diff --git a/apps/client/src/features/operator/Operator.tsx b/apps/client/src/features/operator/Operator.tsx
index f1b6ffc41..e389cc554 100644
--- a/apps/client/src/features/operator/Operator.tsx
+++ b/apps/client/src/features/operator/Operator.tsx
@@ -36,7 +36,8 @@ export default function OperatorLoader() {
     return <Loader />;
   }
 
-  if (status === 'error') {
+  // only show the error state if we have never received data to fall back on
+  if (status === 'error' && data.rundown.revision === -1) {
     return <EmptyPage variant='error' text='There was an error fetching data, please refresh the page.' />;
   }