Netflix NFL Christmas Doubleheader Set New Records for Streaming Viewership

Netflix's NFL Christmas Day doubleheader smashed new records for streaming viewership. The Kansas City Chiefs' game against the Pittsburgh Steelers had an average audience of 24.1 million viewers, making it the most-watched streamed game at the time. However, the record was broken later that day when the Baltimore Ravens played the Houston Texans, with 24.3 million viewers tuning in. All four clubs are scheduled to compete in the NFL postseason, which begins on January 11.

The second game of Netflix's NFL Christmas Day doubleheader, between the Ravens and the Texans, peaked at nearly 27 million viewers during Beyoncé's halftime performance. Netflix recorded a total unduplicated viewership of 65 million for both games. Furthermore, the Ravens-Texans game drew an average of 5.1 million people aged 18 to 34, making it the most-watched NFL game on Christmas Day since at least 2001.

Netflix stated in a press release that their Christmas Day games dominated global social media conversations. As soon as her performance began, #BeyonceBowl surpassed #Christmas to become the top global trend on X. Following her performance, Netflix accounted for ten of the top twelve trending topics on X in the US. #NFLonNetflix also trended worldwide, peaking at #2 in Australia, #3 in the UK and Germany, #5 in Brazil and France, and #6 in the United States.

"Bringing our members this record-breaking day of two NFL games was the best Christmas gift we could have delivered," said Netflix's chief content officer, Bela Bajaria. "We're thankful for our partnership with the NFL, all of our wonderful on-air talent, and let's please not forget the electrifying Beyoncé and the brilliant Mariah Carey."

"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."

This year marked the beginning of a three-season agreement with Netflix to broadcast NFL games on Christmas Day. Last month, Netflix broadcast a boxing battle between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. The event drew approximately 108 million spectators globally, including 65 million homes, with 38 million based in the United States.