---
title: Automation
description: Automate media downloads with the Servarr stack — Radarr, Sonarr, Bazarr, Prowlarr, and Overseerr for movies and TV shows.
---


:ellipsis{left=0px width=40rem top=10rem blur=140px zIndex=60}
# Servarr

::note
🎯 __Goals:__

Automate movie and TV show downloads using Radarr, Sonarr, Bazarr, Prowlarr, and Overseerr.
::

[Servarr](https://wiki.servarr.com/) is a suite of applications developed to automate the downloading, updating, and management of media. Here, we'll focus on movies and TV shows with the goal of:

- Selecting a movie from a catalog through a web interface.
- Sitting back and enjoying it on Plex a few minutes later.

Simple.

![arr](/img/serveex/arr.svg)

We’ll start by deploying the stack and then proceed to configure each app and understand how they work.

## Install the Apps
---

### Docker Compose

Folder structure:

```sh
root
├── docker
│   ├── plex      
│   │   ├── compose.yml
│   │   ├── config
│   │   └── transcode
│   ├── tautulli
│   │   └── config
│   ├── sonarr
│   │   └── config
│   ├── radarr
│   │   └── config
│   ├── bazarr
│   │   └── config
│   ├── prowlarr
│   │   └── config
│   └── overseerr
│       └── config
└── media
    ├── downloads
    ├── tvseries
    ├── movies
    └── library
```

::warning

__Warning:__ Make sure to follow this file structure carefully, especially the `media` folder. This folder must be mounted **exactly the same way** in both the _Qbittorrent_ compose file (`/your/path/media:/media`) and the _arr_ applications.  
If not, the _arr_ apps may not recognize the path provided by Qbittorrent and will fail to create _hardlinks_.  
Without hardlinks, the _arr_ apps will copy the files instead—**doubling the space used** on your storage.
::

Open Docker and your `plex` stack. Modify the compose file as follows:
```yaml
---
services:
  linuxserver_plex:
    image: ghcr.io/linuxserver/plex:latest
    container_name: plex
    network_mode: host
    environment:

      - PUID=${PUID}
      - PGID=${PGID}
      - TZ=Europe/Paris
      - VERSION=docker
      - PLEX_CLAIM= #optional
    volumes:

      - /docker/plex/config:/config
      - /docker/plex/transcode:/transcode #optional
      - ${MEDIA_PATH}:/media
    labels:

      - com.centurylinklabs.watchtower.enable=true
    restart: unless-stopped
    mem_limit: 4096m
    mem_reservation: 2048m
    devices:

      - /dev/dri:/dev/dri

  tautulli:
    image: lscr.io/linuxserver/tautulli:latest
    container_name: tautulli
    environment:

      - TZ=Europe/Paris
    volumes:

      - /docker/tautulli/config:/config
    ports:

      - 8181:8181
    restart: unless-stopped
  
  sonarr:
    image: lscr.io/linuxserver/sonarr:latest
    container_name: sonarr
    environment:

      - PUID=${PUID}
      - PGID=${PGID}
      - TZ=Europe/Paris
    volumes:

      - /docker/sonarr/config:/config
      - ${MEDIA_PATH}:/media
    ports:

      - 8989:8989
    restart: unless-stopped

  radarr:
    image: lscr.io/linuxserver/radarr:latest
    container_name: radarr
    environment:

      - PUID=${PUID}
      - PGID=${PGID}
      - TZ=Europe/Paris
    volumes:

      - /docker/radarr/config:/config
      - ${MEDIA_PATH}:/media
    ports:

      - 7878:7878
    restart: unless-stopped

  prowlarr:
    image: lscr.io/linuxserver/prowlarr:latest
    container_name: prowlarr
    environment:

      - PUID=${PUID}
      - PGID=${PGID}
      - TZ=Europe/Paris
    volumes:

      - /docker/prowlarr/data:/config
    ports:

      - 9696:9696
    restart: unless-stopped

  overseerr:
    image: lscr.io/linuxserver/overseerr:latest
    container_name: overseerr
    dns:

      - 1.1.1.1
      - 8.8.8.8
    environment:

      - PUID=${PUID}
      - PGID=${PGID}
      - TZ=Europe/Paris
    volumes:

      - /docker/overseerr/config:/config
    ports:

      - 5055:5055
    restart: unless-stopped

  bazarr:
    image: lscr.io/linuxserver/bazarr:latest
    container_name: bazarr
    restart: unless-stopped
    environment:

      - PUID=1000 
      - PGID=1000
      - TZ=Europe/Paris
    volumes:

      - /docker/bazarr/config:/config
      - ${MEDIA_PATH}:/media
    ports:

      - 6767:6767
```

::tip
✨ Add the Watchtower label to each container to automate updates

```yaml
services:
  plex:
    #...
    labels:

      - com.centurylinklabs.watchtower.enable=true

  tautulli:
    #...
    labels:

      - com.centurylinklabs.watchtower.enable=true
```
::

Set your `.env` file with the variables below:

```properties
PUID=
GUID=
MEDIA_PATH=
```

| Variable        | Description                                                                                     | Example     |
|----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------|
| `PUID`         | Set using your user info (check with `id yourusername`)                                         | `1000`      |
| `GUID`         | Same as above                                                                                   | `1000`      |
| `MEDIA_PATH`   | Path to your media folder, here: `/media`. It must match the one used by Qbittorrent.          | `/media`    |

Deploy the stack.

### Configure Radarr
---

Radarr queries your torrent sources and lets you define the type of releases to prioritize. It can also upgrade your movies if a better version is available.

Once deployed, visit `http://yourserverip:7878`.

::caution

__If it fails:__ check your firewall rules.
::

Create an account and choose *forms login*.

##### Add a *root folder*

- Go to *Settings > Media Management*.
- Add a root folder and select `/media/movies`.

::warning

__Warning:__ If you already have movies in `movies` from Qbittorrent, do not let Radarr add them. Radarr might modify them, which could stop seeding in Qbittorrent.
::

##### Configure Profiles

Go to *Settings > Profiles*. These are your default quality profiles. When you make a request, you're selecting one of these. For example, configure the “any” profile by unchecking everything except what is shown in the image and ordering them accordingly. This makes Radarr search for 4K REMUX first, then go down the list if unavailable.

![profiles_radarr](/img/serveex/radarr1.png)

##### Add Qbittorrent

In *Settings > Download Clients*, add Qbittorrent.

- Use your server IP as *Host* and port `5695` if following this guide.
- Provide your Qbittorrent *Username* and *Password*.
- Click *Test*.
- If successful, click *Save*.

##### Connect to Plex

Go to *Settings > Connect*, add a new connection and choose *Plex Media Server*.

- Use `plex` or your server IP for *Host*.
- Port: `32400`
- Click the blue "authenticate with Plex.tv" button and log into Plex.
- Press *Test*, then *Save* if successful.

##### Get API Key for Prowlarr and Overseerr

- Go to *Settings > General* and copy your *API Key* for later use.

### Configure Sonarr
---

Sonarr queries torrent sources and defines what kind of TV series releases to prioritize. It also upgrades series when better versions are available.

- Visit `http://yourserverip:8989`.
- Follow the same steps as for Radarr, but use `/media/tvseries` as the root folder.

::caution

__If it fails:__ check your firewall rules.
::

### Configure Prowlarr
---

Prowlarr acts as a proxy to manage your torrent indexers and link them to Radarr and Sonarr.

Go to `http://yourserverip:9696` and create an account, using *forms login*.

::caution

__If it fails:__ check your firewall rules.
::

##### Add an Indexer

- Go to the *Indexers* section and add your torrent indexer.

##### Add Radarr and Sonarr

In *Settings > Apps*, add Radarr and Sonarr with the following details:

- Prowlarr Server: `http://prowlarr:9696` (or use server IP)
- Sonarr / Radarr Server: `http://sonarr:8989` or `http://radarr:7878`
- API Key: use the one copied from Radarr and Sonarr.
- Click *Test*, then *Save* if all goes well.

### Configuring Bazarr
---
Bazarr is an app that automatically searches for the correct subtitles in your preferred languages for all the movies and TV shows added by Radarr and Sonarr.

Go to `http://yourserverip:6767`.

::caution

__If it fails:__ check your firewall rules.
::

Go to *Settings > General* and create a username and password using *forms login*.

#### Add a Language Profile

- In *Settings > Languages*, click the pink *Add new profile* button and name it.
- Click the pink *Add Languages* button and add your preferred languages, e.g., *French* and *English*.
- Save and exit.
- At the bottom of the screen under *Default Language For Newly Added Show*, check both boxes and select the profile you just created.
![Bazarr](/img/serveex/bazarr2.png)

- Save using the button at the top of the screen.

#### Add Subtitle Providers

- In *Settings > Providers*, add your preferred providers, for example:

![Bazarr](/img/serveex/bazarr.png)

- Save using the button at the top of the screen.

#### Add Radarr and Sonarr

- Go to *Settings > Sonarr*
- In *Address*, enter `sonarr` or your server's IP address.
- In *Port*, enter `8989`.
- In *API Key*, enter Sonarr’s API key.
- Click *Test*.
- Save using the button at the top of the screen.

Repeat the same steps for Radarr.

### Configuring Overseerr
---

[Overseerr](https://overseerr.dev/) is an app that lets you browse a movie catalog and send requests to Sonarr and Radarr. Just browse movies or series, click *Request*, and the media will automatically be downloaded according to your Radarr or Sonarr settings. If the title hasn’t been released yet, it will be downloaded automatically when available. This way, episodes of a series appear in Plex without any manual intervention.

![Overseerr](/img/serveex/overseerr.webp)

Go to `http://yourserverip:5055` and log in with your Plex account.

::caution

__If it fails:__ check your firewall rules.
::

#### Add Radarr and Sonarr

When prompted, add a Radarr server:

- Check *Default server*.
- __Server name:__ Radarr
- __Hostname or IP address:__ `radarr` or your server's IP
- __Port:__ `7878`
- __API Key:__ Radarr’s API key
- Click *Test* at the bottom.

If the test succeeds, continue filling in the fields:

- __Quality Profile:__ the one you configured (e.g., `any`)
- __Root Folder:__ the Plex folder. In our examples: `/media/movies`
- __Minimum Availability:__ `Announced`. This allows requesting unreleased content and downloads it upon release.
- Check all 3 boxes at the bottom.
- Save and continue.

Now do the same for Sonarr:

- Check *Default server*.
- __Server name:__ Sonarr
- __Hostname or IP address:__ `sonarr` or your server's IP
- __Port:__ `8989`
- __API Key:__ Sonarr’s API key
- Click *Test* at the bottom.

If the test succeeds, continue filling in the fields:

- __Quality Profile:__ the one you configured (e.g., `any`)
- __Root Folder:__ the Plex folder. In our examples: `/media/tvseries`
- __Language Profile:__ `Deprecated`
- Check all 4 boxes at the bottom.
- Save and continue.

And that’s it! Just request a movie or series, then check in qBittorrent or Radarr/Sonarr. Within a few minutes, your media will be available on Plex!

## Exposing Overseerr with SWAG
---

It can be useful to expose Overseerr if you want to send requests from outside your network without a VPN, or if you've shared your Plex library with others and want them to have Overseerr access.

::note

We assume you have the subdomain `films.mydomain.com` with a `CNAME` pointing to `films.fr` in your [DNS zone](/general/networking/dns). And that [unless you’re using Cloudflare Zero Trust](/serveex/security/cloudflare), port `443` on your router is forwarded to port `443` on your server via [NAT rules](/general/networking/nat).
::

Go to Dockge, edit the SWAG compose file, and add the Overseerr network, which is the same as Plex (since it’s in the Plex stack):

```yaml
services:
  swag:
     container_name: # ...
      # ... 
     networks:          # Connects the container to a custom network 
      # ...           

      - plex            # Name of the network declared in the stack
    
networks:               # Defines the custom network
  # ...
  plex:                 # Name of the declared network
    name: plex_default  # Actual name of the external network
    external: true      # Indicates it’s an external network
```

Restart the stack by clicking “Deploy” and wait until SWAG is fully operational.

::note

Here we assume the Tautulli network is named `plex_default`. You can verify the connection works by visiting the SWAG dashboard at `http://yourserverip:81`.
::

Create and edit the file `films.subdomain.conf`:

::tip
✨ __Tip:__ you can use [File Browser](/serveex/files/file-browser) to browse and edit files instead of using terminal commands.
::

```sh
sudo nano /docker/swag/config/nginx/proxy-confs/films.subdomain.conf
```

Paste the following:

```nginx
## Version 2024/07/16
# make sure that your overseerr container is named overseerr
# make sure that your dns has a cname set for overseerr

server {
    listen 443 ssl;
    listen [::]:443 ssl;

    server_name films.*;

    include /config/nginx/ssl.conf;

    client_max_body_size 0;

    # enable for ldap auth (requires ldap-location.conf in the location block)
    #include /config/nginx/ldap-server.conf;

    # enable for Authelia (requires authelia-location.conf in the location block)
    #include /config/nginx/authelia-server.conf;

    # enable for Authentik (requires authentik-location.conf in the location block)
    #include /config/nginx/authentik-server.conf;

    location / {
        # enable the next two lines for http auth
        #auth_basic "Restricted";
        #auth_basic_user_file /config/nginx/.htpasswd;

        # enable for ldap auth (requires ldap-server.conf in the server block)
        #include /config/nginx/ldap-location.conf;

        # enable for Authelia (requires authelia-server.conf in the server block)
        #include /config/nginx/authelia-location.conf;

        # enable for Authentik (requires authentik-server.conf in the server block)
        #include /config/nginx/authentik-location.conf;

        include /config/nginx/proxy.conf;
        include /config/nginx/resolver.conf;
        set $upstream_app overseerr;
        set $upstream_port 5055;
        set $upstream_proto http;
        proxy_pass $upstream_proto://$upstream_app:$upstream_port;

    }

    location ~ (/overseerr)?/api {
        include /config/nginx/proxy.conf;
        include /config/nginx/resolver.conf;
        set $upstream_app overseerr;
        set $upstream_port 5055;
        set $upstream_proto http;
        proxy_pass $upstream_proto://$upstream_app:$upstream_port;

    }
}
```

Press :kbd{value="Ctrl+O"}, then :kbd{value="Enter"} to save, and :kbd{value="Ctrl+X"} to exit.

Wait a few minutes, then visit `http://films.mydomain.com` in your browser.

::caution

__If it fails:__ check your firewall rules.
::

And there you go, Overseerr is now publicly accessible!
