Twitch is testing out watch parties, at long last

Twitch is now testing out a long-requested “watch parties” feature, which means that streamers can screen Amazon Prime movies and shows and their followers can watch along if they also have a subscription. Twitch (which is owned by Amazon) has started sending out invitations to select streamers to test it out.

I’ve been a harrumphing curmudgeon about Twitch and livestreaming’s appeal (sue me, I’m 46) but this feature really does speak to my viewing experience and enjoyment. Over the past year or so, a good friend living in another state and I have sync-watched all kinds of movies and TV shows, from What We Do In the Shadows to Johnny Dangerously, keeping up on Google Hangout direct messages. We’ve also done episodes of Mrs. Maisel, and facilitating that should be right in Twitch/Amazon’s wheelhouse. Anyway, I doubt we’re the only ones who enjoy movies this way.

Well, Twitch watch parties would make that a lot easier (even if Johnny Dangerously isn’t on Amazon Prime’s streaming options. What the hell!!!) My friend and I routinely ask each other to pause the show for a bathroom break or a snack refresh, and returning always requires several “OK where are you,” “OK press play,” “wait, hold on,” “no you go first” messages to get us back together. Sometimes this can deliver a spoiler 15 seconds before it arrives on the screen, sort of like watching a sports broadcast on TV while playing the radio call locally.

Assuming this goes out to regular shlubs soon enough, Twitch will make watching movies with friends a lot easier — and give me a lot more reason to use the service, too. That’s gotta be on Twitch/Amazon’s list of priorities. For certain, top-flight streamers will make use of this as a brand-building exercise. I’m down for it. Maybe I’ll host a watch party of my own once this is expanded to everyone. Maybe I’ll show Buckaroo Banzai or Doctor Detroit or The Last Starfighter or, of course ...