Netflix and the NFL have had a relationship for a couple years, starting in 2023 with the docuseries “Quarterback,” which followed Patrick Mahomes, Kirk Cousins and Marcus Mariota during the 2022-23 NFL season. In July, Netflix released “Receiver,” which follows five of the NFL’s best pass catchers through the 2023 season.

If you believe in omens, Netflix appeared to be in for a very long day on Wednesday. As the streaming giant began its NFL pregame show prior to airing the Kansas City Chiefs’ 29-10 blowout over the Pittsburgh Steelers, viewers were welcomed to the broadcast … with immediate audio issues.

With its $150 million purchase of the rights to broadcast two Christmas Day NFL games, Netflix marks its major foray into the realm of live sports. Although the early technological problems drew criticism, the effective presentation of the games itself points to Netflix's understanding and adaptation to the difficulties of live sports broadcasting.