Streaming giant purges all of its customer reviews of movies and TV shows
Sean Burch | August 17, 2018 @ 1:23 PM
Last Updated: August 17, 2018 @ 3:27 PM
Netflix
Your lengthy, spot-on review of the latest “Orange Is the New Black” season is now digital history. On Friday, Netflix ended customer reviews of its shows.
The streaming giant started notifying frequent reviewers it would axe the desktop-only feature last month. Netflix first blocked users from submitting show evaluations on July 30, and has now wiped all existing fan recaps, too. This brings an end to a feature that has been part of the Netflix experience since the company launched in 1998.
Netflix says it decided to remove the feature due to “declining usage,” a company spokesperson told TheWrap
This isn’t the first time Netflix has tinkered with its user rating system. Prior to the announcement, Netflix had already made reviews unavailable on mobile devices and removed customer bylines from them on the desktop site. And the company ditched 5-star grading last year in favor of the current “thumbs up/thumbs down” system. Netflix’s system now analyzes viewing habits and a user’s “thumbs up/thumbs down” selections to curate show and film recommendations.
Netflix in August: What's Coming and What to Watch Before It's Gone (Photos)
Arriving Aug. 1: "The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring"
For anyone wanting to brush up on the "LOTR" series before the TV adaptation hits Amazon, now is your chance. The first installment of Peter Jackson's trilogy hits Netflix on the first of the month.
New Line
Arriving Aug. 10: "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society"
If "Set It Up" had you wanting more from Glenn Powell and "Mama Mia Here We Go Again" had you wanting more from Lily James, we have the perfect movie for you. "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" is an adaptation of the best-selling novel of the same name and follows James as a journalist, with Powell playing her love interest. Watch the trailer here.
Netflix
Arriving Aug. 10: "Insatiable"
Debby Ryan stars in this tale of a high school student used to be teased for her looks finding herself suddenly beautiful. The trailer garnered backlash, with critics saying that the series promotes fat-shaming. Tune in Aug. 10 to decide for yourself.
Netflix
Arriving Aug. 17: "Disenchantment"
The latest from Matt Groening features the voice of "Broad City" star Abbi Jacobson as Bean, a drinking princess, and follows her adventures with companion Elfo and her own personal demon Luci.
Netflix
Arriving Aug. 24: "The Innocents"
This sci-fi offering features Sorcha Groundsell as June, who starts a new life in London but finds herself involuntarily shape-shifting. The series also stars Guy Pearce and Percelle Ascott.
Netflix
Arriving Aug. 31: "Ozark" Season 2
Marty Byrd (Jason Bateman) and company are back for the money laundering off season... which doesn't really seem like any sort of break, given the trailer.
Netflix
Leaving Aug. 1: "Finding Dory"
If you need some warm and fuzzies, be sure to watch "Finding Dory" before it leaves on Aug. 1.
For the complete list of what's coming to and leaving Netflix in August, head over here.
Pixar
1 of 7
From “Finding Dory” to “Ozark” Season 2
Arriving Aug. 1: "The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring"
For anyone wanting to brush up on the "LOTR" series before the TV adaptation hits Amazon, now is your chance. The first installment of Peter Jackson's trilogy hits Netflix on the first of the month.