Netflix is launching its own version of channel surfing

Netflix
(Image credit: Elise Amendola / ASSOCIATED PRESS)

We've all been there: you boot up Netflix without a specific idea of what to watch, only to aimlessly scroll for so long that you just give up before finding anything. The streamer hears you, and might have a solution.

On Wednesday, Netflix rolled out a feature called "Play Something," which allows users to let the streamer decide what to put on for them. After hitting the "Play Something" button, a movie or an episode of a show will immediately start playing, though if you're not happy with the selection, you can simply hit "Play Something Else" to get another option pulled up.

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Brendan Morrow

Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.