GOP Debate Tests CNN Live Stream: Record Viewers, But Some Cable Cord-Cutters Grit Teeth

GettyImages-488572152 — CNN's free live stream of the second Republican debate attracted a record number of viewers, but some users expressed frustration with delays and spotty service. Pictured: A photographer takes a picture of the stage before the start of the CNN Republican Presidential Debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library on September 16, 2015 in Simi Valley, California. Republican presidential candidates are set to square off in the CNN Republican Presidential Debate. Getty Images

It turns out a lot of people didn’t need a cable subscription to watch one of the biggest cable events of the fall TV season. CNN attracted a record number of viewers late Wednesday with its free live stream of the second Republican primary debate. As of 9:40 p.m. ET, the service had nearly 1 million concurrent viewers, according to CNN’s Brian Stelter.

Record traffic for CNN live stream. 920,000 concurrent viewers as of 9:40pm. Details on our @CNNPolitics live blog: http://t.co/bbYXjKS7dg
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) September 17, 2015

In offering the live stream to non-cable subscribers, CNN achieved its goal of attracting cable cord-cutters and cord-nevers to the much-anticipated debate, which included a number of fiery exchanges and heated moments between the 11 leading GOP hopefuls.

But some online viewers found themselves throwing up their hands -- and maybe throwing their iPads out the window -- when the stream experienced interruptions and delays. A number of social media users reported problems with the stream as the debate telecast got underway.

Live stream of #CNNDebate is unwatchable, interruptions every 15 seconds. Nice try @CNN.
— James Houston (@jamesbhouston) September 17, 2015

@angelbw @CNN No complaints so far, although i have no idea how many people this stream can hold for a capacity. :)
— WaveFoundation (@WaveFoundation) September 17, 2015

@cnngo cnn's "free online streaming" of the repubdebate keeps crashing #epicfail
— Paul DeMarco (@pmdemarco) September 17, 2015

I can't really watch ANY of the debate now; stream is crapping out every minute or so. @CNN #GOPDebate
— Jason Fuller (@BlueLightsShine) September 17, 2015

.@CNN live stream is going on the fritz. Too many people watching? Please fix #GOPDebate
— Tyler O'Neil (@Tyler2ONeil) September 17, 2015

Crashes and service interruptions are not uncommon when large numbers of viewers converge on streaming events at the same time. No one knows that more than CNN’s parent company, Time Warner Inc., which has suffered through high-profile crashes during episodes of HBO’s popular series “Game of Thrones” last year.

Typically, CNN Go, the network’s over-the-top service, requires users to verify their pay-TV providers. Stelter said in a blog post Wednesday that nearly 80 percent of households already have access to CNN through a traditional cable or satellite service, but the he said debate had a level of public interest that warranted the freebee. CNN provided free online access to the event -- which took place at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library in Simi Valley, California -- allowing viewers to watch the fireworks on CNN.com even if they don’t have a cable subscription.

The televised brawl, which included some memorable heated exchanges between billionaire Donald Trump and former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina, is expected to bring CNN its largest audience in a long time. As a barometer of public interest, last month’s Republican debate on Fox News attracted a staggering 24 million viewers, a record for a cable telecast of a non-sports event.

Christopher Zara covers media and culture. News tips? Email me here. Follow me on Twitter @christopherzara.