Fix Broken Watch Lists: How Federation Can Help

The struggle is real. Trying to keep track of everything you want to watch across different streaming platforms can be a major headache. There are tools out there to help, but the problem is they’re all too scattered.

Imagine this scenario: you bookmark a movie on Netflix, your partner adds a show on Hulu, and then you find something fun on Google, each adding to a separate watch list. And if you’re anything like my family, you probably have a bunch of these lists lying around, collecting digital dust.

There are apps like Plex that aim to streamline this process by offering a universal catalog and watch list that spans different services. The catch? It requires a bit more effort on your part, interrupting your late-night binge-watching session.

What if there was a way to merge all these watch lists together, allowing you to seamlessly share data across platforms? If you bookmark something on Netflix, it automatically shows up on your Plex watch list, and vice versa. No more jumping through hoops to keep everything in sync.

And how about ditching the concept of profiles altogether? Instead of segregating watch lists by individual preferences, why not organize them based on genre or mood? It could make finding something to watch a whole lot easier.

But here’s the kicker — streaming services aren’t exactly keen on sharing their data. They want you to stay within their app ecosystem, which means features like universal watch lists are few and far between. However, one can dream of a future where data is free-flowing and everyone benefits.

So, as we head into the new year, maybe, just maybe, a streaming executive out there will hear our plea. Let’s open the floodgates, break down the silos, and let the data roam free. Who knows what kind of cool features and innovations could come out of it? Here’s to hoping for a more interconnected streaming landscape in 2026.