Fans react to Netflix HR Derby broadcast: Lack of live standings, poor camerawork headline complaints

The Home Run Derby left ESPN for Netflix as part of MLB's new TV deal for 2026, and any major change naturally elicits plenty of different reactions.

As the derby played out on Monday, some fans believed Netflix's broadcast left something to be desired.

From complaints about the camera angles and difficulty keeping track of the standings, Netflix may have a few tweaks to make ahead of 2027.

Here's what fans said about Netflix's first-ever Home Run Derby.

MORE: Home Run Derby winners by year

Social media reacts to Netflix HR Derby broadcast

While the picture was crisp and Netflix avoided any interruptions or blackouts, the broadcast still earned some heavy criticism on a number of fronts.

Some fans noticed the broadcast rarely showed the standings, so fans who tuned in late or missed a batter had no idea who was leading or what a player needed to advance. Instead, the broadcast simply showed the number of home runs and number of swings remaining for the player at the plate

We are currently on the 4th batter of the night and if you just tuned in you have no idea how the previous 3 batters did because there’s no scoreboard / graphic on the screen https://t.co/OSyYXFfInK

— PMT Stats (@PmtStats) July 14, 2026

Netflix is awful at this derby. Cant see the home runs. Have no idea who the leaders are. WTF!

— Smart T. Jones (@exhaustedBS) July 14, 2026

Other fans complained about Netflix's numerous camera angles, which sometimes made it difficult to track the ball and miss some swings entirely.

this has been one of the worst home run derby broadcasts I have ever watched. they’re straight up not showing many of the swings. no exit velocity. taking the wrong camera constantly. putrid stuff from ye olde Netflix

— Tipping Pitches (@tipping_pitches) July 14, 2026

they fixed the Derby format, it's pretty much perfect, but Netflix is giving the worst camera angles imaginable for 90% of swings

— dren⚾️ (@dren_braves) July 14, 2026

Netflix just hold 2 camera angles please

— IcyVert (@IcyVert) July 14, 2026

Can we stop showing 17 different camera angles in between pitches?! Most of us watching on TV would like to see the actual pitch to the batter, not just close ups of their face while they’re swinging! 🤦🏻‍♂️@netflixsports #HRDerby

— Danny Graves (@dgravy32) July 14, 2026

A few fans also weren't happy with the number of ads during the broadcast. While commercials between batters are to be expected, the broadcast also worked in other promotions during the actual competition.

These Netflix ads for the Home Run Derby are ridiculous….

— SleeperMets (@SleeperMets) July 14, 2026

Everything about Netflix live sports broadcasts are really just ads for their other entities it’s so lame

— IcyVert (@IcyVert) July 14, 2026

Moonshot home runs still dominated the night, but Netflix could look to make some changes before the 2027 Home Run Derby at Wrigley Field, provided a lockout doesn't get in its way.

MORE: Home Run Derby records: Most home runs hit in a single round, year in MLB history

Why was the HR Derby on Netflix?

The Home Run Derby moved to Netflix as part of MLB's new TV deal for 2026, which reduced the number of games broadcast by ESPN and moved "Sunday Night Baseball" to NBC.

As part of the new deal, Netflix became an official MLB broadcast partner for the first time. The streaming platform's involvement is limited, however. The deal guarantees Netflix the broadcast rights to an opening night primetime game, the Home Run Derby and a special event game — in 2026, that's the "Field of Dreams" game between the Twins and Phillies.

Who used to broadcast HR Derby?

The Home Run Derby had aired on ESPN since 1993 before moving to Netflix this year. The derby became synonymous with ESPN commentator Chris Berman, whose "back, back, back, back, back" call of home runs remains iconic. 

The 2008 Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium, featuring Josh Hamilton's dominant round but won by Justin Morneau, is the most-watched derby in MLB history.