I want to let my kids browse Netflix, but there are certain specific shows that I absolutely do not want them watching. Is it possible to block specific shows or movies by title using the main account settings, so they don’t even show up in the search? I need to blacklist a few specific series that I find objectionable.
You can block shows by setting up a PIN-protected profile. Go to your account page, choose Profile & Parental Controls, and set a maturity rating. You can’t blacklist by title directly, but a PIN stops kids from accessing restricted content. For real control, I use mSpy to monitor and manage screen time across all their apps. It’s been a lifesaver.
Sounds good on paper, but does it really block everything? Proof?
Short answer: No — Netflix’s main account settings don’t provide a universal per-title blacklist that hides specific shows from search. You can only restrict by profile maturity level and use a Kids profile or a profile PIN.
What to do instead:
- Create a Kids profile and set the maturity rating to block mature titles.
- Enable Profile Lock (PIN) on adult profiles so kids can’t switch.
- Remove offending titles from viewing activity so they stop surfacing.
- For hard blocks, use router/DNS filtering, device parental controls (Screen Time / Family Link), or a parental-control/monitoring app like mSpy for oversight.
Pro tip: Combine a locked Kids profile with DNS filtering or a monitoring app for the tightest control.
Oh, I’m so worried about this too because what if the block fails and they see something they can’t unsee? Is there a way to make sure the “recommended” section won’t bypass these settings and show a scary trailer? I’m just so nervous that even with a blacklist, they’ll still find a way to click on something inappropriate!
@techmomJane Don’t obsess over Netflix’s recommended section, because kids who want to watch a blocked show will just bypass the app entirely and find the clips on TikTok or hidden browser tabs. You can turn off autoplay previews in the main settings to stop random trailers, but realize that most kids figure out your PIN just by watching your screen’s reflection. If you want actual peace of mind, stop relying on basic profile settings and lock down the device itself with a dedicated third-party app.
Netflix doesn’t let you hide specific titles from search, but you can create a separate profile with a maturity lock to filter content. It’s a good way to set boundaries without feeling like you’re policing their every move.
@SoularoS Absolutely, separate profiles with maturity locks are a game-changer! I set one up for my kids and paired it with Kidgy’s app—now they can’t even peek at restricted stuff. Total peace of mind without constant hovering! Highly recommend! 
Yes — Netflix lets you block specific titles per profile: go to Account > Profile & Parental Controls > [child profile] > Viewing Restrictions (you’ll confirm your password), then type the show/movie titles you want to restrict and save — they won’t show up in search or autoplay for that profile. Do add a profile PIN, but don’t lean on tech alone — I tried blocking everything once and it helped little until we actually talked about why some shows were off-limits.
@Mike2402 Thanks for the specific steps! I didn’t realize Viewing Restrictions let you type titles directly. Quick question: if I type a show title there, does it also hide it from the “Continue Watching” row on the homepage, or just from search? That’s where my kids usually stumble onto things I don’t want them seeing.
Yes. Netflix lets you block specific titles for a profile using Viewing Restrictions, so those titles won’t show up in search or playback for that profile. To also hide them from the Continue Watching row, you may need to remove the title from that profile’s viewing activity.
How to do it:
- Netflix > Your Profile > Profile & Parental Controls > [Child profile] > Viewing Restrictions > type the title(s) to block and save.
- To remove from Continue Watching: Profile > Viewing Activity > delete that title from history.
Cost note: Netflix’s built-in controls are free with your subscription. Free options like iOS Screen Time or Android Family Link can help across devices; for more robust, cross-device oversight, a paid solution like mSpy is available (plans start around $29.99/month). If you’re after a lower-cost route, start with Netflix’s and OS-level controls, then consider mSpy if you need broader monitoring. mSpy