# This post is NOT for recommending the "best" alternative.

It's mainly for people like me who've spent years (or over a decade) on TV Time and whose biggest concern is moving their watch history with as little data loss as possible.

Everything below is based on my own experience unless stated otherwise. I'll continue updating this thread as more apps improve their importers.

# Last updated: 05/07/2026

---

# Step 1: BACKUP YOUR DATA FIRST

Before trying any alternative, export your TV Time data.

# Official [GDPR](https://gdpr.tvtime.com/gdpr/self-service) export

I recommend requesting this immediately since the servers are under heavy load and exports can take time. Don't wait until the last day. TV Time will permanently delete user data after the shutdown.

---

Alternative export methods

If the official export is slow, these Chrome extensions are lifesavers.

[TV Time Data Extractor](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/tv-time-data-extractor/jmpoblamjmpbhnggdihhcoejomkpkgpp)

Simple CSV export that works locally in your browser.

[TV Time Out (Refract)](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/tv-time-out-by-refract/pmejpdpjbkjklfceogdkolmgclldogbi?hl=en) ⭐ My favourite

Creates export files and also generates a beautiful HTML archive of your profile.

If you have fewer than 100-200 entries, this HTML file makes manual migration much easier.

---

One thing you CANNOT migrate

Unfortunately, no app currently imports:

- Comments

- GIF reactions

- Episode discussions

- Likes

- Community interactions

Those memories stay with TV Time.

So... say goodbye to years of conversations.

---

Apps I've tested

# 1. [Cinopsys](https://cinopsysapp.com/) + [Simkl](https://simkl.com/) ⭐ My current recommendation

We have a new contender at the top.

After testing multiple migration methods, this is currently my preferred setup.

The best thing about Simkl is that it's the only tracking platform using the same database repositories as TV Time, resulting in significantly better compatibility during migration.

**Preferred import method**

Use the JSON export from **TV Time Out by Refract**, NOT the official GDPR export.

Extension: [TV Time Out by Refract](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/tv-time-out-by-refract/pmejpdpjbkjklfceogdkolmgclldogbi)

Current import results

- GDPR export → around **40% movie data loss** (developers are currently investigating this)

- TV Time Out JSON export → around **10% movie data loss** For now, I strongly recommend using the **TV Time Out JSON export**.

Pros

- Same repositories/database as TV Time.

- Excellent show imports.

- Keeps the community feeling with comments.

- Supports custom posters.

- Supports custom lists.

- Can act as your permanent cloud storage.

- Cinopsys provides one of the best Android UIs available.

Think of it like this:

**Simkl = your database/storage**

**Cinopsys = a beautiful UI skin built on top of Simkl**

Cons

- Opening comments redirects to the Simkl website.

- Widgets currently don't work properly.

- Every action syncs with Simkl, so older devices may occasionally feel a little sluggish.

# Major con

Currently, TV Time imports are **not free** on Simkl.

The developers have said free imports will return, but if you don't want to wait, the import fee is relatively inexpensive and lets you migrate immediately.

# 2. [Movie Paradise](https://movieparadise.app/) (bringing tvdb support by tommrow, an app to keep an eye upon)

This has been the best alternative I've tested so far.

Supports importing directly from:

- TV Time GDPR export

- TV Time Out by Refract

- TV Time Data Extractor

- Trakt

- Letterboxd

- IMDb

- Simkl (so can be used as a simkl skin)

and several other services.

This has also been by far the fastest importer I've tested, probably because the app is still relatively undiscovered compared to the others.

Pros

- By far the best UI, search and overall accessibility.

- Premium membership is inexpensive and only needed for advanced features. A normal user can comfortably use all essential features for free.

- Has a proper comment section.

- Supports GIFs and images in comments.

- Strong focus on building a community.

- Trakt integration means the app already feels active with ratings, comments and discussions.

- Also allows you to change poster of your entries 🥲

Cons

- The database is currently expanding with TVDB repositories. During my migration, only YouTube series and some anime specials failed to import, making the data loss minimal.

- DATA loss - 10%

- The project is essentially maintained by one developer. If thousands of TV Time users migrate over at once, bugs and slower updates are understandable. However, this also makes its progress extremely impressive.

Overall, this currently has the biggest potential out of all the alternatives I've tested.

---

# 3. [Trakt](https://app.trakt.tv/) + ui app like cinopsys.

Currently one of the most popular migration paths. (Recommended for Casual users only who never tracked niche shows)

Steps

1. Create a Trakt account

2. Open Trakt Import

3. Upload your TV Time backup

4. Wait for processing (it's surprisingly fast)

5. Fix unmatched entries

6. Login to Cinopsys and sync with Trakt

Pros

• Very fast import

• Great UI

• Mature ecosystem

Cons

TV Time and Trakt use different databases.

As a power user, I personally lost around 20% of my library because some entries couldn't be matched.

If you're a casual user, you probably won't notice much.

Also, comments don't support GIFs or images like TV Time.

---

# 4. [Bingeboxd](https://bingeboxd.com/)

This one surprised me.

Uses the TV Time Data Extractor export specifically.

Import success was around 90% for me.

Even better, it clearly shows which entries failed so you can manually add them.

Out of roughly 35 months of tracking, I only had to manually fix around 100 entries.

Pros

- Very transparent importer.

- Easy manual fixing.

Cons

- The UI still doesn't feel "home" yet.

- No real comment/community system at the moment.

---

# 5. [Refract](https://getrefract.app/)

It's still far from replacing TV Time, but it gives me the closest feeling, as they are planning to build their own library to minimise future data loss.

Current situation:

- The app is experiencing insane traffic.

- Everything is slow.

- Imports are taking hours (or even days).

But...

- The developers have been working almost non-stop.

- Their Discord has exploded to over 10k members, and updates are being pushed constantly as they scale their infrastructure.

- They also provide their own Chrome extension, making export incredibly easy.

Current downside

My import has been sitting in the queue for over 24 hours, so I can't yet comment on:

- Import accuracy

- Missing entries

- Duplicates

- Overall migration quality

I'll update this once it finishes.

#Also refract doesnt use TVDB database for their library as of now, so i expecting data loss for power users.

---

# Other apps

Apps like:

- [Serializd](https://www.serializd.com/) (no tv time import, developer said will bring in a week or 2)

- [Mirate](https://mirate.app/) (high hopes, but importer not yet available)

- [Televise](https://televise.app/) (not yet available on Android)

- [Sofa Time](https://tvsofa.app/?lang=en) (not yet available on Android)

- [Moviebase](https://moviebase.app/) (uses Trakt, so similar data-loss limitations)

- [Next Episode](https://next-episode.net/) (UI feels dated, but I'll still test it)

- [Bingebase](bingebase.com) (doesnt use TVDB database hence can't import much)

- [Cinematique](https://cinematique.me/) (follows tmdb repositories hence immense data loss)

- [episod](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.episod.episod) (follows tmdb repositories hence immense data loss)

are also worth watching, but they are not enough to be recommended as of now.

---

# My advice

Don't rush into deleting your TV Time account.

Export your data.

Keep multiple backups.

Try a few apps before committing.

Most importantly, remember that this is probably the biggest migration these developers have ever handled. Servers are overloaded, bugs are expected, and many importers are improving literally every day.

I'll keep updating this thread as I test more services and hopefully help everyone find the best new home.

If you've tested an app yourself, please share:

- Import accuracy (%)

- Missing shows

- Missing movies

- Duplicate entries

- Community features

- Overall experience

The more data we collect here, the easier it'll be for every long-time TV Time user to migrate.

This post is NOT for recommending the "best" alternative.

It's mainly for people like me who've spent years (or over a decade) on TV Time and whose biggest concern is moving their watch history with as little data loss as possible.

Everything below is based on my own experience unless stated otherwise. I'll continue updating this thread as more apps improve their importers.

Last updated: 04/07/2026

---

Step 1: BACKUP YOUR DATA FIRST

Before trying any alternative, export your TV Time data.

Official GDPR export

I recommend requesting this immediately since the servers are under heavy load and exports can take time. Don't wait until the last day. TV Time will permanently delete user data after the shutdown.

---

Alternative export methods

If the official export is slow, these Chrome extensions are lifesavers.

TV Time Data Extractor

Simple CSV export that works locally in your browser.

TV Time Out (Refract) ⭐ My favourite

Creates export files and also generates a beautiful HTML archive of your profile.

If you have fewer than 100-200 entries, this HTML file makes manual migration much easier.

---

One thing you CANNOT migrate

Unfortunately, no app currently imports:

- Comments

- GIF reactions

- Episode discussions

- Likes

- Community interactions

Those memories stay with TV Time.

So... say goodbye to years of conversations.

---

Apps I've tested

1. Simkl

Current situation:

They are prioritising imports for VIP/Pro users, so I haven't personally tested it yet.

Also free version has ads.

Community feedback has generally been positive regarding import quality, but I'll wait until I can test it myself before giving a recommendation.

If you've migrated to Simkl, please leave your experience below.

---

2. Cinopsys + Trakt

Currently one of the most popular migration paths.

Steps

1. Create a Trakt account

2. Open Trakt Import

3. Upload your TV Time backup

4. Wait for processing (it's surprisingly fast)

5. Fix unmatched entries

6. Login to Cinopsys and sync with Trakt

Pros

• Very fast import

• Great UI

• Mature ecosystem

Cons

TV Time and Trakt use different databases.

As a power user, I personally lost around 20% of my library because some entries couldn't be matched.

If you're a casual user, you probably won't notice much.

Also, comments don't support GIFs or images like TV Time.

---

3. Bingeboxd

This one surprised me.

Uses the TV Time Data Extractor export specifically.

Import success was around 90% for me.

Even better, it clearly shows which entries failed so you can manually add them.

Out of roughly 35 months of tracking, I only had to manually fix around 100 entries.

Pros

- Very transparent importer.

- Easy manual fixing.

Cons

- The UI still doesn't feel "home" yet.

- No real comment/community system at the moment.

---

4. Serializd

Fantastic app.

Probably my favourite interface after TV Time.

Unfortunately, there is no direct TV Time importer yet.

The developer has confirmed on X that an importer is coming soon, so I'm waiting before making the switch.

---

5. Refract ⭐ My personal bet

This is the one I'm rooting for.

It's still far from replacing TV Time, but it gives me the closest feeling, as they use the same repositories plus additional repositories, also making their own library to secure any future loss of data.

Current situation:

- The app is experiencing insane traffic.

- Everything is slow.

- Imports are taking hours (or even days).

But...

- The developers have been working almost non-stop.

- Their Discord has exploded to over 10k members, and updates are being pushed constantly as they scale their infrastructure.

- They also provide their own Chrome extension, making export incredibly easy.

Current downside

My import has been sitting in the queue for over 24 hours, so I can't yet comment on:

- import accuracy

- missing entries

- duplicates

- overall migration quality

I'll update this once it finishes.

---

Other apps

Apps like:

- Mirate (high hopes, but not yet live with importer on app)

- Televise (not yet live on android)

- Sofa Time (not yet live on android)

- Moviebase (uses trakt, so same data loss issue)

- Next Episode (UI is too old, but will try)

are also worth watching, but I haven't tested them enough to recommend them yet. Some already support imports, while others are still improving their migration tools.

---

My advice

Don't rush into deleting your TV Time account.

Export your data.

Keep multiple backups.

Try a few apps before committing.

Most importantly, remember that this is probably the biggest migration these developers have ever handled. Servers are overloaded, bugs are expected, and many importers are improving literally every day.

I'll keep updating this thread as I test more services and hopefully help everyone find the best new home.

If you've tested an app yourself, please share:

- Import accuracy (%)

- Missing shows

- Missing movies

- Duplicate entries

- Community features

- Overall experience

The more data we collect here, the easier it'll be for every long-time TV Time user to migrate.

With the shutdown of TV Time, I thought some people might have questions about either product. I have good insight into both with regard to technology/development, history, legal, business decisions, and some financials (mostly on TheTVDB side). I did ask the mods if I could post this, and they graciously approved. I'm hoping maybe it'll stave off some of the repeat posts.

I am working today, so I'll answer when I can. There are a few things I won't be able to answer because of potential legal restrictions or company secrets (existing products). Ok...

I’m the original creator of TheTVDB, which is the metadata source for many apps and sites like TV Time and Plex. TheTVDB was acquired in 2018 by TV Time, which later became Whip Media after an acquisition of Mediamorph. While at Whip Media, I was the lead engineer for TheTVDB, managed the rewrite of TV Time’s website, and lead engineer for their enterprise data analytics platform. I remained at Whip Media through approximately 4 rounds of layoffs from 2022 to 2024 and then left in late 2024 for a more stable position.

Some points of interest:

1. TV Time had a team of around 30 working on it at its peak. TheTVDB had a team of 5, plus fractional staff, a few paid offshore moderators, and an awesome group of volunteer moderators. TV Time is down to maybe a couple of fractional resources (a developer, devops) as they wind it down.
2. Whip Media made a big play with its acquisition of Mediamorph, including aggressive hiring and taking on a lot of debt. The big play (a predictive "content rights marketplace") didn’t pan out, which factors in heavily to this shutdown of TV Time.
3. Whip Media’s CEO while I was there is the former CEO of MySpace and Demand Media. Super wealthy, super smart, and super charismatic. During layoffs, he did his best to help people find other jobs when he could. He lives up the hill from Dr Dre, and we had a few work parties at his house (his pool is AMAZING). He's also friends with Tom Brady, who lived next to him, and who joined one of our work meetings via teleconference to chat with us.
4. TheTVDB has averaged around 30 billion hits on its API every month for a decade, and at its peak exceeded 1PB of bandwidth usage. Kodi/XBMC was always the top API user, by far. Plex, Apple, and other commercial users effectively subsidized Kodi's use (which those companies were aware of and supported).
5. We had a VERY high level TV executive casually mention that he used TheTVDB/Kodi for his pirated content during a meeting with us. It was hilarious.
6. TheTVDB’s past commercial clients included Google, Apple, Plex, and many more. Apple was rad to work with.
7. TheTVDB was originally going to be shut down as well. After I told Plex, they stepped up in a huge way to try preventing it from happening. The efforts that Plex and I put in didn't pan out in the way we desired/expected, but Plex deserves a ton of praise for a purely benevolent move to support the community (go sign up for Plex Pass).
8. Petitions to keep TV Time running aren’t going to work, unfortunately. I've known about the shutdown for 6 months. This isn't a reactionary decision. There are a lot of smart businesspeople with a lot of financial and analytic information at their disposal that made the decision.
9. I don't know what the current status is, but even if TheTVDB is safe for right now, it may not be longer term. There was huge pushback on membership models for TheTVDB a few years ago, and those were intended to support TheTVDB and TV Time. If there hadn't been complaints about that with regard to TheTVDB, a paid model for TV Time might have been more likely. None of us like paying for stuff, but take this as an opportunity to consider your support of existing sites like TheTVDB and systems like Plex.
10. I think I could architect a more cost-effective version of TV Time and TheTVDB. I don't have time to build it, but I'm happy to talk through scalability and barriers.

Ok. Ask me whatever you'd like. Happy to try my best to answer them. Just as a note, though... some of you all get aggressive/demanding in your responses. Take a deep breath before you respond. :)

edit: Just as a very important note, I have no official relationship with TheTVDB, TV Time, or Whip Media anymore. Anything I say is entirely my opinion and not guaranteed to be accurate.

Ultimate Japan Visa Guide: Step-by-Step Breakdown (India)

Applying for a Japan Tourist Visa? Don’t stress—this ultimate guide will walk you through every document you need! This is the main hub, linking to detailed posts on each requirement. Follow along, and your visa application will be smooth and hassle-free.

Edit - THANKS FOR MAKING THIS THREAD REDDITS MOST POPULAR JAPAN VISA POST, AN UPVOTE IS MUCH APPRECIATED.

📝 Japan Visa Checklist & Step-by-Step Guide

Submitting Your Application

Where to submit -

check this page out to know which vfs you need to submit at, it depends upon your current address, not passport address.

link

You can call at embassy and ask any question they will help you out, every time.

1. Cover Letter & Purpose of Visit

Why you need it, format, and a sample template.

📌 Read here

2. Day-Wise Travel Itinerary

How to create an itinerary that aligns with your visa application.

📌 Read here

3. Original Passport & Copies

✔ Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of application.

✔ 4 copies of passport front and back.

4. Passport Photos (2x2 inches)

✔ White background, no border, 80% face coverage.

✔ 3 copies required.

📌 Read here

5. Financial Documents (Bank Statements & ITRs)

✔ Minimum balance required? Accepted documents? Find out here.

📌 Read here

6.  Flight Ticket Confirmation (2 Copies)

Do You Need to Book Before Applying?

Yes, you must submit a flight booking for your visa application. But don’t worry—I’ve got the best way to minimize your financial risk.

✅ Recommended Option: ANA Hello Blue Sale Flights

• If your visa gets rejected, you can still get unused taxes refunded.

• This means your actual risk is only ₹7,000–9,000, making it a safer option.

Edit: Someone on Reddit mentioned that you can just state your travel dates and mention the flights you plan to take instead of submitting an actual booking. While this might work, I don’t recommend it—the ANA deal is fantastic and much safer.

7. Hotel Confirmation (2 Copies)

To prove your accommodation, you need to submit 2 copies of hotel confirmation. But instead of risking cancellation charges, here’s the best way:

✅ Book through Booking.com

• Choose big hotels so you don’t hold up small accommodations if you cancel later.

• Most hotels on [Booking.com](http://Booking.com) offer “Pay at Property” or “Fully Refundable” options.

• This means you can cancel without financial loss if needed.

8. Address Proof / Rent Agreement

Who Needs to Submit Address Proof?

✔ You must provide address proof if your current address is different from the one on your passport.

Accepted Proof: Rent Agreement

✅ Only a rent agreement with your current address is accepted.

❌ It must be in your name—agreements under your guardian’s name will not be accepted.

#Edit - a user reported "An update: It seems the document checklist has been update on VFS website (atleast for Bangalore) and turns out they have mentioned the disclaimer regarding passports issued outside Karnataka and the documents that can be submitted in such cases for proof of residence."

"saying we can attach rental agreement, aadhar, sale deed, gas bill, etc."

9. Supporting Documents

✔ Passport copies of accompanying friends.

✔ 2 copies of Aadhar card.

✔ 2 copies of PAN card.

10. Visa Form

✔ Most important document

📌 Read here)

💬 Got questions? Drop them in the comments! 🇯🇵✨ Let’s get you to Japan! 🚀

Update #1 -

I have been receiving a lot of similar questions and dms regarding the japan visa, please use the reddit A.I or go through the comment section for all posts mentioned above, to check for the answers, only if theres no satisfactory answer, comment and if its personal free feel to dm me.

Update #2-

If you need a budget itinerary to plan to japan, feel free to check out my first draft for the same and how i did everything under 1.5 lakh per person.

[Itinerary of japan under 1.5 Lakh/person]

Update #3-

This post is up to date till _2025-26_.

If the above date is not updated, do note that the support for the forum has been closed and op is not taking anymore dms.

#reposting this because for some reason the [old post/old account] is archived.

Hey everyone,

I'm a mobile photography enthusiast from Surat and have been sharing my work on Instagram for a while now.

All of my photos are shot on a smartphone, focusing on travel, cityscapes, nature, street photography, and everyday moments that catch my eye.

Instagram: @ygcaptured

Feel free to be brutally honest. Constructive criticism is always welcome. 😊

Thanks! 📷✨

Ultimate Japan Visa Guide: Step-by-Step Breakdown (India)

Applying for a Japan Tourist Visa? Don’t stress—this ultimate guide will walk you through every document you need! This is the main hub, linking to detailed posts on each requirement. Follow along, and your visa application will be smooth and hassle-free.

Edit - THANKS FOR MAKING THIS THREAD REDDITS MOST POPULAR JAPAN VISA POST, AN UPVOTE IS MUCH APPRECIATED.

📝 Japan Visa Checklist & Step-by-Step Guide

Submitting Your Application

Where to submit -

check this page out to know which vfs you need to submit at, it depends upon your current address, not passport address.

link

You can call at embassy and ask any question they will help you out, every time.

1. Cover Letter & Purpose of Visit

Why you need it, format, and a sample template.

📌 Read here

2. Day-Wise Travel Itinerary

How to create an itinerary that aligns with your visa application.

📌 Read here

3. Original Passport & Copies

✔ Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of application.

✔ 4 copies of passport front and back.

4. Passport Photos (2x2 inches)

✔ White background, no border, 80% face coverage.

✔ 3 copies required.

📌 Read here

5. Financial Documents (Bank Statements & ITRs)

✔ Minimum balance required? Accepted documents? Find out here.

📌 Read here

6.  Flight Ticket Confirmation (2 Copies)

Do You Need to Book Before Applying?

Yes, you must submit a flight booking for your visa application. But don’t worry—I’ve got the best way to minimize your financial risk.

✅ Recommended Option: ANA Hello Blue Sale Flights

• If your visa gets rejected, you can still get unused taxes refunded.

• This means your actual risk is only ₹7,000–9,000, making it a safer option.

Edit: Someone on Reddit mentioned that you can just state your travel dates and mention the flights you plan to take instead of submitting an actual booking. While this might work, I don’t recommend it—the ANA deal is fantastic and much safer.

7. Hotel Confirmation (2 Copies)

To prove your accommodation, you need to submit 2 copies of hotel confirmation. But instead of risking cancellation charges, here’s the best way:

✅ Book through Booking.com

• Choose big hotels so you don’t hold up small accommodations if you cancel later.

• Most hotels on [Booking.com](http://Booking.com) offer “Pay at Property” or “Fully Refundable” options.

• This means you can cancel without financial loss if needed.

8. Address Proof / Rent Agreement

Who Needs to Submit Address Proof?

✔ You must provide address proof if your current address is different from the one on your passport.

Accepted Proof: Rent Agreement

✅ Only a rent agreement with your current address is accepted.

❌ It must be in your name—agreements under your guardian’s name will not be accepted.

#Edit - a user reported "An update: It seems the document checklist has been update on VFS website (atleast for Bangalore) and turns out they have mentioned the disclaimer regarding passports issued outside Karnataka and the documents that can be submitted in such cases for proof of residence."

"saying we can attach rental agreement, aadhar, sale deed, gas bill, etc."

9. Supporting Documents

✔ Passport copies of accompanying friends.

✔ 2 copies of Aadhar card.

✔ 2 copies of PAN card.

10. Visa Form

✔ Most important document

📌 Read here)

💬 Got questions? Drop them in the comments! 🇯🇵✨ Let’s get you to Japan! 🚀

Update #1 -

I have been receiving a lot of similar questions and dms regarding the japan visa, please use the reddit A.I or go through the comment section for all posts mentioned above, to check for the answers, only if theres no satisfactory answer, comment and if its personal free feel to dm me.

Update #2-

If you need a budget itinerary to plan to japan, feel free to check out my first draft for the same and how i did everything under 1.5 lakh per person.

[Itinerary of japan under 1.5 Lakh/person]

Update #3-

This post is up to date till _2025-26_.

If the above date is not updated, do note that the support for the forum has been closed and op is not taking anymore dms.

#reposting this because for some reason the [old post/old account] is archived.

Looking to put together a small group of genuine, fun people who enjoy good stand-up comedy and meeting new people.

I usually have access to discounted BookMyShow tickets through my cc offers, so we can often catch shows at a much lower cost. The idea isn't just to watch comedy—it's to build a circle of interesting people, have good conversations, and make new friends along the way.

No memberships, no networking agenda, no sales pitch. Just people who enjoy laughing, hanging out, and expanding their social circle.

If this sounds like something you'd enjoy, drop a comment or send me a DM. 🎤