TV Time is shutting down - My migration guide for long-time users (will keep updating)
# 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
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# 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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# 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
Create a Trakt account
Open Trakt Import
Upload your TV Time backup
Wait for processing (it's surprisingly fast)
Fix unmatched entries
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.
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# 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.
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# 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.
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# 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.
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# 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.