The quickest way to move to the next episode

When you finish watching an episode on Apple TV, the app automatically shows you options to continue. At the end of the episode, a menu appears with the next episode highlighted and a play button ready. You can press that button to start the next episode when ready, or use the arrow keys on your remote to select a different episode from the season and press select.

If you want to jump to a specific episode without waiting for the current one to end, pause the video at any point. A row of episode thumbnails appears below the video player. Scroll left or right through the thumbnails using your remote's arrow keys, find the episode you want, and press select to start playing it.

On iPhone or iPad, swipe left or right across the video player to move between episodes in the current season. The episode number updates as you swipe, so you can see which one you are about to select before you tap to play it.

Key Takeaways

  • At the end of an episode, a menu automatically appears with the next episode ready to play — just press the play button on your remote.
  • While watching, pause the video to see thumbnail previews of all episodes in the season, then use your remote's arrow keys to select a different one.
  • On a phone or tablet, swipe left or right across the video player to browse and switch between episodes.
  • You can also navigate to a show's main page and select any episode from the full season list without playing the current episode first.

Pausing to see all episodes in the season

Pausing is the most reliable way to see every episode at once. Press the pause button on your remote while any episode is playing. The video player shrinks and a strip of episode thumbnails appears below it, showing every episode in the current season in order.

Use the left and right arrow keys on your remote to scroll through the thumbnails. Each one shows the episode number and title. When you find the episode you want, press select or the play button to start it. If you want to go back to the episode you were watching, scroll back to it and press select.

Going back to a show's main page to pick an episode

You can also exit the video player entirely and return to the show's main page, where all episodes are listed. While watching, press the menu button on your remote (usually marked with three horizontal lines or labeled "Menu"). This takes you back to the show's page.

On the show page, scroll down to find the season you want. Under each season heading, you will see a row of episode thumbnails. Scroll through them to find your episode, then press select to start playing it. This method works well if you want to jump between seasons or if you are not sure which episode comes next.

Using the up arrow to access the show menu

On most Apple TV remotes, pressing the up arrow while a video is playing brings up a menu bar at the top of the screen. This menu shows the show title, episode number, and playback controls. From here, you can press the menu button again to go back to the show's main page, or use the arrow keys to navigate to other options.

The exact menu layout depends on which Apple TV model you own and which tvOS version is installed. If the up arrow does not show a menu, try pressing the menu button instead. Both methods lead to the same show page where you can browse all episodes.

Switching episodes on iPhone and iPad

The touchscreen makes switching episodes simpler on mobile devices. While watching, swipe left across the video player to jump to the next episode, or swipe right to go back to the previous one. The episode number and title update as you swipe, so you always know which episode you are about to play.

You can also tap the screen to bring up playback controls, then tap the episode title or show name to see a list of all episodes in the current season. Tap any episode to start playing it. On iPad, this list often appears as a sidebar, while on iPhone it usually opens as a full-screen menu.

What to do if the next episode does not play automatically

Apple TV is set to play the next episode automatically by default, but this setting can be turned off. If you reach the end of an episode and nothing happens, check your settings. Go to Settings on your Apple TV, select Apps, then Apple TV, and look for an option labeled "Up Next" or "Auto Play". Make sure it is turned on.

If auto-play is already on and the next episode still does not start, try pausing and manually selecting the next episode from the thumbnail row. You can also go back to the show's main page and select the next episode directly. If the problem continues, try signing out of Apple TV and signing back in, or restart your Apple TV device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip the intro or recap at the start of an episode?

Some shows on Apple TV include a "Skip Intro" button that appears automatically when the intro begins. If your show has this feature, a button will pop up in the corner of the screen — tap or click it to jump ahead. Not all shows offer this feature, and it depends on whether the content provider has set it up for that particular series.

How do I go back to the previous episode if I accidentally started the wrong one?

Pause the video and scroll left through the episode thumbnails to find the episode you want, then press select. You can also press the menu button to return to the show's main page and choose the correct episode from there. Your watch history is saved, so you can pick up where you left off in the previous episode whenever you want.

What happens if I close the app while watching an episode?

Apple TV saves your place in the episode you were watching. When you open the app again and go back to that show, you will see a "Resume" option that lets you pick up right where you stopped. If you want to start a different episode instead, just select it from the episode list and it will play from the beginning.

Can I watch episodes out of order?

Yes. You can select any episode from the season list and start playing it, regardless of whether you have watched the previous episodes. Apple TV does not lock episodes or require you to watch them in sequence. However, some shows are designed to be watched in order, so you may miss plot details if you skip ahead.