Streaming Services NEED to add a Random Button

We NEED some 'Random' on Streaming Services

There are times when we don't want to think about what to watch

The only real benefit of not using streaming services anymore and sticking with traditional cable or satellite television is that we don't have to think about the programming on at that moment. "Oh, an episode of The Office, whatever I'm in." That's what our minds say when we scroll through the guides on traditional services. And sometimes that's what we need, whatever happens to be on.

But, since most of us are using streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video, we are left to our own devices to decide on content. Sure they have complicated suggestion algorithms that queue up suggestions for us tailored around what we have already watched, but what we need is an option to just mindlessly throw up a random episode of a beloved show.

This cannot be a single solution

  

(Photo credit: Matthew Keys / Flickr Creative Commons)

Recently, I began watching the new Limited Docuseries The Family on Netflix. A 'Random' feature may not be the ideal way of watching this show as each episode builds on the previous one to tell a story. The same could really be said about a show I love, Supernatural, although the entire first season could be watched at random since it became a serial show during season two. 

Streaming providers have to do a little due diligence to find the right shows to add this feature to, but it could be very rewarding in the end. For those of you like me, who share streaming accounts with members of your family, in your household, sometimes it feels like you are watching a random episode. I'm pretty sure I missed two whole seasons of Grey's Anatomy, but I can still follow along with some prompting... thanks honey. 

All Streaming Services can benefit

With all of the hype right now on Disney+, one can only hope that they will be considering this feature. Disney already follows a similar format on their networks, because I'm sure that I have still not yet seen every episode of Ducktales, but I have seen the return of Darkwing Duck. 

The new streaming service will be home to the entire catalog of The Simpsons, which currently has 669 episodes and counting. A 'Random' feature could be an excellent addition for those hardcore fans who just want to throw on an episode without having to think about which of the massive catalog they want to hone in on. Over on Hulu, is where you can catch Futurama, the other massive Matt Groening show and another prime candidate for 'Random' episodes.

I'm not the only one who thinks this

Way back when I heard that Netflix was releasing new episodes of Arrested Development, I was so eager to watch that I forgot about Time-zones and called Netflix at 12:01 AM EST to find out where my new fix would be. After the very nice gentleman reminded me they release on a West Coast schedule and told me to wait until 3:01 AM, I floated the idea of adding a 'Random' button. He thanked me and told me it was a good suggestion, so I replied, "That was a freebie." Here we are over 6 years later and no random :(

I did a quick search and found a Change.org petition asking for the same thing, but it seems like "First Name Last Name," isn't having much luck either as only 5 people have signed it at this time. Any way, I'd love to know what shows you would like to see have the 'Random' option, use this Google Form to let me know. Also, feel free to Subscribe and/ or share the blog with others or follow me on other social media accounts. Thanks for reading!!