With TVTime shutting down in mid-2026, millions of users need a new place to track shows, log episodes, and keep community conversations alive. The best alternatives include Trakt, Simkl, Showly, Serializd, and Achriom, each offering different trade-offs in database coverage, social features, import capability, and long-term stability. This guide compares them across the features that matter most.
Key Takeaways
- Trakt has the largest crowd-sourced database and a reliable CSV import tool – best for users who prioritize completeness.
- Simkl offers the most seamless direct CSV import from TVTime and tracks movies, TV, and anime in one account.
- Showly is completely free, ad-free, and open-source but lacks social features and iOS support.
- Serializd recreates the social comment experience but requires manual logging for now.
- Always check regional coverage (e.g., Quebecois shows) before committing; Trakt is the safest bet for niche content.
The Must-Have Features Your New TV Tracker Needs
Database completeness is usually the top priority. Mainstream shows are easy, but regional and niche series – like Quebecois productions – require a platform that either curates them or lets users add them. TVTime had a large crowd-sourced catalog that included many local titles; your replacement must match that breadth.
Data import tools are another critical feature. Many people have logged years of episodes, and losing that history is painful. The best apps offer CSV uploads or direct migration from TVTime. Check the current status of these tools before you start, because some are officially supported while others rely on third-party workarounds.
Community features were a core part of TVTime’s appeal. Episode comments, ratings, lists, and a social feed made watching feel shared. Not every app recreates that experience. Some focus purely on personal tracking, while others build social interaction into the design.
Platform stability matters after watching one beloved service shut down. Look for apps with regular updates, transparent business models, and a track record of years of operation. Subscription or ad-supported models are generally more sustainable than donation-only projects.
Pricing models vary widely. You can find completely free apps with no ads, ad-supported free tiers, and premium subscriptions that remove advertisements and unlock extra features. Mobile app quality also matters – make sure your chosen service has a well-reviewed app on both iOS and Android, or at least on your platform.
Trakt: The Feature-Rich Standard
Trakt has been the backbone of show tracking for over a decade. It powers many third-party clients and offers a massive crowd-sourced database that covers mainstream, international, and many regional shows. Its catalog is user-contributed, so less common titles are often present if enough fans have added them. For Quebecois and other niche series, Trakt is the safest choice, though you should search for specific titles to be sure.
Importing your TVTime history is possible via a CSV upload. Trakt provides a dedicated import page on its website. The tool has been maintained for years, but always export your TVTime data before the shutdown occurs. The process maps episode completion dates, ratings, and watchlists.
Community features are strong. Trakt offers per-episode comments, ratings, lists, and a social feed where friends can see what you have watched. The community is large and active, though the comment sections are less curated than TVTime’s were.
Pricing: a free tier with advertisements and limited list creation. A VIP subscription removes ads and adds custom lists, advanced statistics, and early access to features. Annual VIP costs around $30, making it affordable.
Stability is excellent. Trakt is funded through subscriptions and partnerships with streaming services. It has been running since 2011, with frequent updates and transparent communication.
Trade-off: the wealth of features can feel overwhelming to new users. Some regional gaps still exist, and the official mobile apps are basic, often pushing users toward third-party clients like SeriesGuide or Showly.
Simkl: Best for Automation and Multi-Content Migration
Simkl positions itself as a one-stop tracker for movies, TV shows, and anime. Its database is strong for international content, though it may still miss some obscure regional series. Search for Quebecois shows before committing.
Import from TVTime is one of Simkl’s standout features. It offers an official CSV import tool that accepts the export file from TVTime. The process is straightforward: upload, map the columns, and your history appears. This makes migration less painful.
Community features include per-episode comments, watch parties (simultaneous viewing with chat), and a recommendation engine. The social feed is less prominent than TVTime’s, but still functional.
Pricing: free with advertisements. A premium tier removes ads and adds custom lists and advanced stats. Premium costs roughly $25 per year.
Stability is good. Simkl has been active for several years and regularly publishes updates and financial transparency reports. It is run by a small team, so feature development can be slow, but the app is not going anywhere soon.
Trade-off: the interface can be cluttered, and some users find the community less lively than TVTime’s. Regional coverage for very niche titles may require you to manually request additions.
Showly: Simple, Free, and Open-Source
Showly is a lightweight Android app that focuses on clean, fast episode tracking. It has no built-in social features, no advertisements, and no premium tier – just a straightforward tracker. The database pulls from Trakt, so you get the same broad catalog.
Importing TVTime history requires extra steps. Showly does not offer a direct import tool. You must first export your TVTime data to Trakt, then connect Showly to your Trakt account. This two-step process works but adds friction.
Community is essentially absent. There are no comment sections or social feeds. If your main use for TVTime was the community, Showly will disappoint. It is built for the solo tracker.
Pricing: completely free and open-source. No ads, no in-app purchases.
Stability: the app is maintained by a small volunteer team. Updates are infrequent, and there is a risk of abandonment if the developers lose interest. However, because it relies on Trakt’s API, basic functionality remains even if the app stops being updated.
Trade-off: no social features, no iOS version, and import is indirect. Best for users who want a minimal, ad-free experience.
Serializd: The Social-First Alternative
Serializd was built specifically to recreate the social aspect of TV tracking, often described as “Letterboxd for TV.” It focuses on episode reviews, reactions, and a friendly community feed.
Database coverage is solid for English-language and popular international shows. Niche regional content like Quebecois series is likely missing unless users have added it. The catalog is growing but not as deep as Trakt’s.
Import from TVTime is not directly supported. The app relies on manual logging or a future Trakt import feature. Currently, you must add shows one by one, which is tedious for a long history.
Community features are Serializd’s strength. Episode comment sections are lively, and the “next up” prompts feel like a friend recommending what to watch. The social feed shows what others are viewing, similar to TVTime’s timeline.
Pricing: free with optional donations or a supporter tier that unlocks extra themes and features.
Stability: developed by an independent team that is actively engaged with users. The user base is smaller than TVTime’s, so the community is tighter. Funding relies on donations, which poses a long-term risk if growth stalls.
Trade-off: import limitations and weaker regional database. Strong choice if community is your priority and you watch mostly mainstream shows.
Achriom: Cross-Media Tracking with a Personal Touch
Achriom is a newer entrant (launched in 2025) that tracks TV alongside movies, books, games, and music – all in one profile. Its database relies on external APIs, so coverage for Quebecois shows is likely limited.
Import from TVTime is planned but not yet available. You can add shows by searching or submitting a natural language list to the “librarian” feature, but that is manual.
Community is lightweight. You can leave episode notes and see what friends are watching, but there are no massive comment threads. It is more of a personal taste archive.
Pricing: free during early access. Premium tiers are expected to launch later.
Stability: high risk. The product is early-stage, with no disclosed funding. If it fails to gain traction, it could shut down like TVTime. Use with caution.
Trade-off: incomplete import, uncertain longevity, weak regional coverage. It appeals to users who want cross-media tracking and are willing to start fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I import my TVTime watch history into these apps?
Trakt provides a CSV import tool that accepts TVTime exports. Simkl has a direct CSV import – one of the most seamless options. Showly requires you to first export to Trakt, then connect. Serializd and Achriom do not currently support direct imports; you will need to log shows manually or wait for planned features. Always export your TVTime data before the shutdown to preserve your history.
Which app has the most comprehensive database for international and niche shows?
Trakt has the largest crowd-sourced database, covering many regional series through user contributions. Simkl also offers strong international coverage, especially for anime and foreign films. For less common content like Quebecois shows, Trakt is the safest bet, but you should search for specific titles before committing. Showly (powered by Trakt) inherits that breadth. Serializd and Achriom have weaker coverage outside mainstream English-language content.
Are there any free apps that don’t require a subscription?
Showly is completely free with no paid tier or advertisements. Trakt and Simkl have generous free tiers with ads – you can use them indefinitely without paying. Serializd is free with optional donations. Achriom is free during early access but may introduce paid plans later. If you want to avoid subscriptions and ads, Showly or Serializd are your best bets, but be aware of their trade-offs in social features and import ease.