Netflix’s NFL Christmas Games Break Streaming Records with Beyoncé

Netflix’s NFL Christmas Day doubleheader has redefined streaming viewership milestones. The Kansas City Chiefs' face-off with the Pittsburgh Steelers drew an impressive 24.1 million viewers, setting a record for the most-watched streamed NFL game at the time. However, this achievement was short-lived. Later that day, the Baltimore Ravens' match against the Houston Texans broke the record with 24.3 million average viewers. All participating teams will feature in the NFL postseason, beginning January 11.

The second game, featuring the Ravens and Texans, peaked at over 27 million viewers during Beyoncé’s halftime performance, which garnered global attention. Netflix reported a combined audience of 65 million unique viewersacross both games. The Ravens-Texans match also drew 5.1 million viewers aged 18-34, becoming the most-watched NFL Christmas Day game since 2001.

Netflix's press release highlighted the widespread buzz around its broadcast. #BeyonceBowl became the #1 global trend on X, eclipsing #Christmas. Following Beyoncé’s electrifying performance, Netflix secured 10 of the top 12 trending topics in the US, with #NFLonNetflix trending internationally.

Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, called the event a "record-breaking day" and praised the NFL partnership, the talent involved, and the headline performances by Beyoncé and Mariah Carey. NFL EVP Hans Schroeder celebrated the event as a milestone, noting fans in over 200 countries tuned in.

This year marks the first of a three-season collaboration between Netflix and the NFL to broadcast Christmas games. Netflix also recently live-streamed a boxing match featuring Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, which drew 108 million global viewers, including 65 million households.