HBO Max copies one of Netflix’s best app features – but with a genius change

WONDER what to watch no more.

HBO Max is bringing in a new feature that will make choosing what content to stream even easier – and it’s designed to play the hits.

The streaming platform was approaching 50million subscribers at the conclusion of 2021

The platform is introducing a shuffle button that is available on the desktop version of HBO Max.

Not every title is included in the randomness – just 45 shows are accessible via the shuffle button.

But shuffle on HBO Max does more than just scramble series and land users at the starting point of their next obsession.

The button will lead you to a random episode of a random season of Full House, Curb Your Enthusiasm, ER or one of the 42 other shows.

HBO Max’s feature isn’t necessarily designed to lead users to new waters – many of HBO Max’s most popular titles are on the randomization list and viewers are sure to see previously viewed content.

But isn’t selecting an episode of Friends before bed the hardest part?

On Netflix, the Play Something button will start rolling on a title that the company’s algorithm thinks you’ll enjoy.

HBO Max’s button is less based on syncing with your interests and more generally aimed at steering users to renowned and popular content.

Many of the shows on HBO’s shuffle list are syndicated programs – meaning they produced over 100 episodes during the shows hay-day.

A solid portion of the shows are comedies, which makes sense as they require less narrative context.

You won’t find yourself dropping in on Tony Soprano at Satriale’s Pork Store by using the shuffle button.

There is a considerable amount of animation, ranging from the old school Tom & Jerry to the new school Rick & Morty.

All in all, this is a chaotic way to watch – but fans seem to love it.

HBO Max is late to the randomness party, with Hulu, Amazon Prime and Netflix all offering a feature of a similar nature.