diff --git a/src/components/player/internals/WatchPartyResetter.tsx b/src/components/player/internals/WatchPartyResetter.tsx
index 5c5dc448..3123294f 100644
--- a/src/components/player/internals/WatchPartyResetter.tsx
+++ b/src/components/player/internals/WatchPartyResetter.tsx
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ export function WatchPartyResetter() {
     // If base media has changed (different show/movie), reset watch party
     if (
       baseMediaId &&
-      previousBaseMediaRef.current &&
+      previousBaseMediaRef.current !== null &&
       baseMediaId !== previousBaseMediaRef.current
     ) {
       // eslint-disable-next-line no-console