A method and system are provided in which DVR viewer metrics are collected and saved in a “Watched Log” database including identifying titles and other features of recorded DVR programs. User viewing metrics on both “per user” and “per show” bases are saved and used to augment existing conflict resolution techniques by removing shows that have been entirely or partially viewed in favor of shows that have not already been viewed. After a DVR user watches a TV show episode, the TV show episode will be added to the Watched Log. Subsequently, before recording a future TV show, the DVR device can verify that the scheduled TV show episode has not already been watched by the user. If the show is in the Watched Log, various rules are used to determine which recording actions to take.