The coronavirus pandemic is forcing people to adjust the way they live their lives in ways that almost no one could have thought of.
Foremost among this is the concept of social distancing in order to help slow down the spread of the virus so that healthcare systems are not overwhelmed.
But one of the best ways to practice social distancing is to simply stay at home. That can be a daunting task considering that you could be facing weeks just staring at the four corners of your room. Even introverts need some social interaction, after all.
Thankfully, a new Chrome browser extension now allows you to binge-watch all your favorite shows in the virtual company of your friends. Best of all, it’s completely free.
Called Netflix Party, the app syncs your chosen TV show or movie as that you and your friends can watch in tandem. It even adds a chat option so that you can discuss the show as you’re watching. Just don’t shout out any spoilers because that’s the quickest way to get yourself booted out of the watch party!
It may be some time before we can once again sit together with family and friends in-person while watching a movie so Netflix Party may just be the next best thing.
The Netflix Party’s description reads: “Netflix Party is a new way to watch Netflix with your friends online. Netflix Party synchronizes video playback and adds group chat to your favorite Netflix shows.
“Join over 500,000 people and use Netflix Party to link up with friends and host long-distance movie nights and TV watch parties today!”
So far, only Google Chrome carries the extension.
To download it, simply click on this link and choose “Install Netflix Party.” It will take you to the Google Chrome store where you need to choose “Add To Chrome” to complete the installation process.
To organize a Netflix Party session, just start watching something on Netflix and click the “NP” icon situated next to the web address bar on the browser.
Select “Start Party” to create a URL that you can share with your friends for your virtual binge session.
All your friends need to do is click the link you sent and then they’ll be redirected to the Netflix show you’re playing. If they click the “NP” icon on their own browser, they’ll be included in the hangout.
So what are you waiting for? Let your friends know and get started!
Replaced!