So it looks like in Oreo the whole middle row of the launcher is dedicated to "Watch Next" of whatever app you have selected? That sucks if true. I don't think many users are working their way through multiple series on the same app at any given time, with the sole possible exception of Netflix - which already has a great "Watch Next" bar that is displayed appropriately after you select who in the household is watching .
The obvious right move for Google is to let Android TV users customize the layout of the launcher home screen to their liking. The Medium article makes clear Google is going in the opposite direction by promising the content owners full control of the launcher view.
Article followup: https://www.droid-life.com/2018/01/08/google-details-android-tv-oreo-update-redesigned-ui/