The popular television and movie-tracking application, TV Time, is ceasing operations, prompting a significant outcry from its user base, with over 25,000 individuals signing a petition to prevent its closure. In response to the impending shutdown, one of TV Time’s original co-founders, Antonio Pinto, has announced the development of a new app named Bingers. This new platform aims to replicate the most cherished features of TV Time while also rectifying perceived shortcomings that arose during its tenure.

Bingers is poised to offer a sanctuary for TV Time’s existing community, providing a familiar space for users to continue tracking their favorite shows and engaging in discussions about episodes. This social aspect is a critical feature that many alternative tracking apps lack. With TV Time boasting over 26.4 million lifetime installs, according to Appfigures, there is a substantial potential user base ready to migrate to Bingers, ensuring the continuation of a vibrant fan community.

Pinto, who originally sold his app (then known as TVShow Time) in 2016, expressed his disappointment upon learning of TV Time’s winding down as its parent company, Whip Media, pivots towards artificial intelligence. He described the app and its community as a significant part of his life, likening the user interactions to an extended family. This personal connection fueled his decision to create Bingers as a new digital home for these dedicated fans.

A key focus for Bingers is addressing the performance and cost issues that plagued TV Time. Pinto highlighted that high server expenses, exacerbated by the app’s large user base, contributed to its shutdown, with premium subscriptions covering only a fraction of these operational costs. Bingers has been engineered with a focus on efficiency and sustainability, aiming for significantly lower server costs. This architectural choice is expected to enable faster response times, even during peak usage when millions of users are simultaneously marking episodes as watched.

The Bingers app is slated for release on both the App Store and Google Play by the end of July 2026. In the interim, the Bingers website is actively collecting sign-ups for a waitlist, ensuring interested users will be notified upon the app’s official launch. Furthermore, Bingers will facilitate a seamless transition by allowing users to import their viewing history and community comments directly from their TV Time archives. Users can export their data via TV Time’s GDPR-compliant tool before the app is removed from app stores on July 15. The archive import functionality is already active on the Bingers website, preparing user data for the app’s upcoming release.

Key Takeaways

• TV Time, a popular TV and movie tracking app, is shutting down, leading its founder to create a successor app called Bingers.
• Bingers aims to replicate TV Time's best features, address its performance issues, and maintain the existing fan community.
• Users can export their TV Time data and import it into Bingers, which is expected to launch by the end of July 2026.

Editor’s Analysis & Impact

The shutdown of TV Time and the subsequent launch of Bingers highlight a recurring challenge in the digital app landscape: balancing user engagement with sustainable operational costs. Whip Media’s strategic shift towards AI, leading to TV Time’s closure, underscores the evolving priorities of tech companies. Antonio Pinto’s initiative to revive the community through Bingers demonstrates the strong emotional connection users develop with niche platforms. The success of Bingers will likely depend on its ability to deliver a superior, cost-effective user experience and effectively migrate the loyal TV Time user base, potentially setting a precedent for how beloved but resource-intensive apps can be revitalized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will the Bingers app be available?
A: The Bingers app is scheduled to be released on the App Store and Google Play by the end of July 2026.

Q: Can I transfer my TV Time data to Bingers?
A: Yes, Bingers will allow users to import their viewing history and community comments from their TV Time archives. The export tool is available on the Bingers website, and the import functionality will be ready when the app launches.

Q: Why is TV Time shutting down?
A: TV Time is being wound down as its parent company, Whip Media, shifts its focus towards artificial intelligence. High server costs were also cited as a significant factor contributing to the shutdown.