TV Time, one of the most popular apps for tracking the TV shows and movies you watch, has announced it will shut down in mid-July. If you're a user, you're probably wondering what to do next. This guide covers the best TV Time alternatives and shows you how to export your data so you can move to another platform without losing your watch history.
Why TV Time Is Shutting Down and What It Means for Users
TV Time has been a go-to app for millions of users who want to keep track of their favorite series and films, rate episodes, and connect with other fans. The announcement of its closure means that all user data—including watch history, ratings, and lists—will no longer be accessible through the app after mid-July.
This leaves users scrambling to find a replacement. Fortunately, there are several excellent alternatives that offer similar features, and you can even transfer your data to some of them. Below, we'll explore the top options and guide you through the export process.
Best Alternatives to TV Time
When choosing a replacement for TV Time, consider what features matter most to you: tracking episodes, discovering new shows, social interaction, or cross-platform availability. Here are the best alternatives available now.
Trakt
Trakt is a powerful tracking service that many consider the gold standard for TV and movie tracking. It offers detailed progress tracking, scrobbling from streaming services, and a robust API. Trakt also allows you to import data from other services, making it a great hub for managing your watch history.
Serializd
Serializd is a newer app focused specifically on TV shows. It has a clean interface, social features, and allows you to track episodes, rate shows, and see what your friends are watching. It's a strong contender for those who mainly watch series.
Letterboxd
Letterboxd is primarily for movie lovers, but it's an excellent platform for tracking films, rating them, and writing reviews. It has a vibrant community and is great for discovering new movies. While it doesn't track TV episodes, it's perfect for film buffs.
Simkl
Simkl is another comprehensive tracking service that supports both TV shows and movies. It offers automatic tracking, a calendar of upcoming episodes, and integration with various devices. It's a solid all-in-one solution.
MyAnimeList and AniList
If anime is your thing, these specialized platforms are ideal. They allow you to track episodes, rate series, and connect with the anime community. MyAnimeList is the largest, while AniList offers a modern interface.
- Trakt: Best overall for TV and movie tracking with import/export capabilities.
- Serializd: Great for TV show enthusiasts with social features.
- Letterboxd: Perfect for movie lovers and reviews.
- Simkl: All-in-one tracker with automatic scrobbling.
- MyAnimeList/AniList: Specialized for anime tracking.
How to Export Your Data from TV Time
Before TV Time shuts down, you should export your data. TV Time doesn't offer an in-app export option, but because the service operates in Europe, it's required to comply with GDPR. This means you can request your data through their GDPR self-service portal.
To export your data, go to gdpr.tvtime.com/gdpr/self-service. Once there, select the option to collect your data. Within a couple of hours, you'll receive a download link. The data will likely be in JSON or CSV format, which you can then import into other services.
Using Trakt as a Bridge
TV Time wasn't a very powerful platform, so not all third-party services support direct import. However, you can use Trakt as a bridge. Trakt has an import feature that accepts data from various sources. You can upload your TV Time data to Trakt, and then from Trakt, you can export to other apps that support Trakt integration.
Comparison of TV Time Alternatives
Here's a quick comparison to help you decide which alternative suits you best. The background to this story is set out in 40 Tiny Details In Pixar Movies That Even Hardcore Disney Fans Probably Didn’t Notice. A related thread runs through NHS Data Platform: UK Alternatives Outperform Palantir. Earlier coverage in 20 Hidden Details In The Toy Story Movies That You Probably Missed shows how the argument developed.
| App | TV Shows | Movies | Social Features | Import from TV Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trakt | Yes | Yes | Yes | Via GDPR export |
| Serializd | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Letterboxd | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Simkl | Yes | Yes | Limited | No |
| MyAnimeList | Anime only | Anime only | Yes | No |
What to Watch Next: The Future of TV Tracking
The closure of TV Time is a reminder that no service is permanent. As we move forward, it's wise to choose a platform that offers data portability and is actively maintained. Trakt, with its open API and import/export features, is a safe bet for the long term. A closer look at the same subject appears in What Is Another Word for Unfortunately? 19 Better Alternatives. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Best Discord Alternatives for Private Community Chat in 2026. The same theme surfaces in Google Pixel Watch 4: Officially announced with big changes, which takes a different angle.
For those who love movies, Letterboxd continues to grow and innovate. And for TV enthusiasts, Serializd is quickly gaining traction. Whichever you choose, make sure to back up your data regularly. Context on how this played out before sits in Palantir Alternatives for NHS: UK Tech Solutions. A companion piece, Trending: latest articles, approaches the same subject from another angle.
FAQ
When exactly is TV Time shutting down?
When exactly is TV Time shutting down?
TV Time will stop functioning in mid-July. The exact date has not been specified, but users are advised to export their data before then.
Can I transfer my TV Time data to another app?
Yes, you can export your data via the GDPR portal and then import it into services like Trakt, which can act as a bridge to other platforms.
Is Trakt free to use?
Trakt offers a free tier with basic features, but some advanced features require a subscription. The free version is sufficient for most users.
What if I don't export my data in time?
If you miss the deadline, your data may be permanently lost. It's crucial to request your data before mid-July.