Netflix surprised sports fans and media observers alike when it was announced they would be acquiring the rights to two NFL games on Christmas Day. The telecasts will be produced by CBS Sports, air on CBS stations in the respective teams’ markets and CBS will even get a chance to promote some of its programming during the matchups. But that will be the closest connection to linear television that Netflix hopes to have when these games air on December 25th.
The contracting of production to CBS implies that the streaming service doesn’t want to radically transform how viewers watch the games. But there’s definitely an intention of being different. Netflix’s co-CEO Greg Peters spoke at a financial conference recently and told the audience that the company hopes to “Netflix-ify the game.” Peters continued saying, “we’ll plan to have a little bit of stuff around the games with our talent, stuff like that, that’ll hopefully make it super fun.”
What exactly does this mean? We don’t know yet. Puck’s John Ourand reports studio programming will be produced by former NFL Network producer Mark Quenzel and his production company. Furthermore, Rich Eisen and NFL Network talent will take part in the pregame festivities. Meanwhile, The New York Post is reporting that Kay Adams is also a candidate to host pregame programming for Netflix.
The streaming service reportedly tried to acquire the talents of Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady to call one of their games but the idea was firmly rejected by Fox, who could’ve used the opportunity to preview and promote their Super Bowl telecast in February. Instead, Netflix is expected to use CBS’s Ian Eagle and Nate Burleson, NBC’s Noah Eagle and Fox’s Greg Olsen.
Peters also gave a glimpse into Netflix’s current outlook of sports. While they could be interested in becoming a major broadcaster in the future, for now, the streamer is more interested in one-offs and spectacles that make it the center of attention for one moment at a time. The Hollywood Reporter quoted Peters saying, “for one day, football will be on Netflix.” With this in mind and Peters’ promise to “Netflix-ify” the game, expect the brand to use unconventional names connected with the streamer to make its presentation more unique. Barstool podcaster Taylor Lewan says he’s on the shortlist to participate and possibly sideline report during the games. Lewan is also rumored to be the host of a Netflix reality show coming to market in 2025.
Here are some other ideas for special features we may have in store so that the streamer can “Netflix-ify” their first NFL broadcasts:
an Untold alt-cast – If Netflix is focused on any type of sports format on its service, it iss documentaries. Untold has become one of Netflix’s sports pillars. To promote the next installments ahead and bring viewers back to the installments that have already been released, we could see an alt-cast featuring Johnny Manziel, Connor Stallions and Hope Solo recounting their stories while talking about their various connections to the NFL and their process of filming Untold.
Aaron Rodgers feature – Rodgers is expected to release his own documentary on the streamer in 2025. Netflix would score a coup if they’re able to convince the quarterback to serve as a studio analyst for both games. Given his team’s latest struggles, it would be much easier said than done but he’s a firebrand who can draw an audience as he’s proven on The Pat McAfee Show. He comes with some controversy but if Netflix did a whole documentary with him, they’re already clearly aware. He’s one of the best football minds in the game and it would bring a fresh perspective to hear what he had to say about four teams he could face in the playoffs. At worst, it wouldn’t surprise me to at least see an interview where he talks about his season and previews the doc.
A Cowboys presence – Jerry’s World always looms large in the NFL and they have a major presence on Netflix. The streamer is partnering with the NFL to create a documentary about the team’s history, its biggest boxing match will air live from AT&T Stadium, and a show on the Cowboys’ cheerleaders is one of the streamer’s most popular sports-themed shows. It wouldn’t be a shocker to see some Cowboys legends host an alt-cast of their own or for Michael Irvin to bring his electric personality to the studio.
“Love is Blind” and “The Circle” crossover – The newest seasons of both shows will be over by the time Netflix airs its NFL games but the cast mates from each show will probably still maintain a lot of notoriety. A watch party featuring the stars of the show interacting with NFL WAGs could attract a different audience and spark viral moments. One or two castmates could even be featured on the main telecasts as sideline reporters. A dating segment featuring single NFL stars may also be implemented into pregame festivities.
New sideline analysts – As we mentioned, Lewan is in talks to walk and talk from the sidelines. Could Netflix convince a popular ex-player with a major social media presence like Chad Ochocinco to roam the sidelines and interview players live as gameplay is happening? Players may be in a bit more of a jolly mood given that it’s Christmas and former players may be able to get more out of their colleagues than the average sideline reporter or journalist.
Receiver cam – Receiver is one of Netflix’s most popular series worldwide. The Omaha Productions-produced vehicle shows viewers the day to day of being a perennial wide receiver in the NFL. What better way to show the viewers what receivers see and how they run their routes than by placing a camera or chip on their helmets or jerseys to get a close up perspective of what they experience. It would be something that’s never been done before and would give Netflix something to brag about. The best highlights could be turned into a “Receiver” special that aired after the games.
GMFB reunion – Rich Eisen and Kay Adams are rumored to be hosting coverage for Netflix. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Kyle Brandt and Peter Schrager reunited with former co-host Adams. One half of the studio would be in LA with Eisen while Adams, Brandt and Schrager are on location at one of the games. GMFB’s Jaime Erdhal, Akbar Gbajabiamila and Manti Teo could hypothetically be on location at a game as well. Good Morning Football is the NFL Network’s crown jewel and the league hasn’t been afraid to use the crew whenever and wherever they can. They were recently on NBC primetime hosting a season preview and have even been simulcasted on ESPN2 in the past. Using a crew that brings joy out of football fans will only help with heightening excitement for the Christmas games. In studio, my guess is Eisen will work with his “GameDay” crew of Steve Mariucci, Kurt Warner and Gerald McCoy. But it wouldn’t surprise me if NFL Network newcomer Pat McAfee decided to join them in studio throughout the afternoon as well.
WWE special guests – In the run up to The CW’s NXT debut, the network has featured specials on WWE and wrestlers during their college football broadcasts. Seth Rollins was a guest on this week’s Sunday Night Football. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see McAfee, Raw’s former analyst who could be making a return to the show after football season is over, interviewing Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes to promote WWE’s move to Netflix during the pregame or halftime show.
Coach Belichick or Peyton Manning surprise – Belichick and Manning have slowly become two of TV’s biggest stars. You can find them everywhere. Could either of them get the opportunity to call a game? Contribute some film room segments to the studio show?
Continued presence for the rest of the season – The CW’s Inside the NFL had a playoff run on Netflix last season. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see it return especially given Coach Belichick’s presence on the show. A highlights show featuring the studio crews that helped with Netflix’s Christmas games is something both entities should consider as well. The NFL gets to continue to promote its telecasts on the biggest streamer in the world, provides the NFL with a wider outlet to showcase its programming while Netflix gets a vehicle to promote its ever growing slate of sports programming with the power of the NFL.
