Netflix Tests Feature That Picks Shows and Episodes at Random

Streamer could adopt a new feature that harkens back to a time when viewers couldn’t pick and choose what was on

Queer Eye
Netflix

If you’ve ever been stuck debating whether to check out the latest season of “Queer Eye” or simply throw on an old “Friends” episode, Netflix might have a solution for you.

The streaming giant confirmed on Friday that it’s testing a new feature that would randomly select a show for users to watch. And once they’re watching a show, Netflix is also testing a new “Random Episode” button, located in its playback controls, where it’ll pick an arbitrary episode from the same series.

The potential changes, seen by some Android users, were first spotted by Android Police on Thursday.

“We are testing the ability for members to play a random episode from different TV series on the Android mobile app. These tests typically vary in length of time and by region, and may not become permanent,” a Netflix spokesperson told TheWrap.

If adopted, the randomizing features would come as a bit of a throwback to a time when viewers didn’t have control over what was on TV. With more streaming services set to hit the market later this year, including from Apple and Disney, viewers will continue to have more options at their fingertips –and likely making it even harder to pick and choose what to watch.

The test comes to light after Netflix earlier this week reported it has nearly 150 million global subscribers.

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