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Netflix's random play button is a binge-watcher's dream come true

The company is testing a feature that could put a stop to endless Netflix scrolling.

Shelby Brown Editor II
Shelby Brown (she/her/hers) is an editor for CNET's services team. She covers tips and tricks for apps, operating systems and devices, as well as mobile gaming and Apple Arcade news. Shelby also oversees Tech Tips coverage. Before joining CNET, she covered app news for Download.com and served as a freelancer for Louisville.com.
Credentials
  • She received the Renau Writing Scholarship in 2016 from the University of Louisville's communication department.
Shelby Brown
Netflix

Show repeaters rejoice.

Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Odds are you've watched your favorite show on Netflix enough times to pick up on the overarching plot no matter what episode you're watching. Of course, you can manually choose an episode at "random," but that takes a lot of work.

Now, however, Netflix may do that work for you. At least on Android.

"We are testing the ability for members to play a random episode from different TV series on the Android mobile app," a Netflix spokesperson said in an email. "These tests typically vary in length of time and by region, and may not become permanent."

Android Police spotted the test earlier Friday. From the screenshots, it looks like the feature would work similarly to shuffle in your music app. Tapping the thumbnail of a show will play a random episode. It appears Netflix is testing The Office, Our Planet and New Girl, according to screenshots. 

Of course, this wouldn't be helpful for all shows -- especially plot-heavy programs like Ozark or Stranger Things. But for those of us who restart Friends or The Office as soon as we finish it, a random play feature has been a long time coming.

Originally published April 19.
Update, April 22: Reworks top of story to reflect confirmation from Netflix.

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