There's so much content on Netflix that it's not uncommon to start a show or movie and then quit. However, Netflix hasn't always offered the option to remove the unwanted show from the "Continue Watching" list that appears at the top of the screen. From now on, however, you can finally remove this list on your television.
Last week, the streaming giant unveiled the ability to remove shows from the Keep Watching line on Netflix TV devices (previously it only worked on the web and mobile devices).
When you choose a show from the list, there is now a "Remove from Continue Watching" option. The program instantly disappears from the list unless you find it and start watching it again.
While the ever-present watchlist is surely a source of frustration for many of Netflix's two hundred and twenty-two million subscribers, the change may have been brought about by a single screeching wheel.
In the feature update weblog post, Netflix linked to a Tweet by Twitter user @RACS040 (also known as "Oscar") that asked for the option to "Delete from" in order to remove content "that A) We've already seen or B) No I don't plan to look. So your algorithms can make better suggestions."
Hi @netflix @NetflixUK Can you give us a 'remove from' alternative, so we can remove all those 'suggestions' in the various 'lists' that we A) have already seen or B) don't intend to to see. Then their algorithms can make better suggestions. #SoloPensamiento Thank you. 👍🏾🎄 December 1, 2021
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Analysis: It's a good start, but Netflix could do more
It's a welcome change, but why can't Netflix offer more extensive customization? There is no such check on the “Watch again” or “Top picks for” line. This level of control would bring Netflix closer to true personalization.
At the very least, as "Oscar" pointed out, it could make the algorithm smarter about what you like and what you don't like.
In fact, "Oscar" agrees and tells TechRadar via Twitter: "It's a great start, but it should be extended to other rows. For example, in my Action-Sci Fi, I saw the first nine suggestions. It would be excellent for to be able to suppress them, thereby suggesting alternative content. A "Hide" function that essentially serves this purpose."
With Netflix facing more competition for our attention and streaming money, it could take over the front end, if it were to loosen up and give us all even more control.