In accordance with an embodiment, described herein is a system and method for client-initiated playlist shuffle in a media content environment. A shuffle logic is configured to provide a shuffle order for a plurality of media content items, including associating each media content item with a placement interval within which the media content item can be placed, and a weight that determines the average position of the placement interval; associating each media content item with a random value that indicates a random offset or position within its placement interval; calculating an ordering score for each media content item based on its weight plus its random offset into its placement interval; collecting indications for the plurality of media content item that reflect their ordering scores; and placing the plurality of media content items into the shuffle order, for subsequent playback by a media device.