Method and system for refining a media program item by item

A media system interface (200) includes a display (210) that provides a play list (300, 400) of media items to be played, such as songs or broadcast television or radio programs. A user input device (220) such as buttons on the interface allows the user to highlight a selected media item (T4) which is not desired, and to request that the media item be replaced by an alternative media item (T4-A1). The user may further indicate if the undesired item should be replaced by a similar or dissimilar item. The alternative media item is automatically selected, such as based on user preference data (145), and the list is displayed in an updated form (500, 600) with the alternative media item. A layout of the play list is adjusted to accommodate the alternative media item. The display may be provided, e.g., on a portable media player or a remote control to a home media system.