Netflix’s NFL stream slammed as ‘unwatchable’
Fans reported buffering, picture quality and audio problems during the platform’s landmark NFL broadcast from Melbourne.
Netflix has come under fire over its broadcast of the first regular-season NFL game played in Australia, with viewers reporting audio problems, poor picture quality and buffering.
The streaming service carried the San Francisco 49ers’ 27-7 win over the Los Angeles Rams live from the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday morning. It was Netflix’s first NFL broadcast outside its Christmas Day schedule.
Viewers report broadcast problems
Streaming issue reports peaked at 190 shortly before kick-off, compared with a baseline of 11, according to Down Detector data reported by Breitbart.
One viewer wrote: “@netflix fix your broadcast. The cameras look terrible. Somehow the audio is even worse. Am I listening through a garbage can?”
Another compared the crowd noise heard during the broadcast to “the tornado scene from The Wizard of Oz.”
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@netflix fix your broadcast. The cameras look terrible. Somehow the audio is even worse. Am I listening through a garbage can?
— Andrew Kalman (@andrew_kalman) September 11, 2026
Other viewers reported frame drops, buffering and audio falling out of sync with the picture. Subscribers also complained about the number of commercial breaks, including some who paid for Netflix’s ad-free plans.
The complaints were not universal. Some viewers reported no technical problems and praised Netflix’s new score graphic and its commentary team.
Netflix adds more NFL games
The Melbourne fixture was one of five regular-season NFL games Netflix secured for the 2026 season.
Netflix also faced complaints during its 2024 boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, when viewers reported buffering and connection problems.
After that event, Netflix vice-president of nonfiction series and sports Brandon Riegg said the audience size tested the platform’s live-streaming system.
“The sheer tonnage of people that came to watch was incredible,” Riegg said.
He described live sport as a “necessary risk” for Netflix.
On the field, the 49ers held the Rams scoreless in the second half to win 27-7.
Mediaweek has reached out to Netflix's Australian arm for comment.
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