Touchdown for Streaming! A Conversation with Coach Mike Smith
Welcome back, sports fans! Today we have a real treat: Coach Mike Smith, former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, joins us to share his thoughts on the groundbreaking “Christmas Gameday” event on Netflix.Coach Smith,welcome to the show!
Coach Smith: Thanks for having me. It’s great to be here.
Moderator:
First off, let’s talk about the elephant in the room, Coach. 65 million viewers tuned in to watch two Christmas Day NFL games on Netflix! What are your thoughts on this massive leap into the world of streaming for the NFL?
Coach Smith: Honestly, I think it’s smart. The NFL has always been about reaching new audiences, and streaming platforms like Netflix offer the potential to connect with millions of people, especially younger generations who might not be glued to traditional television. Coudl it change the landscape of how we consume football? Absolutely.
Moderator:
Some argue that watching games on a laptop or phone just doesn’t capture the same feeling as being in the stadium or sitting in front of a big screen TV. Do you think that aspect of the game experience is lost in the streaming world?
coach Smith: That’s a fair point. There’s something special about the communal experience of watching a game with friends and family, the sound of the crowd, the energy in the stadium. But, technology is constantly evolving, and streaming platforms are getting better at replicating that immersive experience. Bigger screens, surround sound systems – people are finding ways to create a stadium-like atmosphere at home.
Moderator:
The eyeballs on these games weren’t just drawn by the football. Beyoncé’s halftime show during the Ravens-Texans game, dubbed the “beyoncé Bowl,” raked in a peak audience of 27 million. Do you think the superstars added to the appeal for both die-hard and casual fans?
Coach Smith: no doubt. Bringing in big names like Beyoncé and Mariah Carey adds another layer of excitement. It makes it more than just a football game; it becomes an entertainment event.
And frankly, it’s smart business. It attracts a wider audience and elevates the overall experience for everyone.
moderator:
This is just the beginning of a three-year partnership between Netflix and the NFL. Looking ahead, do you see this streaming trend perhaps impacting traditional broadcast deals and TV ratings for future seasons?
Coach Smith: It’s definitely possible. If streaming continues to pull in these kind of numbers, networks might have to rethink their strategies.Perhaps we’ll see more flexible scheduling or a hybrid model, offering games on both traditional TV and streaming platforms.
Moderator:
What about the players? Do you think they’ll be affected by having teams playing on a direct-to-consumer platform like Netflix?
Coach Smith: I don’t think the players will be drastically affected. At the end of the day, they want to play and compete. They’re going to give their best performance nonetheless of where the game is being broadcast.
Moderator:
Alright folks, now it’s your turn! What are your thoughts on the future of NFL broadcasting? Do you see yourself glued to Netflix for your football fix or sticking with traditional TV? Let us know in the comments below!
Coach Smith, thank you for joining us and sharing your insights. We appreciate your time.
Coach Smith: It was my pleasure. Let’s go football!
