Free TV Show Tracker Apps

The Challenge of Modern Television Tracking

Maintaining a current understanding of television programming is becoming increasingly complex. The sheer volume of quality shows available presents a significant challenge. With series like House, Breaking Bad, and Lost concluding their runs, alongside the comebacks of programs such as True Blood and Entourage, and the debuts of new series like Persons Unknown and Rubicon, schedules are consistently packed.

A more efficient method for managing favorite TV shows is clearly needed. Keeping everything straight can feel overwhelming.

Effective Online TV Management Solutions

Fortunately, there are two excellent online tools designed to help you organize your television viewing. This article will detail the two most effective web applications discovered for simplifying this otherwise difficult process.

The impetus for this article stemmed from personal need. Previously, the resource “Two Ways To Never Miss A Television Episode” sufficed for all television-related organization. However, its functionality has recently diminished.

Email updates from Crap, I Missed It have become infrequent, suggesting a cessation of database updates. While RerunCheck, created by MakeUseOf’s Jorge Sierra, is useful for identifying new episodes, it’s most effective when tracking only a limited number of shows.

Recommended Applications for Dedicated Viewers

For those who actively follow multiple television programs, two particularly helpful applications have been identified to streamline TV show tracking.

These tools offer a robust solution for dedicated television enthusiasts.

EpisodeCalendar

EpisodeCalendar provides a straightforward method for discovering the air dates of your preferred television programs. Shows are displayed on a calendar interface, allowing for quick identification of both the day and episode number. While specific air times aren't included, the application boasts several valuable features that enhance its usability.

A public calendar is available for those simply seeking information on new shows premiering on a given day; it can be accessed here.

Personalized Tracking

Creating an account on EpisodeCalendar enables the development of a customized calendar, focusing solely on the shows you choose to follow. Shows can be added to your personal list through individual searches, or by utilizing the Quick multiple add function, which presents a selection of currently popular programs.

Episode Details

After adding a show, you are presented with details regarding the most recently broadcast episode, as well as information about the upcoming installment and its scheduled date. A calendar view of this information is readily accessible via the My calendar section.

Notifications for New Episodes

A key benefit of EpisodeCalendar is its ability to send notifications when new episodes become available. Accessing the My settings page reveals options to integrate your iCal feed with Google Calendar, subscribe to an RSS feed, and activate email alerts. Email notifications can then be customized on the My shows page by selecting the corresponding checkbox next to each desired program. This ensures you won't miss any future broadcasts.

A potential drawback of EpisodeCalendar is the occasional delay in adding newly released shows to its tracking list. However, users can directly contact the developers via email if a specific show is not found.

Additional Features

• Easy to Use: The calendar format makes it simple to visualize upcoming episodes.
• Customizable: Users can tailor their experience by selecting only the shows they watch.
• Timely Alerts: Notifications help ensure you never miss a new episode.

MyTVShows

MyTVShows is presented as a premier online solution for managing television series. This web application facilitates the organization of episodes from all your preferred shows, allowing you to monitor both viewed and unviewed content.

Furthermore, it provides updates regarding new episodes of shows you follow, ensuring you don’t miss any installments.

Extensive Show Database

The MyTVShows database is remarkably comprehensive. An attempt was made to identify a show not currently listed, specifically Boardwalk Empire, a new HBO series scheduled to premiere in September, but it was successfully found within their records.

Tracking and Organization

Creating an account allows users to begin building their My Shows list. Specific seasons can be added individually, and episode viewing status can be marked.

MyTVShows diligently maintains a record of all unwatched episodes across your selected shows, updating as you mark episodes as seen. The platform also enables show ratings.

Community Features and Statistics

The Stats page displays trending shows and identifies the most active users. User profiles, unless set to private, are publicly accessible, revealing their favored shows.

Profile pictures are dynamically sourced from Gravatar, linked to the email address used during account registration.

Mobile Accessibility

Currently, a dedicated notification system for new episodes is not available. However, the site is accessible via iPhone/iTouch and Android devices, simplifying the process of checking for new releases.

Final Thoughts

These applications will be utilized together to comprehensively manage my television viewing. The episode tracking capabilities of MyTVShows, combined with the timely notifications from EpisodeCalendar, should eliminate the need for traditional TV listings.

Do you share my passion for television? Do you employ an application for show tracking, or do you prefer a method like Google Calendar for scheduling? Your insights are welcome in the comments section below.

Managing Your Viewing Experience

The combination of these tools provides a robust solution for staying organized with television programming. MyTVShows excels at detailed episode management, while EpisodeCalendar ensures you won't miss an airing.

For those who frequently record shows, or simply want to be aware of upcoming episodes, this pairing is highly recommended. It offers a level of control and convenience that surpasses conventional methods.

Benefits of Digital Tracking

Utilizing digital applications for television management offers several advantages. These include automated reminders, comprehensive episode lists, and the ability to track progress across multiple seasons.

Furthermore, many apps allow for community features, enabling discussions and sharing of opinions with fellow viewers. This enhances the overall television experience.

Alternative Tracking Methods

While dedicated apps provide a streamlined experience, alternative methods are also viable. A simple spreadsheet or a calendar application like Google Calendar can be effective for basic tracking.

However, these methods often require manual input and lack the specialized features found in dedicated television management apps. The convenience factor is significantly reduced.