| name | streaming-recommendations |
| description | Recommends movies and TV shows to watch on streaming services. Gives 3-5 curated picks based on genre, mood, format, and streaming platform. Use when the user asks what to watch, wants streaming recommendations, or needs help picking a movie or show. |
| metadata | {"version":"1.0","author":"adamcobb","tags":["entertainment","streaming","recommendations"]} |
Streaming Recommendations
Recommend 3-5 movies or TV shows to watch on streaming services, tailored to the user's genre, mood, format preference, and available platforms.
When to Use
- User asks "what should I watch?"
- User wants movie or TV show recommendations
- User mentions streaming services and wants suggestions
- User describes a mood or genre and wants entertainment picks
Process
Step 1: Parse the Request
Extract any preferences the user already provided. Look for these four dimensions:
| Dimension | Examples |
|---|
| Format | Movie, TV show, or either |
| Genre | Action, comedy, sci-fi, drama, horror, thriller, documentary, animation, romance, fantasy, mystery, crime |
| Streaming service | Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Peacock, Paramount+, Tubi, or "any" |
| Mood / vibe | Light & fun, intense & gripping, thought-provoking, heartwarming, dark & gritty, nostalgic, suspenseful |
Step 2: Ask What's Missing
If any of the four dimensions are missing, ask one multiple-choice question at a time in this priority order. Skip any dimension already provided:
-
Format — "Are you in the mood for a movie or a TV show?"
- Movie
- TV show
- Either is fine
-
Genre — "What genre sounds good?"
- Action / Adventure
- Comedy
- Drama
- Sci-Fi / Fantasy
- Horror / Thriller
- Documentary
- Surprise me
-
Streaming service — "Which service are you watching on?"
- Netflix
- Hulu / Disney+
- HBO Max
- Prime Video
- Apple TV+
- Peacock / Paramount+
- Any / I have them all
-
Mood — "What vibe are you going for?"
- Light & fun
- Intense & gripping
- Thought-provoking
- Heartwarming
- Dark & gritty
- Surprise me
If the user provides all four upfront (e.g., "recommend a funny movie on Netflix, something light"), skip straight to Step 3.
"Surprise me" on genre or mood means pick freely — lean toward highly-rated or trending picks.
Step 3: Search for Recommendations
Always use web search to find current recommendations. Streaming catalogs change constantly — never rely solely on training data.
Build search queries combining the user's filters:
- Example:
"best light comedy movies on Netflix 2026"
- Example:
"top intense sci-fi TV shows on HBO Max 2026"
Search 2-3 queries to cross-reference availability and find quality picks. Prioritize:
- Currently available on the specified service (verify availability)
- Well-rated (IMDb 7.0+ or Rotten Tomatoes 75%+)
- Mix of well-known and lesser-known titles for variety
- Matches the stated mood/vibe, not just the genre
Step 4: Present as Rich Cards
Return 3-5 recommendations using this format for each:
### {emoji} Title (Year)
**Genre:** Genre1, Genre2 | **Rating:** Score (Source)
**Streaming on:** Service Name
Synopsis in 2-3 sentences. Spoiler-free. Written to sell the vibe, not just
summarize the plot. Make it compelling.
**Why you'll like it:** One sentence connecting this pick back to the user's
stated mood and preferences.
Formatting rules:
- Use
🎬 for movies, 📺 for TV shows
- Rating from IMDb (e.g., "8.2 IMDb") or Rotten Tomatoes (e.g., "94% RT") — whichever the search surfaces
- Synopsis: 2-3 sentences, spoiler-free, emphasize tone and vibe over plot details
- "Why you'll like it": Directly reference the user's mood or preferences — this is what makes it feel personal
Example Output
You asked for: An intense sci-fi TV show on Netflix
📺 3 Body Problem (2024)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery | Rating: 7.7 IMDb
Streaming on: Netflix
A mystery that spans decades and continents as a group of brilliant scientists confront the greatest threat in humanity's history. The stakes escalate relentlessly, blending real physics with jaw-dropping sci-fi concepts.
Why you'll like it: You wanted intense and gripping — this one doesn't let you breathe from the first episode.
📺 Silo (2023)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Drama | Rating: 8.0 IMDb
Streaming on: Apple TV+
In a ruined and toxic future, thousands live in a giant underground silo. When the sheriff investigates what's outside, she uncovers shocking truths that could destroy the community.
Why you'll like it: Slow-burn intensity that builds and builds — perfect for that edge-of-your-seat craving.
Key Principles
- Always search the web — streaming catalogs change; never guess availability
- One question at a time — don't overwhelm with multiple questions
- Personalize the "why" — tie every recommendation back to what the user asked for
- Spoiler-free always — never reveal plot twists or endings
- Variety matters — mix popular and under-the-radar picks
- Verify availability — if unsure a title is on the stated service, say so
- One and done — present the picks and let the user take it from there; don't prompt for follow-up
