Netflix Lets You Give Shows ‘Two Thumbs Up’

There’s a big difference between just liking a show and being your all-time favorite show. Netflix’s recommendation algorithm can now distinguish between the two. The streaming service is adding a “Two Thumbs Up” option to its rating system. Viewers will notice the new option starting today, right next to the traditional ‘Thumbs Up’ and ‘Thumbs Up’ icons on all devices.

How do you know if a show or movie deserves a “Thumbs Up” or two? If you liked the genre or style of a show and want to see similar titles, a single thumb is a safe bet. For example, giving a single thumbs up for a show like russian doll means you will see more mystery or dramedy shows starring a woman. I like a show Midsomer Murders means Netflix brings you even more British detective dramas.

But throwing out a “Two Thumbs Up” makes Netflix’s suggestions even more tailored to actors or specific creators. “…A Two Thumbs Up tells us what you loved and helps us get even more specific with your recommendations. For example, if you loved Bridgerton, you might see more shows or movies starring the cast, or Shondaland,” Christine Doig-Cardet, Netflix director of product innovation, said in a blog post.

Netflix’s thumbs-based rating system has been met with quite a bit of criticism in recent years. The platform its five-star rating system in 2017, much to the chagrin of film critics around the world. As one Redditor It’s hard to know what to judge a mediocre film from a director you normally love. Viewers were concerned that giving a “Thumbs Down” to a less-than-great show from a favorite genre might upset Netflix’s algorithm. An example is zombie fans who don’t like the movie Zombielandor fans of Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy that didn’t care awake life† Hopefully the new addition to Netflix’s rating system will lead to more tailored suggestions. Or at least less bad†