Netflix has launched a new subtitle option that gives viewers the choice to get rid of audio cues − background noises like door slamming or phone buzzing − in closed captions.
With the release of the fifth season of "You" on April 24, Netflix announced all new titles on the platform now have two options for subtitles in the show or movie's original language.
Previously, the only choice for closed captions in the content's original language was an option for those who are deaf or hard of hearing, which includes both spoken dialogue and audio cues.
The new, additional option only shows subtitles for spoken dialogue.
Netflix launched its new subtitle option on April 24. Going forward, new shows and movies released on the platform offer viewers more than one way to use captions in the content's original language.
The new choices include a regular spoken dialogue option in addition to the preexisting CC option, which was primarily created for deaf people and those who are hard of hearing.
For example, for a piece of content in English, the "English" option includes only spoken dialogue captions, while the "English CC" selection also includes audio cues.
The announcement coincided with the service's release of the final season of "You," so viewers looking for an aural reprieve from Joe Goldberg's murderous tendencies can opt for the new option.
The new dialogue-only subtitle option is available in Netflix's language picker.
Depending on the device being used, the language picker may be listed under the "Audio & Subtitles" option or through the speech bubble icon on the screen.
Netflix said in a release that its American viewers use subtitles or captions nearly half the time.
A Preply survey released last year found that half of Americans watch content with subtitles on most of the time, and more than half said it has become harder to hear dialogue in shows and movies.
Melina Khan is a trending reporter covering national news for USA TODAY. She can be reached at MKhan@gannett.com.