Netflix set a new record for live sports streaming on Christmas Day, delivering the most-watched NFL game ever on a U.S. streaming platform.
According to the audience measurement firm Nielsen, an average of 27.5 million viewers watched Netflix’s livestream of the Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions matchup, making it the most-streamed NFL game in domestic history. Viewership peaked above 30 million during the broadcast, while the halftime special, Snoop’s Holiday Halftime Party, drew an average of 29 million.
These numbers prove that Netflix has officially entered the competition when it comes to live sports. The platform’s Christmas NFL games last year averaged 24.3 million and 24.1 million viewers, respectively. While the Cowboys vs. Commanders game fell short this year (averaged 19.9 million viewers), the Lions and Vikings made up for it.
Aside from domestic audiences, Netflix also aired the NFL games internationally. They were available worldwide, with viewers from more than 200 countries and territories tuning in to at least one matchup. Globally, the Lions vs. Vikings game reached an average of 30.5 million viewers.
While the Vikings and Lions’ Midwestern rivalry brought in a lot of views, many speculated that the halftime show likely also had something to do with the surge. Snoop Dogg headlined the show, and he was joined by Grammy Award-winning country star Lainey Wilson. It also featured an appearance by Martha Stewart, who is a household name when it comes to holiday cooking, drawing in a completely different demographic.
The NFL wasn’t the only thing that set major records for Netflix on Christmas Day. The streamer also launched the highly anticipated Stranger Things season 5 volume 2 the same day, which pulled in major numbers, too. Although the company did not disclose a single-day total, the hit science fiction series was the platform’s most-watched title worldwide on December 25.
The Super Bowl LX will take place at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA (stadium of the 49ers) and air on NBC on February 8, 2026, at 6:30 PM ET and 3:30 PM PT.
- founded
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January 16, 2007
- founders
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Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph
