====== Overseerr – General Configuration Guide ======

**Purpose:**  
Overseerr is a user-facing media request system that complements your automation ecosystem. Running on its own **Request Server VM**, it allows users to submit content requests, track request statuses, and communicate directly with your media server environment without needing admin access. This ensures a **self-service, low-touch system** that keeps your library growing efficiently and your automation stack flowing smoothly.

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===== Key Concepts =====

  * **Plex Integration** – Overseerr connects to Plex to check your existing library, validate requests, and update media availability once content is processed. This prevents duplicate requests and ensures accurate request fulfillment.  
  * **Email Notifications** – Overseerr can send emails to users when requests are approved, denied, or completed, keeping them informed without admin intervention.  
  * **End-User Self-Service** – By providing a web interface for content requests, Overseerr reduces the number of ad-hoc requests sent directly to admins and improves overall system usability.

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===== General Configuration Steps =====

=== 1. Initial Setup ===
  * Install Overseerr on the dedicated Request Server VM.  
  * Ensure network access to your Plex Media Server VM for library queries.  
  * Assign a static port or hostname (default: //**<vm-ip>:5055**//) so users can reliably access the interface.  
  * Enable authentication; you can integrate with Plex accounts for seamless user management.

=== 2. Plex Integration ===
  * Connect Overseerr to your Plex server using a **Plex Token**.  
  * Verify that Overseerr can read your libraries and identify which content is already available.  
  * Configure library access permissions per user or group as needed.  
  * Once integrated, Overseerr will automatically prevent duplicate requests for content already in your library.

=== 3. Email Notifications ===
  * Configure the SMTP server details (host, port, encryption, credentials).  
  * Set default “From” address for outgoing emails.  
  * Enable notifications for request creation, approval, denial, and fulfillment.  
  * Optionally, allow users to manage their own notification preferences to reduce email clutter.  
  * Test notifications to confirm email deliverability.

=== 4. User-Facing Features ===
  * **Search and Request** – Users can search your library and supported media databases (TMDb, TVDb, etc.) to request movies or TV shows.  
  * **Request Status Tracking** – Users can see the current status of their requests: pending, approved, denied, or completed.  
  * **Notifications & Alerts** – Email or in-app notifications keep users informed without requiring admin intervention.  
  * **Audit & Logs** – Admins can review all requests, approve/deny them, and track fulfillment to ensure smooth operation.

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===== How Overseerr Complements the Automation Stack =====

| Function | Role in the Ecosystem |
| Plex | Provides library visibility to prevent duplicate requests. |
| Sonarr / Radarr | Overseerr triggers or queues requests that feed into automated acquisition. |
| Automation VM | Overseerr itself does not process media but coordinates requests with your automation tools. |
| Users | Provides a clean, controlled, self-service request interface, reducing admin workload. |

In short, Overseerr acts as the **front door for content requests**, while Prowlarr, Jackett, and Unmanic handle backend processing and delivery. The system ensures **efficient, self-managed operation**, improving library growth, user satisfaction, and workflow reliability.

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===== Best Practices =====

  * Use Plex authentication to manage user access and reduce account proliferation.  
  * Configure email notifications for transparency, but avoid spamming by allowing users to set preferences.  
  * Regularly monitor requests to ensure the automation stack is fulfilling them correctly.  
  * Keep Overseerr updated to maintain compatibility with Plex and media databases.

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This guide introduces Overseerr in the context of your automated media environment. Detailed per-user configuration, advanced permission management, and troubleshooting should be referenced in Overseerr’s official documentation as needed.