Netflix lands rights to live NFL games & unveils Will Ferrell, Tim McGraw series

Quarterback

Netflix is expanding its live sports push by snagging rights to Christmas Day NFL matches and has unveiled new scripted shows, including Will Ferrell’s first TV comedy, a drama from Dawson’s Creek creator Kevin Williamson and a bull riding series starring Tim McGraw.

The streamer has snagged global rights to the NFL’s two Christmas Day games this year and will offer at least one game in 2025 and 2026.

Netflix, which has consistently pushed back against reports that it is looking to get further involved in live sports, is reportedly paying around $75m per match, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The three-season deal follows a surge in sports-related content from Netflix over recent years, with NFL duo Quarterback launching in 2023 and Receiver set to premiere this year.

Earlier this year, the streamer struck a reported $5bn pact for rights to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), following a push into live viewing through a Chris Rock comedy special, The Netflix Cup golf tournament and a troubled version of its Love Is Blind dating format.

It has also been picking up its interest in live sports, most notably by ordering a raft of documentaries including a new show exploring professional athletics, as well as golf’s Full Swing, football and rugby union shows, and tennis series Break Point.

Bela Bajaria, Netflix chief content officer, said: “Last year, we decided to take a big bet on live, tapping into massive fandoms across comedy, reality TV, sports and more.

“There are no live annual events, sports or otherwise, that compare with the audiences NFL football attracts. We’re so excited that the NFL’s Christmas Day games will be only on Netflix.”

Netflix tees up Will Ferrell’s Golf

The streamer is also expanding is scripted sporting output, with 10-part series Golf set to star Ferrell in his first TV comedy “as a fictional golf legend”, with Ramy Youssef (Ramy) also attached to feature.

Ferrell, Youseff and Josh Rabinowitz (Ramy) are co-creators, with the latter two attached as showrunners.

Ferrell, Jessica Elbaum, and Alix Taylor are executive producers for Gloria Sanchez Productions. Rian Johnson, Ram Bergman and Nena Rodrigue are executive producers for T-Street, and Andy Campagna is an executive producer for Cairo Cowboy.

Running Point (Source: Netflix)

Two new dramas have also been unveiled, including an as-yet untitled show starring country music star McGraw, who starred in Paramount’s Yellowstone spin-off, 1883.

The new Netflix series, from creator and showrunner Brandon Camp (Love & Gelato), follows a champion in the competitive world of bull riding.

In addition to Camp, the series will be executive produced by co-showrunner Taylor Elmore, McGraw, Tim Staples, Brian Kaplan and Joel Bergvall for Down Home and David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Matt Thunell for Skydance Television.

The streamer has also confirmed The Waterfront from Kevin Williamson, an adult family drama set in a small coastal town that has been inspired by true events.

It has been written and executive produced by Williamson and explores the story of the flawed Buckley family as attempts to retain control of their crumbling North Carolina fishing empire drive them to desperate measures.

The streamer also confirmed details of its Kate Hudson-starring basketball comedy Running Point, which is being exec produced by Mindy Kaling.

The 10-part show will debut in 2025 and is from writers and executive producers Kaling, Ike Barinholtz and David Stassen, who is attached as showrunner.

The streamer confirmed the line-up during its first in-person Upfront in NYC, following a virtual affair in 2023.

The company, which said it now had 40 million active users of its advertising-supported tier, also revealed details around its upcoming unscripted fare, which includes a series of sports docuseries.

NFL Films, Skydance Sports and Stardust Frames follows the story of the 1990s Dallas Cowboys, while Simone Biles: Rising follows the comeback of the gymnast.

It is one of three series that come from a partnership with the International Olympic Committee, with Sprint exploring the 100m and an as-yet untitled show exploring men’s basketball teams also in the works.

Netflix also confirmed Happy Gilmore 2, reviving the movie that will again star Adam Sandler.