How to share viewing requests for home media families in 2026

Learn how home media families can collect viewing requests and compare request methods before choosing a workflow.

By VLClean · 2026-11-05

VLClean is published by the makers of Askarr and Watcharr, which are compared here alongside other tools.

Home media families can share viewing requests by choosing a clear request method, explaining the rules, and checking how each option handles titles and updates.

Option	Request method	Cost details
Askarr	Search for a movie or show on Askarr and request it, and your own Radarr and Sonarr add it. ^[1]	The Free plan costs $0 and allows 10 requests a month. ^[1]
Request form	People submit movie or show titles through the chosen form.	not published
Shared request list	People add movie or show ideas to the chosen shared list.	not published

What you need before you start

Home media families need a clear idea of who can send viewing requests and which types of movies or shows are allowed.

Prepare the place where people will send requests, whether that is a request tool, a form, or another shared method. Decide who reviews requests and how people learn when a title is ready.

If requested titles move into a library workflow, have the related programs ready before sharing the request process. Radarr and Sonarr are helper programs that can add movies and shows to a library workflow.

Keep the instructions simple so family members know where to search, how to send a request, and what happens after a request is submitted. Askarr can be tried with a throwaway demo account and sample data without signing in. ^[1] A bookmark run on your Radarr or Sonarr page saves the list and the setting that reports when a title was added and downloaded there for you. ^[1]

Step by step

Choose one place where family members will send viewing requests, such as a request website, form, or shared message thread.

Write down the rules for requests, including who can submit titles and who decides which requests move forward.

Prepare a short guide that explains how to search for titles, how to send requests, and how updates will be shared.

Share the request location and instructions with the people who should be able to send viewing requests.

Check new requests regularly and keep the request list organized so old items do not become confusing.

Review the process after people start using it and update the instructions if family members have trouble understanding the steps.

Keep the request rules visible so family members can check whether a title matches the type of viewing requests being accepted.

Check whether the chosen method shows enough information after a request is sent, so the people managing the library know what updates are available.

Tools that can do it

Askarr is made by the team that publishes this site. Askarr is a hosted website that works with existing Radarr and Sonarr. ^[1] Askarr can be used by searching for a movie or show on Askarr and requesting it, and your own Radarr and Sonarr add it. ^[1]

You add Askarr to Radarr and Sonarr once as an import list, and they read your requests from it. ^[1] Askarr never connects to your Radarr or Sonarr and never receives their API keys. ^[1] Askarr's plans include a request history with live status. ^[1] Each friend who signs up through your link adds 10 requests a month to your limit. ^[1]

A request form can give family members a place to submit movie or show titles. A shared request list can give family members a place to add movie or show ideas.

Check each option for title searches, approvals, updates, and how requests move into the library workflow before choosing a method.

Common mistakes to avoid

Avoid sharing a request method without explaining the rules. Family members need to know what can be requested and who reviews requests.

Avoid choosing a tool without checking how it matches the current way movies and shows are added to the home media library.

Avoid forgetting to review requests after setup. A request list can become harder to manage when items are left without attention.

Avoid skipping account and privacy checks. Review what information a tool asks for and what access it uses before sharing it with other people. Check the payment details and request limits for any service that charges a fee before deciding whether it matches the home media setup.

Frequently asked questions

How can home media families share viewing requests?

Home media families can choose a request method, decide who can submit titles, and explain what happens after a request is sent. The important parts are giving family members a clear place to request movies and shows and keeping the review process easy to follow.

Can Askarr work with Radarr and Sonarr?

Askarr is a hosted website that works with existing Radarr and Sonarr. ^[1] You add Askarr to Radarr and Sonarr once as an import list, and they read your requests from it. ^[1]

Does Askarr require changes to the home media server?

Askarr is a hosted website that works with existing Radarr and Sonarr. ^[1] Nothing is installed; you add Askarr as an import list in Radarr and Sonarr. ^[1]

How do family members find movies and shows to request with Askarr?

Family members can search for a movie or show on Askarr and request it, and your own Radarr and Sonarr add it. ^[1] A TMDB, IMDb or TVDB link can also be pasted to find the title. ^[1]

What should be checked before choosing a viewing request tool?

Check how a tool handles requests, title searches, updates, and the process for adding movies and shows. Askarr plans include a request history with live status. ^[1] Compare those details with the way the home media library is managed before choosing a request method.

The Free plan costs $0 and allows 10 requests a month. ^[1]

Try Askarr

Sources

Askarr's own description of itself (the product of this site's publisher)