The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics was nothing short of a visual spectacle. Boats adorned with various themes related to French culture, such as a nod to 'Les Miserables' and headless Marie Antoinette mannequins, sailed down the Seine. Highlights included performances by French singer Aya Nakamura and the Republic Guard, a metal scene by the band Gojira, and a mock fashion show paying homage to Louis Vuitton. The ceremony concluded with a stunning light show at the Eiffel Tower and performances by Celine Dion and Lady Gaga, creating a memorable start to the Games.

The decision by NBC to have Peyton Manning and Kelly Clarkson join Mike Tirico as co-hosts for the opening ceremony was controversial. With backgrounds in football and music, respectively, their commentary was perceived as lacking depth and preparation needed for an event celebrating global cultures and stories. Their attempts at humor and personal anecdotes did not translate well, leaving viewers longing for more insightful and relevant commentary. This choice was criticized heavily across social media and in reviews, with many suggesting that professional athletes or seasoned broadcasters would have been more appropriate.

The broadcast of the opening ceremony faced several challenges, primarily due to the rainy weather which affected the audio quality and visibility. Despite these issues, there were notable moments such as the inclusion of Snoop Dogg, who brought much-needed humor and charisma to the coverage. Furthermore, the lack of emphasis on the American athletes and the minimal coverage of a dance party on one of the barges were seen as missed opportunities to showcase a broader range of stories and participants.