This is how fans of the series keep track of things

With series streaming, it’s easy to lose track: What’s available, when, and where? Is there anything else interesting related? This is where the smartphone comes into play.

Hannover – Streaming series has long been part of the canon of the most popular leisure activities. Depending on your mood and provider, you can watch all the episodes in one go or expect a sequel every week. Sometimes there are three episodes at the beginning, then one more follows each week.

But what if your favorite series suddenly switches to another streaming service? Or if you want to know what other interesting formats exist to the left and right of your own nose? Apps and websites can help here.

On the one hand, the services are used by those who have several subscriptions, watch several series and don’t want to miss anything, explains Nico Jurran of the specialized magazine “c’t”. And some people would also like to see series from the US or UK that are not (yet) available in this country. “At this point, at the latest, it gets confusing, if only because of the time difference.”

not always on sundays

In addition, the weekly rhythm of foreign series that is typical for Germans cannot necessarily be relied on: in the US it sometimes happens that seasons are split, stopped due to holidays or major sporting events or, depending on the success, they get a new slot at short notice. And if you watch multiple series and take breaks often, you’ll appreciate being able to immediately see where you got off.

The services provide information about what is happening, on the web, but also through the application. They are a kind of series programming guide. Probably the best known service is called Werstreamt.es, says Rainer Schuldt of Computer Bild. Everything currently streaming on the internet can be found here, not just content from subscription services, but also individual catch-ups.

Another popular portal is Justwatch.com. It is based on a huge database, says Nico Jurran, and is perfect for drilling down into different providers. Media libraries such as ARD, ZDF or Art are also covered. After installation, the app queries subscribed services and preferences to make suggestions.

Here comes the series trackers.

According to Rainer Schuldt, another point of contact for searching for series and movies is “Streampicker.de”. The movie portal “Moviepilot.de” also provides information on what’s new on Amazon Prime, Netflix & Co.

A pioneer in the field of series tracking is “Trakt.tv”, a service from the USA. Here you can manage your movies in the browser and also through the application. However, with all the features, the service costs around 2.50 euros per month.

The advantage of series tracking apps: users can be reminded of episodes through push notifications so they don’t miss a thing. With an eye on the wallet, you can even configure whether to only show recommendations that are included in your own subscriptions, or if you might be tempted to make external purchases here and there.

Important: Apps only provide information. The respective provider is examined. Otherwise, according to Nico Jurran, the following applies: “The apps are relatively identical and free, the individual differences lie in the functions. iOS.

Spoiler protection and subtitles

“SeriesGui.de” also offers statistics, tips, a calendar and a comment function. With “Showlyapp.com”, the series you are currently watching are always at the top of the list thanks to the ranking function. And “Betaseries.com” offers subtitles for download on its website.

The TVTime.com app also includes features to invite friends and write reviews. The latter is useful for getting an idea of ​​how good or bad others thought a series was before jumping into it. And with friends you can compare who watches what more often.

And if you can’t get enough of Series & Co, immerse yourself in the discussion forum. “Unlike Facebook forums, TVTime.com doesn’t allow you to be coddled,” Jurran explains. Anyone who reveals too much and takes the surprise away from others will be banned. In addition, you only receive comments from other people if you confirm that you have already seen the respective episode or if you expressly agree to know details of the plot. dop