Updated: Will Netflix Stream the NFL Christmas Doubleheader In 4K?

TV Answer Man, I watched the Tyson-Paul fight in 4K on Netflix. When it wasn’t buffering, it looked sensational. Very clear picture and with nice color. Do you know if Netflix will do the Christmas NFL games in 4K? Hope the answer is yes! — Hugh, Manhattan Beach, California.

Hugh, you’re right. Netflix last Friday night streamed the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in 4K. The live streamcast had its issues with a large number of viewers reporting frequent buffering and picture freezing. However, when the picture was stable, it was detailed and vivid and exactly what you hope to get when a live broadcast is in 4K.

On Christmas, Netflix will have the exclusive TV rights to the Kansas Chiefs-Pittsburgh Steelers game at 1 p.m. ET and the Baltimore Ravens-Houston Texas matchup at 4:30 p.m. ET. This will be Netflix’s first broadcast of an NFL game.

So, will it be available in 4K?

Answer: Yes!

Julie Frazier, a Netflix spokeswoman, today tells The TV Answer Man that subscribers to Netflix’s Premium plan, which is $22.99 a month, will be able to watch the two games in 4K, assuming they have a 4K TV and/or a 4K-enabled device. If you don’t have the Premium plan, the games will be available in high-def.

We also asked Netflix if the 4K broadcast will be upscaled 4K or native 4K but have yet to receive a response. The TV Answer Man will update this story if we get more information.

Update, December 13: Netflix now says the games will NOT be in 4K. See this article for details.

Hugh, hope that helps. Happy viewing and stay safe!