The disclosed systems and methods enable a queue-based real-time navigation of linear television channels using a two button “channel backtrack” (or, e.g., “channel down”) and “next channel” (or, e.g., “channel up”) approach. Rather than tedious surfing of a static channel lineup, the systems and methods utilize two dynamic queues: a history queue tracks recently visited channels and a future queue is loaded with recommended channels based on personalized rankings. Using these two queues, and an input interface for a “channel backtrack” command and a “next channel” command, the disclosed techniques provide users an alternative to typical channel surfing experiences. The queue of future channels can be dynamically updated based on updated rankings and recommendations.