When you start to experience Comcast on Demand missing episodes, there’s going to be some fixing that’s about to happen!
If you seem to be missing out on some episodes from your Comcast on Demand service, you won’t be able to watch them right away.
Our advice: Don’t panic since we’ve got you covered. We know what’s causing this issue, and we have ways to restore them as soon as possible.
To fix your Comcast on Demand missing episodes, you want to ensure it’s not just a system glitch. It’s likely that a particular episode was not published properly. If you’re watching on your phone, check your box’s listing. Getting the Xfinity Cloud DVR add-on allows you to save the episodes and not wait for on Demand.
Let’s take a deep dive into why your favorite episodes may not be on your Comcast on Demand listing.
Why Is Comcast Missing On Demand Episodes
The most likely cause here is availability. Sometimes, it can take a while before the source network makes it available for everyone via On Demand services.
System malfunctions are also culprits where the content is published to the app or website but does not show up.
Here are the causes of this error that have happened for this to occur:
1. Content Availability
With networks and studios having their streaming service, they are looking for exclusivity. There are instances when it can take up to a week before episodes become available on other platforms.
2. Service Outage
A service outage means either Comcast’s or its partner networks’ servers are down. If this happens, no new content will likely be posted.
3. Internet Issues
Slow or intermittent internet can cause your On Demand app or website problems. Your device might not be able to detect the newly loaded episodes.
4. System Glitch
The new episodes are likely uploaded on Comcast’s servers. However, a glitch can stop it from getting published, so you will not see it listed.
We can now proceed to the complete troubleshooting guide so you can fix this error!
How to Fix Comcast On Demand Missing Episodes
The first thing that will come into your mind as soon as you experience this issue is that it’s temporary, and the app is acting up.
It’s certainly a likely scenario, so we recommend restarting your Comcast receiver.
In case nothing happens and you still have the issue, we can move on to the next steps:
Solution #1: Power Cycle Your Receiver and Network Devices
Slow internet can cause the On Demand episodes you’re waiting for to go missing.
As long as it’s not an internet provider issue, you will be able to fix it by power cycling your network devices.
Here’s how to refresh your entire network through a power cycle:
- Turn off your network devices and receiver
- Unplug them from the wall outlet.
- Leave them unplugged for at least 3 to 5 minutes.
- Plug your network devices back in and turn them ON.
- Turn ON your receiver.
Pro Tip: Make sure that all your network devices are switched on and connected before using your Comcast receiver.
Solution #2: Stream On Demand Using the Comcast Box
Comcast services sometimes prioritize the content on the box rather than the app or website. Have you tried watching On Demand content on your Comcast box?
If you have not for a while, we recommend checking it out to see if your missing episode is there.
Here’s how to watch Xfinity Comcast On Demand on your TV:
- Press the Xfinity button on your remote.
- Navigate to the On Demand tab and press OK.
- Search for the content you want to watch.
- Browser through the episode list to check.
- Select it and press OK to watch the episode.
Note: Your subscription might not carry the channel of the show you want to watch. If this is the case, upgrade your subscription.
Solution #3: Watch Programs on Network Websites or Apps
Comcast On Demand is a repository for all the shows and movies they carry. An issue can likely arise if a network owns the content you’re watching with its streaming app.
For example, HBO will choose to upload their show’s latest episode on their app first and make it exclusive for a couple of days.
The good news is that Comcast allows you to access their partner networks using your account.
Here’s how to watch content on Comcast’s partner networks:
- Find the network of the content you want to watch.
- Go to the network’s website or app.
- Log in using your Comcast details.
- Search for the program you want to watch.
- Navigate to the episode and start watching.
Note: You can go to Xfinity’s partner networks here.
Solution #4: Get the Xfinity Cloud DVR Add-On
A service that can bypass network exclusivity is getting Xfinity’s Cloud DVR. It’s like a physical DVR that you might be used to.
Instead, it’s all online. You want to get this service if you need to watch new episodes of your favorite TV shows as soon as they come out.
The episode will be saved to your online storage even if Comcast or the network decides to lock it for a couple of days.
Using it is also easier and will have all your favorite content since you’re choosing what can be saved.
Here’s how to activate the Xfinity Cloud DVR service:
- Open the Settings menu on your receiver.
- Select Preferences, then General.
- Navigate to An update is available for your DVR.
- Press the OK button to start the update process.
- Accept the Terms and Conditions.
Note: The Cloud DVR is available to all customers at no extra charge. You only need to accept the terms of service to start using it.
Solution #5: Clear Cookies and Storage Data on Your Receiver
Your Comcast receiver will not have the beefy storage your phone or computer has. The limited space means that it can fill up quickly.
The cache build-up can cause issues like episodes not loading properly. You can clear this storage, including corrupt data allowing your device to utilize the space properly.
Here’s how to clear the cookies and storage data on your receiver:
- Go to your receiver’s settings.
- Navigate to the Privacy option.
- Select Clear Cookies and Local Storage Data.
- Press OK.
- Confirm your selection by selecting OK.
Note: Clearing the cookies and data can sign you out of apps. You may need to log in to those apps again.
Solution #6: Perform a System Refresh on Your Comcast Receiver
If you’re still having issues with missing episodes with your On Demand content, you will want to perform a system refresh.
Your box will perform checks and automatically troubleshoot problems it’s currently experiencing.
The upside to performing a system refresh compared to a hard reset is that you get to keep all your settings, preferences, and log-in information.
It’s the next best thing you can do other than a hard reset since it leaves out all the hassle.
Here’s how to perform a system refresh on your Comcast receiver:
- Press the A button on your remote.
- It will open up the Troubleshooting page.
- Select System Refresh.
- Click on Refresh Now.
- Press OK to confirm.
Pro Tip: Don’t unplug or turn off your receiver while it’s in the middle of the refresh process.
Note: The entire process takes about 10 minutes. During this time, it will interrupt programming and not allow you to record content.
If none of these troubleshooting steps help with missing episodes, feel free to schedule a call with Comcast.
They will have a specialist help you troubleshoot your problem and advice you if your box needs repair or replacement.
Read Next: How to Fix Comcast Error Code CL 0x000f?
Bottom Line
Now that you know why Comcast On Demand missing episodes, you can take the necessary steps to fix it.
The troubleshooting guide is not complicated, and you will be able to resolve the issue yourself even if you have no technical expertise.
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.