How can I resolve Apple TV next episode playback issues?

Question

Level 1

38 points

How can I resolve Apple TV next episode playback issues?

About three days ago, Apple TV stopped playing the next episode of 2 different TV series I am watching.

Previously: At the end of an episode, the button for the next episode would come onscreen. I could click it then to advance to the next episode, or its little timer would run out and it would then go to the next episode.

Now: no button, no next episode. It just dumps me back on the Home Screen.

Roku TV running Apple TV version 15.3, build 17(verified current). Also happens on my Roku stick running the same app version. It works *properly* on the Apple TV app on my iPad.

i have signed out and back in, deleted and re-added the app, to no avail. The setting to play next episode is still turned on. Apple support was not much help. They were going to create an engineering ticket but we never made it there so I am on my own.

Has anyone else seen this? Any ideas on how to fix it?

Thanks in advance.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Apple TV stopped playing next episode.

H104X, ATVE 15

Posted on Jul 27, 2025 4:15 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Chris_Lira Author

Level 1

38 points

Aug 28, 2025 11:06 AM in response to Chris_Lira

The Roku forum moderator confirmed that this is indeed a problem on Apple's side and that they(Apple) are working on it...which is weird since both times I have talked to Apple they disavowed any knowledge of the problem. I guess we will see.

"Our team informed the channel partner team, which identified the issue and is now working on a fix. While we have no exact time when the fix will be released, it is recommended to get updates from the Apple TV support team for further details. "

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Answer 2

jerm777

Level 1

10 points

Aug 1, 2025 4:15 PM in response to Chris_Lira

Something I noticed is Apple original programing (Ted Lasso, etc.) continue to auto play at the end of episodes with no problem. Third party purchased episodes seem to be the issue. Don't know what happened in the last week or so. Doubt Apple will care.

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Answer 3

Urquhart1244

Level 10

146,112 points

Jul 29, 2025 2:22 AM in response to Chris_Lira

You would only get that for shows that have a next episode available at that time. Some newer shows have a weekly release schedule, so when you have seen all the available episodes, you may need to wait a few days for the next episode to be released. Could that be it?

Else contact the Apple Support staff for further assistance.

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Answer 4

Chris_Lira Author

Level 1

38 points

Jul 29, 2025 2:50 AM in response to Urquhart1244

No, these are long-completed shows that have plenty of episodes available- The Drew Carey Show and Fargo(and those are just the ones I know have problems).

As mentioned, I contacted Apple Support. They were not very helpful and in fact, were on a useless tangent about my wifi(which would manifest in numerous other ways, in and out of Apple TV), instead of focusing on the problem itself.

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Answer 5

jerm777

Level 1

10 points

Aug 1, 2025 5:33 AM in response to Chris_Lira

Same thing on both our roku apple tv apps. Every purchased tv show on apple no longer gives the countdown to the next episode and brings you back to the "continue watching" home screen. ROKU says it's an apple app issue. Apple says it's a ROKU issue. No settings have changed, it just stopped working. Deleted apps and reinstalled, restarted ROKU. Nothing helps.

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Answer 6

Chris_Lira Author

Level 1

38 points

Aug 1, 2025 5:43 AM in response to jerm777

Yeah, I switched from the Roku TV to my own Roku stick(I am in an Air BnB, the stick is mine for travel convenience. I found this in the Roku forums and am about to reply. Roku forum post about the same problem.Current Roku forum thread- same problem

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Answer 7

Chris_Lira Author

Level 1

38 points

Jul 29, 2025 7:40 AM in response to Chris_Lira

My original post had 2 or 3 "Me too" acknowledgements before the title was changed by a moderator, which seems to have wiped those out.......

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Answer 8

Chris_Lira Author

Level 1

38 points

Aug 1, 2025 7:32 AM in response to Chris_Lira

Could an Apple moderator please chime in here? Multiple reports, nothing works to fix the problem. Could someone on the Apple side at least add some value?

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Answer 9

Echogod

Level 1

0 points

Aug 4, 2025 5:29 PM in response to Chris_Lira

Yeah, that’ll never happen unless Apple can squeeze more money out of the situation. Unfortunately the Apple of old where innovation and caring for the customer is long gone.

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