This is what I do. Plex server with storage at home and brother just connects via his app built into his TV. They just text if they want a certain movie or TV show and I add it.
I have them setup public watchlists in imdb and send me the Id and just explain that it checks the list every hour or so. It's hand off on my end that way.
I have a similar setup. The only strange thing is that one house always seems to have buffer issues while the rest don't (they'll start a show and it will buffer every few minutes). What would you recommend in that situation kind stranger?