Gemini is pretty much everywhere these days. Whether you’re using a smartphone, laptop, or even a smart TV, you can’t escape Google’s AI assistant. Honestly, I’ve never been a huge fan of using Gemini, so when Google started bringing it to smart TVs, I didn’t think much of it. I figured I’d probably ignore it there, too.
But something interesting happened recently. After updating my Android TV, I noticed the Gemini icon popping up, so out of curiosity, I decided to try it. To my surprise, I actually enjoyed using it, and now, I think it might be one of the best places for Google’s AI assistant.
Gemini, what are we watching tonight?
Netflix and I can’t make up our minds
You can do a lot with Gemini on TV: ask about movies, TV shows, sports, or the latest news, and even explore topics in more detail with visual explanations. Google also lets you create or remix images and videos, and you can choose from different voices depending on how you want Gemini to sound when it answers your questions. So, whether you’re asking something, learning about a new topic, or trying out its creative features, you can have Gemini respond in a voice you actually like.
Now, while all of that sounds interesting, I’ve mostly been using Gemini for something much simpler: finding something good to watch. And if you’re anything like me, you know deciding what to watch can take longer than watching it. I’ll open Netflix or Prime Video, scroll through what feels like a hundred movies and shows, read a few descriptions, and still struggle to pick something.
Eventually, I’ll give up and put on The Big Bang Theory for what must be the hundredth time. Not that I mind, because I absolutely love the show, but I also want to watch something new sporadically.
This is where Gemini has made my life easier. These days, when I sit down in front of the TV with no idea what to watch, I ask Gemini. Sometimes I ask it to recommend a good movie, tell me which series is most popular right now, or suggest something based on what I’m in the mood for.
The nice thing is, the conversation doesn’t have to end with the first answer. If Gemini suggests something interesting, I can ask what it’s about, who’s in it, or whether it’s worth watching. I can go back and forth until I find something I actually want to watch.
It’s also changed how I look for specific movies and shows. Earlier, if someone recommended a movie or I came across an interesting trailer, I’d usually pick up my phone and Google where to stream it. Once I found the platform, I’d open that app on my TV and search for the title again.
Now I can ask Gemini the same question right on my TV. It tells me where the movie or show is available, and I can head straight to the streaming app to watch it. It’s such a simple thing, but I really appreciate not having to reach for my phone every time I want to find something. And that’s really why I’ve grown to like Gemini on TV so much.
My family has officially claimed Gemini
I barely got started before everyone else took over
And I’m not the only one at home who’s enjoying Gemini on TV. My nephew, who’s very much an iPad kid, seems to use it even more than I do. He constantly asks Gemini science questions, gets help with math problems, or finds videos to watch in his free time. Some of his questions make me laugh, but I also love seeing how curious he is.
He enjoys creating images and videos with Gemini most. Since I enabled it on our TV, he’s already asked it to generate about 20–25 images. At this point, I’m pretty sure he’s using Gemini more than I am.
Watching him use it has also made me realize how helpful Gemini can be for kids. They can ask questions about science, math, English, or whatever they’re learning at school. One thing I’ve noticed is that telling Gemini which grade a child is in makes a big difference. For instance, asking it to explain something to a third-grader usually gets you a much simpler explanation that’s easier for a child to follow.
My mother, meanwhile, has found an entirely different use for it. She loves trying new recipes, and now she asks Gemini how to make different dishes and follows the instructions on our TV screen while cooking. I never imagined we’d use Gemini for this, but here we are.
Gemini has finally earned a place in my good books
Everyone at home has found their own reason to use Gemini, and I think that’s what makes it so appealing. When I first saw it appear on my TV, I wasn’t particularly excited and honestly didn’t expect to use it much. But between finding movies to watch and seeing how my family has made it part of their routine, I’ve completely changed my mind.
I still don’t use Gemini much on my phone or computer, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. But on my TV, it’s convenient, useful, and makes things a little easier for everyone at home. I never thought I’d say this, but Gemini has won me over, and all it took was putting it on my TV.