Netflix's public API is dead, but InstantWatcher is not

It's amazing how quickly five months fly by. Netflix announced in June that its public API would shut off and now we've reached the appointed day. As we mentioned then, several of the popular third-party tools built with access to Netflix's services have been chosen to continue on: InstantWatcher, FeedFliks, Can I Stream It?, NextGuide, Flixster, Fanhattan, Yidio and Instant Watch Browser for Netflix. These services matter -- once upon a time Netflix actually promoted them itself -- because they can often help you use Netflix in a more convenient way than its own website and apps do, with features like shareable lists, integration with popular ratings services and more. If you're not already using them, check out our breakdown of how to use Netflix better for more info on what they can add to your streaming experience.

Since that post went up, one of the sites we worried would have to shut down has been spared, as AllFlicks announced in an email that it secured a spot on the approved list. According to its creator, A Better Queue will cease operations as a result, but we haven't heard an update on the status of one of our other picks Mimmsy. Let us know in the comments if you've heard of any other Netflix helpers that did or didn't make the cut.