Netflix deletes all user reviews

If you are looking for a binge-worthy Netflix show to feast your eyes on, don’t bother looking at what other users had to say.

The streaming service deleted all user reviews of TV shows and movies from its website on Friday. The company announced the move last month and stopped allowing customers to leave criticism or praise under a program title on July 30.

“Netflix customers were able to leave reviews on Netflix.com until mid-2018, when reviews were removed due to declining use,” the company’s help centre says under the heading “How do I post reviews on Netflix?”

But don’t fret, the removal shouldn’t affect your Netflix experience. The reviews were only visible through the web, likely adding to the feature’s downfall.

Purging reviews is the latest change Netflix has made to its rating system.

The streaming service switched from a five-star system to a simpler “thumbs up”

or “thumbs down” rating in 2017. Netflix said the change was made to clear up confusion on how to rate the quality of a series or movie, but the company probably had other reasons — like user sabotage.

Trolls would purposefully “review bomb” a show title with hopes of bringing its ratings down. Most notably, Amy Schumer’s Netflix comedy stand-up, Amy

Schumer: The Leather Special, was given a one-star rating last year after being spammed with negative reviews.

Users can still look forward to Netflix’s own recommendations.

It’s a “great built-in way to only suggest content we think you’ll love based on your viewing history”, the company says, in a statement.