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8 Cool and Useful Netflix Features You're Probably Not Using
You're paying for a subscription, so why not make the most of it?
Zach is a freelance writer who has been active in media since 2009. In the more than a decade and a half since he moved to New York City to pursue a career in the industry, he has covered everything from pop culture and tech to food and New York City life and almost everything in between.
His work has appeared in Thrillist, Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, GQ, VinePair, Inside Hook, Forbes, Parents, Hop Culture, Gawker, and myriad other websites covering a wide range of topics from travel and food to the wine and spirits world, including as a reviewer for Liquor.com. He is also a Certified Cicerone® and serves on numerous tasting and judging panels, including the New York International Beer Competition and Ultimate Spirit Challenge.
Besides writing, Zach supplements his writing with entrepreneurial endeavors as the owner of two award-winning bars and restaurants in Manhattan. He's also an active hospitality educator and consultant, providing knowledge and training curriculums both in-house and for hire around New York City. He has appeared as an expert on nationally syndicated television shows, web series, and podcasts including Thrillist's "Best (and the Rest)," Heritage Radio Network's "Beer Sessions Radio," and more. In 2021, he signed on as the co-host of Back of House’s first podcast, So You Want To Run a Restaurant, which highlights conversations with owners, operators, and luminaries from the hospitality industry.
There’s no denying that the rise of Netflix has forever changed how we watch our favorite shows and movies. Anyone who has ever lost an evening—or even an entire weekend—to a binge-watching session can attest to just how easy it can be to get sucked in and hit that “Are you still watching?” prompt again and again. But even though the streaming service has made it simpler than ever to access content on demand, there are still some handy tricks you might not know about. Read on for eight cool and useful Netflix features you’re probably not using.
Big names have long been a way to draw audiences to the box office, and streaming hasn’t changed that. However, staying on top of the latest releases has made it somewhat more complicated to follow some of your personal favorites’ careers—unless you have a Netflix account.
One of the service’s most overlooked features is the ability to search for content by actor or artist. Besides typing their name into the app’s search bar, you can also dive deeper by clicking the “More info” button after you’ve finished a program and selecting their name from the “cast” tab, according to MakeUseOf.com. This will bring up their entire body of work that you can dive right into or bookmark to watch later.
2. You can play games.
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Most people are entertained by Netflix’s broad catalog of content that they can access simply by pressing play. But did you know you could also use your membership to literally play?
Besides being a streaming platform, Netflix users are also usually surprised to discover that they also have access to about 50 different games. The titles are available for download to mobile devices and tablets as part of your membership, with options like vintage versions of the iconic Grand Theft Auto series, arcade-style games, sports, puzzles, and more.
3. You can reboot your algorithm.
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Even though Netflix started cracking down on password sharing not long ago, there’s a decent chance that the algorithm that’s supposed to help you find your next binge-watch has gotten seriously derailed. But instead of slogging through lackluster recommendations, use a handy feature to get back on track.
Members can easily reset their algorithm by going through their viewing history and removing titles they don’t want to be associated with their account, according to MakeUseOf.com. Simply click on the account icon and select “viewing history” to access yours and begin dropping shows and movies that don’t appeal to you or were abandoned mid-watch. This can be especially helpful if your interests have changed in recent years or if you share the account with someone you live with.
4. Don't neglect the rating option.
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Your viewing history isn’t the only way Netflix decides what it wants to serve up to you next. The service has also long provided a way to rate content, providing users the option to mark titles as “did not like,” “liked it,” and “loved it.”
While it can be easy to skip over this as the credits roll on the final episode, it can actually help keep the app aware of what you actually want to watch. Making it a point to use this feature can cut down on the time you spend frantically searching for something new to start.
5. Optimize download for travel and mobile viewing.
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Netflix isn’t just a great option for hanging out on the couch: The app is also available on mobile devices, making it a fantastic way to pass the time while traveling or commuting. But unfortunately, it’s only helpful if you’re someplace with a decent cell or internet connection—unless you plan ahead.
According to Tom’s Guide, users can change their settings to ensure they’re never left without another episode on the go. One involves enabling “Download Next Episode,” which will both download the next segment of the series you’re watching onto your device and delete any finished content. And if you trust Netflix’s algorithm, turning on “Downloads for You” will have the app stockpile content it thinks you'll enjoy offline.
Do you have a show or movie you know you’ll want to have access to? You can also always prep specific content ahead of time simply by clicking “download” on its title page.
6. Reset your watch progress.
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Whether you’re prone to falling asleep mid-episode or someone else in your home is better at bingeing shows than you, it can be hard to stay on top of which shows you’ve actually watched. Instead of jumping around trying to find where you left off, you might want to try starting from scratch with Netflix’s helpful feature that allows you to reset your watch progress.
Similar to fixing your algorithm suggestions, you’ll have to access your viewing history to get started, per MakeUseOf.com. From there, you can choose to restart an episode or go back to the beginning of an entire series. This way, you can make your way through your new favorite show at your own pace.
7. Learn keyboard shortcuts.
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Watching Netflix on your laptop? You might be surprised to know you can navigate the experience more easily by using keyboard shortcuts, just like in some of your other go-to programs.
According to Tom's Guide, the relatively straightforward commands include being able to jump ahead 10 seconds by using the left and right arrow keys and controlling volume with the up and down keys. You can also press “M” to quickly mute your content or “F” to quickly enter full-screen mode.
8. Change your subtitles.
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No matter what your hearing level is, many viewers now opt to keep subtitles turned on while watching shows and movies to ensure they don’t miss any dialogue. However, you can go further than just turning them on or off.
According to MakeUseOf.com, users also have the option to change the look of the subtitles on their screen. By clicking on the account button and selecting “subtitle appearance,” you can control everything from font size and type to background color and shadowing. This can be especially handy if you’re watching on different screens or have difficulty making out the text.
It wouldn’t be quite accurate to say COVID is back when it never left, but the virus is making itself felt again. “We've seen a bit of a seasonal pattern emerge where we've had an uptick in COVID in the summer and then another one in the winter—usually the winter one being more severe,” Michael Ben-Aderet, MD, associate medical director of Hospital Epidemiology at Cedars-Sinai, tells Cedars-Sinai Newsroom. “The FLiRT variants is just a technical term for the continued mutation of the Omicron variants of COVID-19. And for the last year or so, pretty much all the variants of COVID-19 that we've seen circulate in the United States have been variants of Omicron.”While it’s natural to get nervous about COVID spikes, summer surges are not unusual. “This has been the case for a couple of years,” Dr. Ben-Aderet says. “Why that is, I don't think anyone truly understands. A lot of viruses are seasonal in nature. Some viruses are seasonal in summer; some are in winter. COVID-19 seems to be in both. Some of that has to do with the virus itself—the virology, how it spreads. And another aspect of it is human behavior: School being out, people being on vacation, people traveling, people mixing and doing more activities does play a role in that summer surge.”
With COVID surging in places, here’s how to protect yourself—and others—from getting sick.
The right mask can help prevent transmission. “Make sure to wear a good, well-fitting mask. They’ve been proven to help prevent the spread of COVID-19,” Dr. Ben-Aderet says. “If you haven't been vaccinated, vaccines are still available, and it's really best to be up to date on your vaccinations. Avoid being around others who are sick. If you are exposed or if you're sick, stay home if you don’t need to go out.”
Vaccines and Boosters
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The CDC recommends staying up to date with vaccines and boosters. “Although vaccinated people sometimes get infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines significantly lowers the risk of getting very sick, being hospitalized, or dying from COVID-19.”
"Everyone six months or older should get the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine, including pregnant moms,” says CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen. “For RSV, all infants under 8 months and children 8-19 months with risk factors should get nirsevimab. Pregnant moms between 32-36 weeks gestation can get the maternal RSV vaccine. All adults over 75 should get an RSV vaccination, and adults 60-74 with risk factors should get a one-time lifetime dose."
Clean Air
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The CDC recommends taking steps for cleaner air. “If your home has a central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC, a system with air ducts that go throughout the home) that has a filter, set the fan to the ‘on’ position instead of ‘auto’ when you have visitors and use pleated filters. Change your filter every three months or according to the manufacturer's instructions.”
Get Tested
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If in doubt, get tested. “All available testing, both commercial and home testing, will still test against the FLiRT variants,” Dr. Ben-Aderet says. “Paxlovid is still widely available and still works very well. So there hasn't been any reduction in activity of Paxlovid, and it’s still recommended for high-risk individuals with COVID-19.”
Stay Home
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If you test positive for COVID, the CDC recommends staying home to stop the spread of the virus. “When you go back to your normal activities, take added precaution over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors. This is especially important to protect people with factors that increase their risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses.”
Good Hygiene
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Continue practicing good hygiene, like stringent hand-washing. “Handwashing has always been one of the most effective ways of keeping diseases at bay,” says Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region. “It is a simple act that pays dividends when it comes to keeping ourselves healthy and safe. Handwashing is also one of the key cornerstones of COVID-19 prevention. Now more than ever, as we embrace the new normal and live with COVID-19, hand hygiene needs to become an integral part of our daily routine and our lives as we live through this pandemic and beyond to protect us from diseases.”
Don’t hesitate to get treatment if you feel unwell.” Seek health care promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness,” says the CDC. “Treatment may help lower your risk of severe illness, but it needs to be started within a few days of when your symptoms begin.”
Right now, just 9 percent of people over the age of 65 are currently taking Ozempic to manage their weight or treat their type 2 diabetes. According to a recent article published in The Wall Street Journal, many doctors wish that more seniors would follow suit.
“These drugs would really benefit seniors but there’s always these additional worries,” Sun Kim, MD, an associate professor in the division of endocrinology at Stanford University School of Medicine, told the publication. “I think sometimes we prioritize the risk over benefit when people get older.”
Speaking with Best Life, HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, PharmD, a pharmacist and clinical consultant at BuzzRx, says that though certain potential health risks associated with Ozempic in this patient population exist, many of them can be successfully managed by a healthcare provider who is experienced in providing care to older adults.
“While there may be more caution when starting an older patient on Ozempic or another GLP-1 agonist, it's feasible—especially when the potential benefits, which can significantly improve the patient's quality of life, outweigh the risks,” the pharmacist says.
The best way to find out if Ozempic is right for you is to ask your doctor to review your individual medical history. However, there are a few key reasons that semaglutide medications may be especially beneficial if you’re over 65, doctors say. Read on to learn the seven ways that the Ozempic appears to help your health as you get older.
As you get older, it’s not uncommon to notice more aches and pains in your joints. However, joint pain isn’t necessarily a foregone conclusion—losing weight can help you prevent arthritis, and relieve pain and stiffness in the joints.
In fact, Katherine H. Saunders, MD, an obesity medicine physician at Weill Cornell Medicine and co-founder of FlyteHealth, told the WSJ that for every pound you lose, you’re essentially taking 2 to 4 pounds off each joint. “If somebody loses 25 pounds that’s up to 100 pounds taken off their joints,” she says.
2. Improved mobility and balance
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Weight loss and its resulting improvements in joint health can ultimately boost seniors’ quality of life by preserving or restoring their mobility.
“Obesity can negatively impact the quality of life for older adults, contributing to mobility issues and exacerbating other potential comorbidities. Weight loss can improve mobility and balance, reduce fall risk, and allow patients to be more active in their daily lives,” says Ngo-Hamilton.
3. Improved blood sugar management
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If you have type 2 diabetes, the benefits of taking Ozempic or another semaglutide medication may outweigh the risks.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that nearly one-third of older adults have diabetes. Semaglutide is proven safe and effective for the ongoing management of blood sugar levels, which can prevent health complications associated with diabetes, such as nerve damage, vision impairment, and increased risk of kidney and heart disease, to name a few,” says Ngo-Hamilton.
4. Improved heart health
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Many seniors may also experience cardiovascular benefits from taking Ozempic, Ngo-Hamilton says. In fact, the drug has been linked with reduced incidence of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality.
“Recent clinical studies have demonstrated semaglutide’s potential cardiovascular benefits outside of weight loss and blood sugar regulation, which is important considering that this population of patients is at higher risk than younger patients for heart disease and heart failure,” she tells Best Life.
Your sleep needs change with age: People over 65 require less sleep overall. However, seniors are also more vulnerable to sleep disorders that can interrupt their sleep patterns and detract from their quality of life.
With this in mind, studies suggest that Ozempic and other semaglutide medications can actually enhance sleep by improving symptoms of sleep apnea.
6. Enhanced mental wellness and mood
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Experts also note that seniors are at higher risk for depression than their younger counterparts.
“There are many factors that can contribute to this mental health problem, such as chronic health problems, significant life changes (loss of independence, passing of a life partner, etc.), social isolation, and poor sleep quality,” explains Ngo-Hamilton. “Achieving and maintaining a desirable weight can positively affect mental health for people of all ages.”
The pharmacist adds that for older adults who have retired, a healthy weight not only allows them to participate in other hobbies and activities but also fosters social connections. “This makes them feel included and part of a vibrant community, which in turn promotes their quality of life,” she notes.
7. Improved aesthetics and confidence
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When you lose weight rapidly, you may notice that your skin appears to age more quickly thanks to skin sagging and fine lines and wrinkles.
“When managed properly, weight loss with Ozempic can actually enhance one’s appearance,” says Joel Kopelman, MD, FACS, a top-rated facial plastic surgeon at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery. “For older adults struggling with obesity, shedding excess weight can improve body contour, reduce strain on joints, and contribute to a healthier, more vibrant appearance. I find that when weight loss is gradual and controlled, the risk of adverse cosmetic effects is minimized, making it a viable option for those seeking both health and aesthetic benefits,” he says.
Appliances are large investments, and when we shell out for expensive products, we want to feel confident in their longevity and their safety. But now, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning that Samsung Slide-In Electric Ranges are being recalled following 250 fire reports. According to an Aug. 8 recall notice, the Samsung stoves have “front-mounted knobs” that “can be activated by accidental contact by humans or pets.”
The recall, which includes 30 model numbers, impacts approximately 1,120,905 Samsung ranges sold on Samsung.com, as well as at Best Buy, Costco, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other appliance stores. Different ranges were sold between May 2013 and Aug. 2024, retailing for between $1,250 and $3,050, depending on the model.
According to the CPSC, as of last week, Samsung had received over 300 reports of “unintentional activation of the front-mounted knobs by humans or pets since 2013.” The ranges have been involved in 250 fires, at least 18 of which “caused extensive property damage.” There have also been roughly 40 injuries, including eight that required medical attention—and, tragically, seven fire reports that involved pet deaths.
If you have a Samsung range at home, cross-check the model number on your appliance with those listed in the CPSC notice. The model number on each range is located in the upper left corner of the oven door or inside the storage bin below the oven.
If you find that your range is part of the recall, the CPSC instructs you to contact Samsung for a free set of knob locks or covers that are compatible with your specific model. In the meantime, while knob locks and covers aren’t installed, the agency notes that consumers should keep children and pets away from the knobs, ensure that knobs are off before leaving the house or going to sleep, and avoid leaving objects on the range when appliances are not in use.
For questions or to request a knob cover or lock, call Samsung toll-free at 833-775-0120 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) Monday through Friday, or email the company at rangesupport@sea.samsung.com. If you prefer to submit a request online, you can also visit Samsung’s website. On that page, you can also find video guides for installing both the knob locks and the knob covers.
The CPSC says that those with Samsung ranges that have WiFi can take an extra precaution by opting in to the “Cooktop On” notification in the Samsung SmartThings app. This will send alerts to your phone if your burner is turned on.
In general, the CPSC also advises consumers to follow safety advice to prevent fires.
“Never place, leave, or store anything on the top of your range,” the agency warns. “Such items can ignite if the range is accidentally activated or left on. Fires can occur when items are left on the top surface of any range that is accidentally activated or left on.”
Every dog owner will attest that their pet is the cutest, best-behaved dog in the world—but unfortunately, there can only be one pup on top. In honor of National Dog Month this August, JustAnswer.com reviewed over 100,000 pet owner-vet conversations to solve the age-old question: What is the most popular dog breed? And because choosing a name for your four-legged friend is arguably the best part of getting a new dog, the online expert site also analyzed data to determine the top 10 dog names of 2024. Keep reading to see if your pooch’s breed and name made the top 10 list below.
Labradors, which are considered excellent family dogs because of their friendly and energetic personalities, edged out Chihuahuas for first place this year, while the Shih Tzu breed bumped up two notches to clinch seventh place after ranking second to last in 2023.
In 2024, Shih Tzu-related questions have increased by 64 percent and French Bulldog questions have increased by 12 percent. When comparing popular dog breeds by state, JustAnswer.com found that conversations about Chihuahuas are most prevalent in California and Texas, while Floridians seem to have the most questions about Yorkies.
Of JustAnswer.com’s most popular states for dog questions (California, Texas, Florida, and New York), Texas was the only state where “Boxers” ranked in the top 10 breeds.
The Top Dog Names in 2024
Bella
Luna
Charlie
Max
Daisy
Lucy
Buddy
Coco
Bailey
Sadie
Booted from the list this year was the name "Milo," which held the number 10 spot last year. It’s been replaced by newcomer "Sadie."
Other popular dog names that ranked high but didn’t make the top 10 include Zoey, Teddy, and Leo.
Additionally, it appears dog owners looked to famous politicians for inspiration in 2024. JustAnswer.com found a 15 percent increase in dogs named "Major," an honorable nod to President Biden’s German shepherd. The name “Trump” for a dog also yielded similar results.
In the spirit of political-themed dog names, it’ll be interesting to see what next year’s data holds, given that 2024 is an election year.
The body needs a small amount of cholesterol to help build cell membranes, regulate metabolism, and produce hormones. However, your liver naturally produces all the cholesterol you need to carry out these essential functions. If your “bad” LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels are high—or your “good” HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels are low—this can instead harm your health, increasing your risk of heart attack, stroke, organ damage, and more. It’s important to manage your numbers so that they fall within a healthy range, experts say.
The two most common ways to lower your cholesterol levels are through diet modifications and prescription medication. HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, PharmD, a pharmacist and clinical consultant at BuzzRx, says it’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations if they’ve confirmed a problem.
“In some cases, your healthcare provider may determine that statins (e.g., Lipitor, Crestor), PCSK9 inhibitors (e.g., Repatha, Praluent), or another prescription may be more conducive to keeping your cholesterol levels under control, thus, lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke,” Ngo-Hamilton says. She tells Best Life that no prescription drug or supplement can substitute the long-term benefits of a healthy diet and exercise, but that it’s “essential” to take your cholesterol medication precisely as prescribed.
However, research increasingly suggests that targeted supplementation may also help lower your LDL cholesterol levels while raising your HDL cholesterol levels. Speaking with your doctor before starting a new supplement can help you determine whether it might help you regulate your cholesterol and ensure that it doesn’t interact with any other medications you might be taking.
These are the seven best supplements to lower cholesterol, according to doctors.
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is essential to metabolism (the process of converting food into energy) and is known for its positive effects on cardiovascular health. Ngo-Hamilton says that niacin also plays a role in lowering LDL cholesterol levels while increasing HDL cholesterol levels.
“In addition to LDL, niacin also lowers the levels of triglycerides, another harmful blood lipid,” Ngo-Hamilton tells Best Life. “Niacin reduces LDL and triglyceride levels by blocking the essential enzyme for cholesterol production in the liver.”
However, she notes that the benefits may come at a cost: “While there is evidence supporting the role of niacin in the treatment of high cholesterol, keep in mind that niacin is only effective at lowering cholesterol at relatively high doses, which can cause unpleasant side effects. In many cases, niacin is prescribed to treat high cholesterol for people who can't tolerate statin medication."
2. Whey protein
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Studies have suggested that regularly consuming high levels of whey protein may also have a beneficial effect on protein levels. In particular, a 2015 study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Intermediary Metabolism looked at the cardiovascular effects of whey protein on overweight adults and found that eating at least 65 grams of whey protein daily helped to reduce blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and LDL cholesterol levels after the 12-week study period.
Protein supplements that contain collagen may offer even greater benefits. Preliminary research suggests that collagen can help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and increase “good” HDL cholesterol levels.
Taking soluble fiber supplements may also help to improve your cholesterol balance, Ngo-Hamilton says. However, she notes that soluble fiber can be found naturally in foods such as grains, nuts, certain fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
“Soluble fibers (sometimes called dietary fibers) can bind to cholesterol in the small intestine, preventing it from absorbing into the bloodstream,” she explains. “From there, cholesterol is eliminated from the body through the feces. Remember that only soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol; insoluble fiber does not affect cholesterol levels; however, insoluble fiber is beneficial for your gut health.”
Raj Dasgupta, MD, a medical reviewer for NCOA and an ABIM quadruple board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine, pulmonology, critical care, and sleep medicine, recommends psyllium husk in particular.
“This is a type of soluble fiber that helps lower cholesterol by forming a thick gel that moves through the digestive tract. This gel traps bile acids and cholesterol, preventing them from being reabsorbed and eliminating them from the body during bowel movements,” he says.
4. Phytosterols
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Phytosterols, also known as plant sterols, are natural compounds found in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. You can also get phytosterols from cheese or milk that has been fortified with the compound.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, phytosterols can “help you safely lower your cholesterol levels to avoid health risks such as heart attack and stroke. They may also help prevent obesity, diabetes and cancer.”
“Phytosterols are absorbed by the digestive system similarly to how cholesterol is absorbed; when your body absorbs phytosterols instead of cholesterol, cholesterol absorption is limited, and excess cholesterol leaves the body as waste,” explains Ngo-Hamilton.
Omega-3 fatty acids may also be beneficial when it comes to lowering cholesterol, recent research suggests.
"[They] can be found in fish or fish oil and are proven to help lower triglycerides, increase HDL or 'good' cholesterol and can indirectly contribute to decreased plaque formation in arteries,” says Ngo-Hamilton.
She further explains that omega-3 fatty acids lower triglyceride levels by interfering with cholesterol production in the liver, specifically the synthesis of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL).
“High levels of triglycerides increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke, so it is crucial to keep your triglyceride levels within suitable ranges. However, keep in mind that omega-3 acids can interact with other medications," she adds.
6. Flaxseed Oil
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Flaxseeds or flaxseed oil supplements can also help to safely lower your levels.
“Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3s and fiber, which help lower bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides by reducing how much cholesterol the body absorbs and improving lipid levels,” says Dasgupta.
However, the Mayo Clinic notes that they can cause minor side effects, including gas, bloating, or diarrhea. They also warn that this supplement may interact with some blood-thinning medications.
You may also want to consider berberine as a means of improving your cholesterol. “Berberine helps lower bad LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol by improving how the body manages cholesterol and boosting enzyme function,” says Dasgupta.
However, the Mayo Clinic notes that this supplement can cause unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects, including diarrhea, constipation, gas, nausea or vomiting. You should not take berberine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.