Fix coming] Google TV missing the ability to buy some movies

Last yearGoogle TV has lost the ability to buy all TV shows. In recent weeks, we’ve noticed that Google TV no longer allows you to purchase certain movies.

Update 1/10: Google confirmed to us today that this is indeed a bug and that it will be fixed soon. The purchase option is again available for some of the films we reviewed today.

Original 1/5: In 2024, Google announced that “you will no longer be able to purchase TV series and seasons from Google TV on Google TV devices, Android TV devices, and the Google TV mobile app.” Instead, users must use the YouTube app across all platforms, and future TV show purchases are no longer synced between both services.

When these changes were made last year, Google said they would not affect movie purchases.

In recent weeks, people have noticed that some movies on Google TV don’t offer a purchase option. (I personally experienced this during the holidays.) Instead, the mobile app and TV only tell people where they can stream it. On TVs you just get a “watch now” button that says “[x] viewing methods” does not appear.

This problem especially affects older Disney films (Star wars, Toy Storyetc.), and Google TV only shows Disney+ as a way to access the movie. However, if you search for this title in the YouTube app, it is available for purchase and rental.

New names (eg Inside Out 2) still show purchasing options. We also see this problem with films from other studios, where the only way to access the film is through their streaming service (like Max).

Today, the vast majority of movies on Google TV still have a purchase option along with a streaming option, but Disney is clearly a big player.

So it’s more likely a directory/catalogue error rather than Google TV making it impossible to buy movies. Google TV offers a good movie viewing experience that is certainly more focused than YouTube.

We will contact Google for more information.

Thanks Andrew.