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Viewers enjoying the NFL Playoff game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins at the bar voiced displeasure with Peacock’s streaming service over the weekend.
Many referenced buffering issues and delays, or worse – no broadcast at all!
The NFL caught serious backlash after announcing a Peacock-only airing for an opening round NFL Playoff game. Those without the service would be forced to purchase a subscription (with many planning to cancel the next day).
The streaming-only broadcast was lambasted as a cash grab, and a number of national media members predicted the decision would end in disaster.
For some viewers, that was certainly the case. Most notably, those watching outside of their homes at their local watering holes.
Buffering and connection issues were quickly posted to social media as fans voiced their complaints with the NFL-Peacock partnership.
@NFL @peacock @PFTCommenter The Peacock feed goes down at Westgate Las Vegas, one of the biggest sportsbooks in the country. Chants of “Peacock Sucks” have started pic.twitter.com/RB6hKAQBNq
— Tripps Traveler (@gocards927) January 14, 2024
And when those issues did clearly, even if momentarily, viewers had a plethora of other grievances, some of which included Jason Garrett’s presence in the booth or the multitude of Taylor Swift camera shots following every Travis Kelce catch (and drop!).
@nbcsports We are all Taylor Swift right now 🏄♀️ #chiefs #kansascitychiefs #taylorswift #traviskelce ♬ original sound – NBC Sports
But for other bar-goers, the issue was much, much worse.
With the high costs often associated with business-related subscriptions, some establishments opted not to air the game at all.
This is what happens when the NFL lets Peacock, a streaming platform, air an NFL game 😂 pic.twitter.com/tJs72zxiCq
— Dave Weasel (@DaveWeasel) January 14, 2024
While many were upset with aspects of the Peacock airing, we probably shouldn’t expect the NFL’s streaming-only broadcasts to slow down.