Netflix down? NFL fans complain during Christmas games; ‘can’t chromecast, close captions'

Several NFL fans are reporting issues with Netflix during the Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys Christmas Day game on Thursday

Updated on: Dec 26, 2025, 24:08:39 IST

By Yash Nitish Bajaj

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Several NFL fans are reporting issues with Netflix during the Washington Commanders vs Dallas Cowboys Christmas Day game on Thursday. Downdetector, a platform that tracks online outages, showed about 500 reports at the time of writing this story. However, Netflix's server status page doesn't show any issues.

Dallas Cowboys running back Malik Davis (43) runs with the ball as Washington Commanders safety Quan Martin (20) (AP)

“We are not currently experiencing an interruption to our streaming service,” the company's statement reads.

Chromecast and captions

Fans complained about not being able to Chromecast NFL games. “Prohibiting casting an NFL game from the Netflix app to a Chromecast is maybe one of the dumbest things I've ever heard of,” one person noted on X, platform formerly known as Twitter.

“Why can't I close captions?” another one asked.

Does Netflix work on Chromecast?

Netflix is compatible with Chromecast devices, although some newer models now handle streaming a bit differently. Instead of casting directly from a phone to the latest Chromecast platforms (such as those running Google TV), viewers are encouraged to use the Netflix app installed on the device itself. Casting from mobile devices still works smoothly on older Chromecast units without remotes, and users can also stream from a computer through the Chrome browser, according to Netflix support guidance.

Using Older, Remote-Free Chromecast Devices

If you’re streaming on an earlier-generation Chromecast, you can continue casting from your smartphone or tablet. Launch the Netflix app, tap the Cast symbol (a screen-shaped icon with waves in the corner), pick your Chromecast from the list, and then select the movie or series you want to watch, it will begin playing on your television.

Streaming on Chromecast with Google TV

For Chromecast models that come with a remote and run Google TV, the preferred method is to open Netflix directly on the device. Navigate to the Netflix app using the remote, search for the title you want, and start playback from there rather than casting from your phone.

Casting from a Computer via Chrome

You can also stream Netflix by casting from a desktop or laptop. Open the Chrome browser, sign in at Netflix.com, and select the Cast option from the browser menu. Choose your Chromecast device to project either the active tab or the full browser window onto your TV.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Yash Nitish Bajaj
Yash Bajaj is a Chief Content Producer with a strong foundation in US coverage, digital strategy, and audience-focused storytelling. As part of the US Desk at Hindustan Times, he covers a wide range of topics - from American politics to sports (NFL, NBA, derbies, MLB and more). Before joining Hindustan Times, Yash served as Deputy News Editor at Times Now, where he oversaw international coverage and led a team of six. In this role, he significantly expanded global traffic through strategic planning, SEO-driven content execution, and meticulous trend tracking across platforms. He is experienced in managing high-pressure breaking-news shifts, coordinating live coverage, and building newsroom systems that improve speed, accuracy, and reach. Prior to Times Now, Yash held a position at Opoyi, where he headed the Sports and US news team. He developed broad editorial strategies, guided reporters across multiple beats, and played a key role in recruiting and training new talent. His responsibilities also extended to social media management and experimenting with innovative content formats. A passionate NFL fan, Yash is a die-hard supporter of the Cincinnati Bengals and has followed Joe Burrow closely since his college days at LSU. Whether breaking down top players' latest performance, analyzing team performances, or tracking roster moves, he brings the same dedication and sharp storytelling to his sports coverage as he does to American politics and breaking news. When he’s not writing, Yash can often be found watching games or debating the latest NFL storylines with fellow fans. Yash holds a Bachelor of Mass Media (Journalism) from HR College, Mumbai University. His interests extend well beyond the newsroom: he is an enthusiastic explorer of AI tools, a movie buff with an ever-growing watchlist, and someone who enjoys unraveling conspiracy theories for fun.Read More

Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.