Netflix Unveils Redesigned Interface for TV App

Netflix is set to unveil a major overhaul of its user interface for the TV app, introducing significant design changes aimed at enhancing the viewing experience for its subscribers.

According to reports from The Verge, the new UI will feature more pronounced title trailers and descriptions, with dynamic tiles that expand upon selection to play previews and reveal additional information such as synopses, genres, episode counts, performance charts, and even badges of starring actors.

This design approach is a departure from the current fixed title tiles that require users to scroll to the top of the screen for a preview.

The changes also extend to the menu and navigation buttons, with the former moving from the left side of the screen to the top, and the addition of a “My Netflix” tab for quick access to movie history and watchlists. To address concerns about scrolling to the top for the new menu, Netflix has introduced a back button on the remote.

While reactions from Netflix users have been generally positive, some have already offered suggestions, such as fixing the auto-play mode on the synopsis page and adding a 10-second skip command for TV.

In an interview with The Verge, Pat Flemming, Netflix’s senior director of member product, explained that the redesign aims to “hasten the decision-making of consumers and avoid eye ‘gymnastics.'” He stated, “We really wanted members to have an easier time figuring out if a title is right for them.”

The redesign will initially be rolled out to a randomly selected group of users on Thursday, June 13, with Netflix planning to incorporate user feedback into further design improvements before a broader rollout.

Such changes are not uncommon for Netflix as the streaming giant continues to strive to retain its position as the world’s most widely used streaming service. In 2023, the company implemented a crackdown on password sharing, which ultimately led to a net increase of 1.75 million global streaming subscribers in the first quarter.

Recently, Netflix has also ventured into wrestling by striking a 10-year, $5 billion deal to air “WWE Raw” live, further expanding its content offerings.

While the new UI promises an improved viewing experience for TV users, there are reports that Netflix may soon confine offline viewing to mobile devices, meaning the new Windows app will no longer support downloading shows for offline viewing.