Netflix attempted a major first on the night of Friday to Saturday: the live broadcast of a spectacular boxing match between two returning stars. The sporting result, which was questionable to say the least, was not the first interest of the event for the platform. It was mainly a question of testing the technical infrastructure while waiting for the broadcast of the NFC Christmas game… and the Beyoncé halftime show. And given the difficulties of the stream for the boxing match, there is reason to worry.
Rarely has a boxing match attracted so many spectators. The live broadcast of the night of boxing organized in Arlington (Texas) last Friday attracted 50 million households on Netflix. And even 65 million for the main attraction opposing Mike Tyson, back in the ring at 58, to Jake Paul, 27, a YouTuber in need of recognition.
The Beyoncé threat
The fight was not thrilling, Jake Paul won at the end of the night by unanimous decision of the judges. Beyond the sporting interest of the event, which we will agree is quite meager, it is above all the technical aspect of the broadcast which has been closely scrutinized. And unfortunately for Netflix, it was marred by multiple problems: pixelated video feed, erroneous loading wheel, and sometimes… no image at all.
The Downdetector site recorded more than 90,000 reports from Netflix users, reporting numerous connection problems during the night from Friday to Saturday. There is an interest in tightening the bolts, because another event is looming which also risks attracting people behind their screens. Netflix will broadcast the NFL “Christmas game” between the Houston Texans and the Baltimore Ravens this December 25
A big first here too for the streaming platform. Usually, this match attracts around 30 million spectators but the global broadcast risks increasing the stats. Above all, the halftime concert could break all records: it is in fact Beyoncé who will perform the show.
Many spectators who have nothing to do with US football are likely to tune into Netflix to admire the performance of the singer, for whom this will be the first live performance after her country album, “Cowboy Carter”. Suffice to say that the streaming service is being awaited not only by US football fans, but also by Beyoncé fans who are probably just as numerous, if not more.
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