ClearPlay Expands Netflix Filtering Amidst Vudu Family Play Shutdown

In August 2020, **ClearPlay** launched an expanded service to filter content on **Netflix**, a move that arrived as a crucial lifeline for families following the abrupt shutdown of **Vudu's** Family Play feature. The loss of Vudu's filtering option, which allowed users to skip violence, language, and sexuality in mainstream films, left a void. ClearPlay's new offering, alongside existing competitor **VidAngel**, provides customizable filters for Netflix titles, though both require separate subscriptions and have limitations, such as ClearPlay’s initial reliance on the Chrome browser. This development highlights the ongoing tension between mainstream streaming accessibility and parental desires for curated, family-appropriate content, prompting renewed interest in services that cater to these specific needs.

• Vudu's Family Play feature was discontinued in July 2020, creating a void for content-filtering consumers.
• ClearPlay expanded its filtering service to include Netflix titles in August 2020.
• Both ClearPlay and VidAngel offer subscription-based filtering for Netflix content.
• ClearPlay's initial Netflix filtering was limited to the Chrome browser on computers.
• The demand for family-friendly content filtering persists, driving niche service development.

The news details the strategic move by **ClearPlay** to integrate **Netflix** filtering into its service, directly addressing the market gap created by **Vudu's** discontinuation of Family Play. The article outlines the technical requirements for using ClearPlay (Chrome browser, HDMI/mirroring) and notes its current library size (approx. 100 Netflix titles, growing weekly). It also positions **VidAngel** as a direct competitor, acknowledging that both services necessitate additional subscriptions beyond the base streaming platform. The article presents these facts without overt endorsement, focusing on the functional aspects and market dynamics.

The expansion of **ClearPlay's** filtering service to **Netflix** represents a significant victory for families seeking to consume mainstream media without compromising their values. This development, coupled with the continued existence of **VidAngel**, ensures that parents have viable options to curate content for their children, fostering a more controlled and faith-aligned viewing experience. The growing library of filtered titles and customizable options empower parents, demonstrating that technological solutions can bridge the gap between popular entertainment and family-friendly standards.

The reliance on third-party filtering services like **ClearPlay** and **VidAngel** for **Netflix** content underscores a fundamental problem: major streaming platforms are not prioritizing family-friendly content curation. The fact that these services require separate subscriptions and have technical limitations (like ClearPlay's browser dependency) means access is not universal or seamless. Furthermore, the limited library size for ClearPlay's Netflix offering suggests that truly comprehensive filtering of the vast Netflix catalog remains a significant challenge, leaving many families with fewer options than they might desire.

Originally reported by Baptist Messenger