The basics of selecting episodes

To select a specific episode on Apple TV, open the app and navigate to the show you want to watch. Once you're on the show's main page, you'll see a row or section labeled "Episodes" — tap or click on it to see all available episodes for that season. From there, you can tap the episode you want, and it will begin playing when ready or give you the option to start it.

The exact layout depends on whether you're using Apple TV on an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or an Apple TV device, but the core process is the same across all platforms. The show's page always displays episodes grouped by season, and you can jump between seasons before selecting which episode to watch.

Key Takeaways

  • Episodes are organized by season on the show's main page, and you select the season first before choosing an individual episode.
  • Tapping an episode will either start playback when ready or open a detail screen where you can choose to play it.
  • You can resume a show from where you left off, or start from the beginning of any episode you've already begun watching.
  • Downloaded episodes can be selected and played offline on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV devices.

Finding episodes on iPhone and iPad

Open the Apple TV app and search for or navigate to the show you want to watch. Once you're on the show's page, scroll down until you see the "Episodes" section. Tap "See All" or the season dropdown to view all episodes in that season.

If the show has multiple seasons, you'll see a season selector — usually a dropdown menu or row of season numbers. Tap the season you want, and the episode list will update to show only episodes from that season. Then tap the episode title or thumbnail to open it. You can either tap "Play" to start watching when ready, or tap "Add to Up Next" to queue it for later.

Selecting episodes on Apple TV devices

Using the Apple TV app on an Apple TV box (4K or HD model), navigate to the show using the remote. Highlight the show and press Select to open its main page. Scroll down to find the "Episodes" section.

Use the remote's directional buttons to highlight the season you want, then press Select to expand that season's episode list. Highlight the episode you wish to watch and press Select or the Play button on the remote. The episode will begin playing, or you'll see options to play it now or add it to your queue.

Resuming vs. starting from the beginning

If you've already started watching an episode, Apple TV remembers where you stopped. When you select that episode again, you'll see a "Resume" button alongside a "Play from Beginning" option. Tap "Resume" to pick up where you left off, or tap "Play from Beginning" to start the episode over from the start.

This works the same way whether you're on a phone, tablet, Mac, or Apple TV device. Your progress syncs across all your devices, so if you watch part of an episode on your iPhone, you can resume it on your Apple TV from the exact same spot.

Downloading episodes to watch offline

On iPhone and iPad, you can read episodes to watch without an internet connection. Open the show, select the episode, and look for a read icon (usually a cloud with a downward arrow). Tap it to read the episode to your device.

Once downloaded, the episode appears in your library with a read indicator. You can select and play it anytime, even when you're offline. Downloaded episodes take up storage space on your device, so you can delete them after watching if you need room. On Apple TV devices, episodes stream over your home network and cannot be downloaded for offline playback.

Using season and episode filters

Some shows display episodes in a grid or list view. If you're looking for a specific episode and the show has many seasons, use the season filter at the top of the episode list to narrow down which season's episodes you see. This is especially helpful for shows with 10 or more seasons.

You can also search for a show and then tap "Episodes" from the search result to jump straight to the episode list, skipping the show's main page. This shortcut works on all devices and saves a few taps when you know exactly which show you want.

Troubleshooting common selection issues

If you can't see the "Episodes" section on a show's page, the show may not be available in your region or your subscription may not include that content. Check that you're signed in with the correct Apple ID and that your subscription is current.

If an episode appears grayed out or locked, it may not be available yet in your region, or it may require a higher subscription tier. Some shows release episodes on a schedule, so a future episode won't be selectable until its release date. If you've downloaded an episode and can't find it, check the "Downloads" section in the app — it's usually accessible from the menu or library tab.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I select multiple episodes to play in a row?

You can add episodes to your "Up Next" queue one at a time. Select an episode, tap "Add to Up Next," and repeat for other episodes. They'll play in the order you added them. You cannot select and queue multiple episodes at once from the episode list.

What happens if I select an episode I don't have permission to watch?

The episode will appear locked or grayed out on the episode list. You won't be able to select it to play. This usually means your subscription tier doesn't include that content, or the episode isn't available in your country. Check your subscription details in Settings to see what's included.

Do I lose my place if I select a different episode?

No. Apple TV tracks your progress in every episode separately. If you're watching episode 3 and switch to episode 5, your progress in episode 3 is saved. When you return to episode 3, you can resume from where you left off.

Can I select and watch episodes out of order?

Yes. You can select any episode from any season and watch it when ready, regardless of whether you've watched earlier episodes. Apple TV doesn't enforce episode order, though some shows are designed to be watched in sequence for the story to make sense.