Howard Stern has issued a stark warning to Netflix after the streaming platform faced widespread backlash over technical failures during the highly anticipated Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight.
Fans who tuned in on Friday night for the clash between the boxing legend and the YouTuber-turned-boxer were left fuming as buffering, poor picture quality, and spotty audio marred the event.
Despite the chaos, Netflix called the event a “huge success,” claiming that as many as 65 million households were watching at its peak.
Elizabeth Stone, Netflix’s Chief Technology Officer, acknowledged the issues in a message to employees, saying, “We don’t want to dismiss the poor experience of some members, and know we have room for improvement.”
However, Howard Stern wasn’t impressed by the streaming giant’s silver lining spin.
On his Sirius XM show, the iconic media personality warned Netflix that NFL fans won’t tolerate such problems when the platform broadcasts its Christmas Day football games next month.
“You f*** up people’s football, there is hell to pay,” Stern said bluntly. “You better not.”
Netflix, best known for its binge-worthy dramas, is stepping into uncharted territory with live sports.
Earlier this year, the streaming giant signed a $150 million deal to air NFL games on Christmas Day through 2026.
The 2023 holiday lineup includes two blockbuster matchups: the Kansas City Chiefs versus the Pittsburgh Steelers at 1 PM ET, and the Houston Texans hosting the Baltimore Ravens at 4:30 PM.
And if that wasn’t enough star power, Beyoncé herself is set to headline the halftime show during the Texans-Ravens game at NRG Stadium.
While Netflix aims to make a splash in the competitive world of live sports broadcasting, the Tyson-Paul debacle has cast doubt on its ability to handle the pressure.
The fight between Mike Tyson, a heavyweight boxing legend, and Jake Paul, a controversial YouTube sensation, was billed as one of the most-watched live events of the year.
Tyson, 57, came out of retirement to face Paul, 27, in what was marketed as a battle of old-school power versus new-age influence.
Fans were eager to see if Paul, who has been criticized for fighting non-boxers, could hold his own against a seasoned fighter like Tyson.
But instead of epic punches, viewers were hit with frozen screens and muffled commentary, sparking a social media uproar.
Netflix’s foray into live events isn’t entirely new—earlier this year, it streamed Chris Rock’s *Selective Outrage* comedy special.
While that event was relatively smooth, sports broadcasting is a different beast, requiring split-second precision and seamless coverage.
“This isn’t like launching *Stranger Things* at midnight,” joked one industry insider. “If there’s a glitch, millions will notice—and they won’t forgive.”
And forgiving fans may not be Netflix’s core audience come Christmas Day.
NFL games are sacred to many Americans, and the league’s fans are notoriously vocal about any disruptions.
The stakes are even higher on Christmas, a day when millions gather around their TVs with family and friends to watch football—a tradition as cherished as turkey and presents.
Netflix outbid sports broadcasting titans like ESPN and Fox Sports to secure the rights to these games, a bold move for a company known more for its scripted content.
The deal, part of a three-year contract with the NFL, is seen as Netflix’s ambitious attempt to expand its audience base and solidify itself as a leader in live streaming.
Stern’s warning isn’t just hyperbole—it’s a reality check.
The Tyson-Paul fight may have been frustrating, but football fans are unlikely to be as forgiving if their Christmas Day viewing experience is ruined.
“This is the NFL, not some gimmick boxing match,” Stern said on his show. “People plan their entire holiday around this stuff.”
Netflix has yet to publicly address Stern’s comments, but industry experts say the company is under immense pressure to deliver flawless streams during the games.
What’s the hook here? It’s simple: Can Netflix survive the pressure of live NFL broadcasting after fumbling the Tyson-Paul fight?
The stakes are enormous—not just for Netflix’s reputation, but also for its future in live sports.
If Netflix succeeds, it could open the door to more live sports contracts and cement its status as a streaming juggernaut.
But if it fails? The backlash could be brutal, especially with football fans as the audience.
As game day approaches, all eyes will be on Netflix’s technical team to see if they can rise to the occasion.
Meanwhile, Stern’s warning has amplified the conversation, drawing even more attention to Netflix’s NFL debut.
And let’s not forget the star-studded halftime show featuring Beyoncé, which adds another layer of complexity to the broadcast.
A flawless performance from Queen Bey won’t matter if fans can’t see it due to glitches.
The NFL partnership is a gamble for Netflix, but the potential rewards are massive.
While the Tyson-Paul fight had 65 million viewers, NFL games regularly pull in tens of millions of die-hard fans—a different audience with zero patience for errors.
Netflix’s ability to handle the Christmas Day games could determine whether the company continues to pursue live sports or sticks to its on-demand roots.
Stern’s words may have been blunt, but they highlight a sentiment shared by many: Netflix needs to get it right.
The Tyson-Paul fight exposed cracks in Netflix’s live-streaming armor, but it’s not too late for the company to rebound.
With millions at stake—and Beyoncé ready to take the stage—Netflix has a golden opportunity to prove itself as a serious player in live sports broadcasting.
If it succeeds, the NFL deal could be a game-changer.
If it fails, as Stern warned, there could be “hell to pay.”
Either way, the streaming wars are heating up, and Netflix’s Christmas Day NFL games are shaping up to be the ultimate test.