NBC Facing Backlash Over Dolphins-Packers Halftime Show Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andrew McCarty | Last updated Nov 29, 2024 9:14 AM ET

On Thursday night the final Thanksgiving halftime performance came from violinist Lindsey Stirling during a game between the Green Bay Packers and Miami Dolpins.

Unfortunately for most fans, they weren't able to watch more than just a few seconds of the performance. Fans at the game were treated to the full halftime show, but fans watching from home were left watching a feature about Dolphins fullback Alec Ingold, a Green Bay native, ahead of his return home.

NBC cut to a commercial following the feature before showing Stirling's performance for a few seconds before again cutting to commercial in preparation for the second half. Fans were rightly confused as NBC's competitor showed the full halftime broadcasts as Shaboozey performed a full set on CBS during halftime of the Chicago Bears-Detroit Lions game while Fox did the same with Lainey Wilson's performance during halftime of the Dallas Cowboys-New York Giants game.

Fans hoping to catch a glimpse of Stirling's performance weren't too pleased with NBC's decision.

"Stayed up tonight to watch the Lindsey Stirling Thanksgiving Day halftime performance at Lambeau Field. what the heck?! Do you not have the copyright to have her play the music because she’s not the owner of the Christmas Carols?! So irritating!" one fan said, calling out NBC.

"Only watched this [expletive] football game for Lindsey Stirling and you didn't show her performance. Boo boo you peace of poo NBC," said another.

"Really@NBCSports?? 5 seconds of the Lindsey Stirling halftime show? What a joke," offered a third.

"Massive L from @NBCSports for giving us a canned human interest story instead of showing Lindsey Stirling, which easily would have been the best halftime performance of the day," added another.

According to a report from the USA Today., NBC did the exact same thing last season when showed just seconds of Steve Aoki's halftime show at the San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks game.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: