from Hacker News

Why can't we sort and filter movies TV shows on streaming services?

by mr-pink on 12/31/23, 11:05 AM with 4 comments

would it be so detrimental to someone's well being if you could just filter genres and sort items by rating to find something to watch?

why is every streaming service presenting its content in such a terrible way, where the only option is to scroll horizontally massive thumbnails?

  • by wappieslurkz on 12/31/23, 11:41 AM

    I'm sure streaming services have researched this to the max, all drawing the same conclusion... If people get lost in the catalog and are exposed to the algorithm instead of using their own filter, it helps revenue more than offering a good experience.

  • by CrypticShift on 12/31/23, 12:40 PM

    This.

    Anyway, if you are willing to forego the convenience of the standard UI, there's a wealth of alternative guides out there. Some track a ton of services like justwatch.com or tastoid.com. Some might have more titles up their sleeve than others.

    If you use Prime Video , the new IMDB advanced search is solid. It's got some really nifty filters [1]

    [1] https://www.imdb.com/search/title/?online_availability=US%2F...

  • by comprev on 12/31/23, 4:36 PM

    Because they want to pick what you watch for financial reasons, rather than you deciding for yourself.

    Their argument might be their catalog is so vast, picking something for you helps avoid doomscrolling... getting frustrated by choice paralysis... and then cancelling your subscription.