The more sociable way to watch TV alone

As we adjust our lives and cancel plans for the sake of social isolation, it's likely TV shows and films will play a big part. But sitting in front a screen can be lonely. Luckily different viewing platforms are shaking things up to help recreate the sociable experience of watching something with friends, while you are in different places.

A Netflix extension called Netflix Party makes the binge-watching experience communal by syncing the video playback for multiple viewers on different devices. A group chat function allows you dissect the dramas of Love is Blind as they happen, or to gossip among yourselves while something soothing that you've watched lots of times before plays in the back ground.

To be part of a Netflix Party you have to first download the free extension on Google Chrome (it currently not available on other browsers). Then go to Netflix and choose what you want to watch. Kick off the party by clicking the red 'NP' icon, the click on the 'Start Party' button that will appear. It will generate a URL, which you just share with the people you would like to invite. To join a party, just following the invitation link and you will be taken to Netflix. There you'll find the 'NP' icon, which will take you into the virtual gathering.

Click here to download Netflix Party.

Facebook also has a function to mimic a movie night. 'Facebook Watch Party' allows you to watch any public videos in real time with your friends. You can set up a group viewing session from your own profile page, newsfeed or as part of a group you are in. When you have started a Watch Party, you pick who you'd like to invite and then have the option to add audio commentary (because talking over a show is what hanging with friends is all about).

Click here for a step by step guide to starting a Facebook Watch Party.