The fastest way to move to the next episode

When you finish watching an episode, Apple TV automatically shows you options to continue. The simplest method is to look for the Next Episode button that appears on your screen after the credits roll—tap or click it and playback starts when ready. If you want to jump to a different episode without waiting for the end screen, pause the video, then select the episode you want from the list that appears below the player.

On the Apple TV app for iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV hardware, the process is the same: pause during playback, and the episode guide slides into view. Scroll through the season and tap the episode number to start it. On a web browser, pause the video and look for the episode list on the right side of the player window.

Key Takeaways

  • The Next Episode button appears automatically after an episode ends, and tapping it starts the next one without any extra steps.
  • You can pause at any time and select a different episode from the list below the player to jump ahead or go back.
  • On all Apple TV devices and apps, the episode list appears when you pause—no menu navigation required.
  • If you want to skip the next episode entirely, you can browse to a later episode in the season from the same pause menu.

Pausing and selecting from the episode list

Pause the video by pressing the spacebar (on Mac or web), tapping the screen (on iPhone or iPad), or pressing the select button on your Apple TV remote. The player will dim slightly and show the episode list underneath the video window.

Scroll down to see all episodes in the current season. Each episode shows its number, title, and how long it is. Tap or click the episode you want to watch. Playback begins from the start of that episode—you cannot jump to a specific timestamp within an episode from this menu.

Switching between seasons

If you want to jump to a different season, pause the video and look for the season selector. On the Apple TV app, this usually appears as a dropdown menu or button labeled with the current season number. On iPhone and iPad, swipe left or right to move between seasons, or tap the season number to see a list.

Once you select a new season, the episode list updates to show that season's episodes. Tap the episode you want to start watching. The app remembers where you left off in the previous season, so you can return to it later without losing your place.

Using the up next queue

Apple TV maintains an Up Next list that tracks shows you are watching. When you finish an episode, the app automatically adds the next episode to this queue. You can view your Up Next list by going to the Watch Now tab or the Library section of the Apple TV app.

From Up Next, you can see all the episodes waiting for you across different shows. Tap any episode to start watching it when ready. You can also remove episodes from Up Next by swiping left (on iPhone or iPad) or selecting the episode and choosing Remove.

Skipping the intro or credits

Many shows on Apple TV have a Skip Intro button that appears during the opening credits. When you see it, tap or click to jump straight to the episode content. This button appears automatically—you do not need to enable it in settings.

Some shows also offer a Skip Credits button at the end of an episode. Tapping it takes you directly to the next episode screen or the episode list, saving you time if you want to move on quickly.

Rewinding to an earlier episode

If you want to go back and rewatch an earlier episode, pause the current video and scroll up in the episode list. Find the episode you want and tap it. The app will start playing from the beginning of that episode.

Apple TV keeps track of which episodes you have watched, so you can see your progress through the season at a glance. Episodes you have finished usually show a progress bar or checkmark, making it straightforward to spot where you left off.

Troubleshooting episode navigation

If the episode list does not appear when you pause, try closing the app and reopening it. On Apple TV hardware, restart the device by going to Settings > System > Restart. On iPhone or iPad, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to close the app, then tap it again to reopen.

If the Next Episode button does not appear after an episode ends, check that you have the latest version of the Apple TV app installed. Go to the App Store and search for Apple TV to see if an update is available. If you are using Apple TV hardware, go to Settings > System > Software Updates to check for updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I jump to a specific time within an episode?

No, the episode list only lets you start from the beginning of an episode. However, once playback starts, you can use the scrubber bar (the timeline at the bottom of the player) to jump to any point within that episode.

What happens if I stop watching in the middle of an episode?

Apple TV saves your position automatically. When you return to that show, you will see a resume button that takes you back to where you stopped. You can also manually select the same episode from the list and scrub to your previous position.

Does the app remember which episodes I have watched?

Yes, Apple TV tracks your viewing history across all your devices. Episodes you have finished show a progress indicator, and the app remembers your place in any show you are currently watching.

Can I change episodes on a shared family account?

Yes, each family member has their own viewing history and progress. When you switch to a different profile on the same device, the app shows that person's Up Next list and watched episodes.

Why does the next episode start automatically?

By default, Apple TV plays the next episode after a short countdown. If you do not want this behavior, you can turn off autoplay in the app settings. On most devices, go to Settings or Preferences and look for Autoplay or Continue Watching options.