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This Chrome plug-in lets you binge-watch HBO hits like 'Westworld,' 'Succession,' and 'Insecure' remotely with friends — here's how it works

Paige LeskinMay 15, 2020, 02:45 IST

Scener

Services like Netflix Party and Kosmi have skyrocketed in popularity during the pandemic, as people look for ways to watch TV and movies together while physically apart.
A Chrome extension called Scener, which has been around since 2018, has partnered with HBO to allow users to coordinate virtual viewing parties for content on the premium network.
Here's how to download and use Scener to binge watch popular HBO series like "Succession," "Insecure," and "Westworld."
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Services offering ways for quarantined internet users to host virtual watch parties have skyrocketed in popularity since social distancing measures were enacted. Thanks to a new feature, fans of popular HBO series like "The Wire" and "Westworld" can now join in on the joy of binge-watching while physically apart.

A Google Chrome plug-in called Scener recently partnered with HBO to allow people to co-watch during quarantine while also being connected over video, audio, and text chat. Although Scener has been around since 2018, it's been revamped and become the first browser extension to partner with a premium network.

Millions under shelter-in-place orders have spent the past couple months poring over new options for online entertainment in place of in-person socializing and events. A longtime co-watching browser extension called Netflix Party became newly popular in March, showing just how much users are looking for connection, albeit virtual, while social distancing.

The app's new partnership with HBO lets users watch shows using subscriptions through HBO NOW and HBO Max — the platform's subscription streaming service — or via HBO Go, which offers online access to the network's content through your existing cable TV package. Google's Chrome web store currently shows Scener with over 50,000 downloads.

Here's how to install and use Scener to watch even more of your favorite shows and movies while stuck inside.

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Entering full-screen will cause the HBO content to only take up the entirety of its window, while leaving your chat window viewing and usable to virtually argue with your friends about what you should watch next.

Paige Leskin; Business Insider

Entering full-screen will cause the HBO content to only take up the entirety of its window, while leaving your chat window viewing and usable to virtually argue with your friends about what you should watch next.

Now, you can click the "full screen" icon under the content you're watching.

Paige Leskin; Business Insider

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For a PC with Windows 10 software, you can easily put the two Chrome windows side-by-side using the click-and-drag method. On a Mac, navigate to Mission Control — which can be done by clicking the "control" button and the up arrow, or via other shortcuts you may have set up.

Paige Leskin; Business Insider

For a PC with Windows 10 software, you can easily put the two Chrome windows side-by-side using the click-and-drag method. On a Mac, navigate to Mission Control — which can be done by clicking the "control" button and the up arrow, or via other shortcuts you may have set up.

However, watching your show this way doesn't take advantage of all the real estate your computer screen has to offer. Clicking on the "show full screen" icon on the HBO panel will fill up the screen, but then you'll be unable to see the video and text chat you have going with other participants. Instead, click the full screen icon in the right-side panel for directions on how to best set up your viewing experience.

Paige Leskin; Business Insider

However, watching your show this way doesn't take advantage of all the real estate your computer screen has to offer. Clicking on the "show full screen" icon on the HBO panel will fill up the screen, but then you'll be unable to see the video and text chat you have going with other participants. Instead, click the full screen icon in the right-side panel for directions on how to best set up your viewing experience.

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Invite friends — up to 20 participants — by sending them the theater code or the invite link. Whoever set up the theater will have the "remote," which gives them control over choosing what to watch. You can see what's playing in the status bar above the participants' faces.

Paige Leskin; Business Insider

Invite friends — up to 20 participants — by sending them the theater code or the invite link. Whoever set up the theater will have the "remote," which gives them control over choosing what to watch. You can see what's playing in the status bar above the participants' faces.

After logging into HBO, grant Scener access to your camera if you want to have a video chat with friends while watching. You can also deny access to keep communication via audio and text chat. You'll see your chat window on the right side, and the HBO website on the left.

Paige Leskin; Business Insider

After logging into HBO, grant Scener access to your camera if you want to have a video chat with friends while watching. You can also deny access to keep communication via audio and text chat. You'll see your chat window on the right side, and the HBO website on the left.

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Scener offers co-watching for both Netflix and HBO, and the set-up processes function in similar ways. Once you click on the service you want to use — in this case, HBO — you'll be directed back to the Chrome browser to enter your log-in information for HBO Go or HBO NOW. Make sure if you're using HBO Go, you click through to select your cable TV provider.

Paige Leskin; Business Insider

Scener offers co-watching for both Netflix and HBO, and the set-up processes function in similar ways. Once you click on the service you want to use — in this case, HBO — you'll be directed back to the Chrome browser to enter your log-in information for HBO Go or HBO NOW. Make sure if you're using HBO Go, you click through to select your cable TV provider.

You'll then be directed through a series of prompts, giving you more information about how to use Scener and recommendations for the best viewing experience. Make sure you click "allow" on requests for permissions so you're able to log into HBO.

Paige Leskin; Business Insider

You'll then be directed through a series of prompts, giving you more information about how to use Scener and recommendations for the best viewing experience. Make sure you click "allow" on requests for permissions so you're able to log into HBO.

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Scener includes two different Chrome windows: the big one on the left is for watching your show, and the small column on the right is your navigation panel. Both windows will pop up, side-by-side, upon launch. Click "create private theater" to set up your viewing party. If you're joining an existing one, here's where you enter the theater code.

Paige Leskin; Business Insider

Scener includes two different Chrome windows: the big one on the left is for watching your show, and the small column on the right is your navigation panel. Both windows will pop up, side-by-side, upon launch. Click "create private theater" to set up your viewing party. If you're joining an existing one, here's where you enter the theater code.

Once your account is created, click on the Scener icon to launch the co-watching extension.

Paige Leskin; Business Insider

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You'll now see the Scener icon in the top-right corner, alongside your other existing extensions. You'll be automatically directed to a new tab to create your Scene profile — all you need is a first name and an email address.

Paige Leskin; Business Insider

You'll now see the Scener icon in the top-right corner, alongside your other existing extensions. You'll be automatically directed to a new tab to create your Scene profile — all you need is a first name and an email address.

Make sure you click "Add extension" in the tab that pops up in your browser in order for Scener to be successfully installed.

Paige Leskin; Business Insider

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In the Chrome Web Store, click "Add to Chrome."

Paige Leskin; Business Insider

Navigate to scener.com/get, where you'll find the direct link to the Scener extension in the Google Chrome web store.

Paige Leskin; Business Insider

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