Netflix learned the hard way that Christmas Day NFL football is not a place for experimentation.
The streaming giant’s debut into a larger NFL spotlight drew widespread criticism Thursday, particularly during the Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings game, where technical issues and creative choices left many viewers frustrated.
At various points, the audio sounded muffled, interviews popped up mid-game, and the postgame coverage veered sharply into WWE territory after Minnesota’s 23-10 win. Fans were quick to react.
“Nobody wants to hear an interview in the middle of an NFL game,” one viewer posted on X. Another added, “Netflix what are we doing? Emmitt Smith is cool but this is ridiculous.”
Netflix appeared to be borrowing from the ManningCast concept by inserting former players into the broadcast, though without the same informal framing or opt-in appeal. In addition to Emmitt Smith, the network featured interviews with Clinton Portis and Vikings legend Cris Carter across its two NFL games, which also included the Dallas Cowboys defeating the Washington Commanders.
The Lions-Vikings postgame show took an even stranger turn when WWE star Seth Rollins appeared in character, presenting Vikings defensive back Byron Murphy Jr. with a throne as part of a cross-promotion push.
Netflix, which streams WWE programming, leaned heavily into branding during the moment, but the move only added to the confusion over the network’s overall strategy.
For commentary, Netflix used Ian Eagle, Nate Burleson and Matt Ryan for the early game, followed by Noah Eagle and Drew Brees for the second. Meanwhile, Amazon Prime Video, which has more experience with live NFL broadcasts, handled the nightcap between Denver and Kansas City with far fewer hiccups.
Netflix has shown it can draw massive audiences, having already streamed two Jake Paul fights that rank among the most-watched boxing events ever.
But Thursday made one thing clear: Streaming NFL games is one thing. Getting the broadcast right is another.
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