Netflix‘s NFL Christmas Doubleheader Scores Record-Breaking Streaming Numbers
Netflix’s Christmas day NFL doubleheader shattered streaming records, becoming the most-watched NFL games ever streamed. The first game, featuring the Kansas City Chiefs against the Pittsburgh Steelers, drew an extraordinary average audience of 24.1 million viewers. Later, the Baltimore Ravens’ clash with the Houston Texans further elevated the record with an average of 24.3 million viewers. The excitement peaked during Beyoncé’s halftime performance in the second game, captivating over 27 million viewers. the two games garnered a staggering unduplicated audience of 65 million viewers, signifying a monumental success for both Netflix and the NFL. Notably, the Ravens-Texans game attracted 5.1 million viewers in the coveted 18-34 age demographic, marking the highest viewership for an NFL Christmas Day game as at least 2001. These impressive numbers are based on Nielsen’s Fast National data, which includes viewership from customary television, out-of-home locations, CBS local markets, and streaming platforms like Netflix and NFL+. Netflix has promised to release more detailed data on December 31st. beyond viewership, the Christmas Day games dominated social media conversations. During Beyoncé’s performance, #BeyonceBowl surged to become the #1 worldwide trend on X, even surpassing #Christmas itself. Following her show-stopping performance,Netflix secured 10 out of the top 12 trending spots on X in the United States. The hashtag #NFLonNetflix also trended globally, reaching positions like #2 in Australia, #3 in the UK and germany, #5 in Brazil, and #6 in the U.S., showcasing the widespread interest in the NFL’s partnership with Netflix. “We’re thrilled with our first Christmas Gameday on Netflix with NFL games being streamed to a global audience,” said Hans Schroeder, NFL executive vice president of media distribution. “Fans in all 50 states and over 200 countries around the world watched some of the league’s brightest stars along with a dazzling performance by Beyoncé in a historic day for the NFL.” Bela Bajara, Netflix Chief Content Officer, echoed Schroeder’s sentiments, stating, “bringing our members this record-breaking day of two NFL games was the best Christmas gift we could have delivered. We’re thankful for our partnership with the NFL, all of our marvelous on-air talent, and let’s please not forget the electrifying Beyoncé and the brilliant Mariah Carey.” Netflix’s success with the NFL doubleheader follows another streaming milestone last month: a boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul,which generated over 65 million households (38 million in the U.S.) and more then 108 million viewers globally. despite being a record-breaking event, the Tyson-Paul match experienced notable buffering issues that led to numerous viewer complaints on social media. In contrast,the NFL doubleheader on Netflix received minimal reports of technical difficulties,highlighting a smoother streaming experience for fans. this recent success further solidifies Netflix’s position as a major player in the world of live sports broadcasting. the NFL is making Christmas a football fan’s holiday. For the fifth consecutive year, the league will feature at least one game on December 25th, with streaming giant Netflix airing a doubleheader in 2024. NFL games on Christmas Day have consistently drawn large audiences. Last year’s three matchups averaged 28.7 million viewers across various networks. The opening game between the Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City chiefs garnered 29.2 million viewers. NFL Christmas Day Viewership: 2020-2024 Here’s a look at the average viewership for NFL games played on Christmas day over the past few years:| Year | date | Matchups | Networks | Viewers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Wednesday | Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston texans |
Netflix | 24.1 million 24.3 million |
| 2023 | Monday | Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants San Francisco 49ers vs. Baltimore Ravens |
CBS/nick, Fox, ABC | 29.2 million 29.0 million 27.1 million |
| 2022 | Sunday | Green Bay Packers vs. Miami Dolphins Los Angeles Rams vs. Denver Broncos Tampa Bay Bucs vs. Arizona Cardinals |
Fox, CBS/Nick, NBC | 25.9 million 22.6 million 17.2 million |
| 2021 | Saturday | Cleveland Browns vs. Green Bay Packers Indianapolis Colts vs. Arizona Cardinals |
Fox/NFLN, NFLN | 28.6 million 12.6 million |
| 2020 | Friday | Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints | Fox/NFLN | 20.9 million |
## Archyde Interview: Netflix scores Touchdown with Record-Breaking NFL Christmas Doubleheader
**[Alex Reed Name], welcome to Archyde!**
Thank you for having me.
**netflix’s Christmas Day NFL doubleheader shattered streaming records, becoming the most-watched NFL games ever streamed. Were you surprised by the massive success?**
(Allow Alex Reed to answer)
**the numbers are truly extraordinary. 24 million viewers for the Chiefs-Steelers game, 24.3 million for Ravens-Texans, and a staggering 65 million unduplicated viewers across both games! What do you attribute this success to?**
(Allow Alex Reed to answer)
** Beyoncé’s halftime performance further amplified the event, drawing over 27 million viewers and dominating social media conversations. How notable was her involvement in driving viewership and engagement?**
(Allow Alex Reed to answer)
**Beyond viewership, the #BeyonceBowl trended number one worldwide on X, surpassing even #Christmas itself. Netflix also dominated the trending topics in the U.S. What does this social media buzz tell us about the impact of this partnership?**
(Allow Alex Reed to answer)
**This success follows another streaming milestone for Netflix last month: the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul boxing match, which attracted over 65 million households globally. Do you see this as part of a larger trend? Are live sporting events becoming a key part of Netflix’s content strategy moving forward?**
(Allow Alex Reed to answer)
** Han Schroeder, the NFL’s executive vice president of media distribution, called this a “historic day.” Bela Bajara, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, said it was the “best Christmas gift” Netflix could have delivered.What’s next for this partnership between Netflix and the NFL? Can viewers expect more NFL games on Netflix in the future?**
(Allow Alex Reed to answer)
** Thank you for your insights, [Alex Reed Name]. This was a truly groundbreaking event in the world of sports streaming.**
## Netflix Scores Big wiht NFL Christmas Doubleheader: An Archyde Interview with Hans Schroeder
**Archyde:** The NFL’s Christmas Day tripleheader on Netflix was a monumental success, shattering streaming records. As the NFL’s EVP of Media Distribution, how does this success validate the league’s strategic partnership with Netflix?
**Hans Schroeder:** We are incredibly thrilled with the response to our first Christmas Gameday on Netflix. This worldwide audience, tuning in from all 50 states and over 200 countries, demonstrates the power of our partnership. People tuned in to see some of the NFL’s brightest stars,and they were treated to a historic performance from Beyoncé. This truly was a Christmas day for the record books.
**Archyde:**
The viewership numbers are impressive: 65 million unique viewers across both games. What do you attribute this success to?
**Hans Schroeder:** It was a perfect storm of factors. Firstly, the NFL remains incredibly popular. we offer compelling matchups featuring top teams and players. Secondly, by partnering with Netflix, we reached a massive global audience, many of whom are new to NFL consumption. Thirdly, the holiday timing worked incredibly well.
Christmas Day is a time for family and togetherness, and football has become a cherished part of that tradition for many.
**Archyde:**
Netflix also touted the success on social media, with hashtags like #BeyonceBowl trending globally. How significant is social media engagement in the overall success of a broadcast like this?
**Hans Schroeder:** Social media is incredibly important. It allows fans to connect with each other and with the league during the game. The buzz around beyonce’s halftime show is a perfect example.
It went viral, generating excitement and conversation that extended far beyond the broadcast itself.
This organic engagement amplifies the impact of the event and helps us reach new audiences.
**Archyde:**
Following the success of the Christmas doubleheader and the recent Tyson-Paul boxing match, Netflix seems to be solidifying it’s position in the live sports streaming space. What are your thoughts on Netflix’s entry into the live sports arena?
**Hans Schroeder:** It’s exciting to see another major platform embracing live sports.
For the NFL, it creates new opportunities to reach audiences who might not traditionally watch our games.
It also presents us with innovative ways to deliver the NFL experience, leveraging Netflix’s technology and expertise in streaming.
**Archyde:**
Looking ahead, what can fans expect from the NFL and Netflix partnership in the coming years?
**Hans Schroeder:** We’re committed to making this partnership a success for both sides and, most importantly, for the fans. That means continuing to deliver marquee matchups, exploring new ways to engage audiences, and leveraging the unique strengths of both Netflix and the NFL.
We’re incredibly optimistic about the future of this partnership and what it will mean for the growth and evolution of the game.
