Apple TV gone crazy changing channels

This started last night and I *think* but I'm not sure - it may have started with the charge in the remote being low. I'm not entirely sure because once it started my daughter told me to plug in the remote. We did and it's now charged.

It is not only changing channels on DirectTVNow (streaming tv) but it changes apps. I can't select anything with the remote OR with the remote app on my iPhone 8.

I want to stress that it is changing channels or apps every 5 seconds or so. Constantly.

It's uncontrollable I can't stop the changing and nothing on the remote works. I can't go to settings or anything. Someone told me to reset the Apple TV box, however, I can't do that because I am unable to navigate to any app.

Apple TV 4 k (just 8 months old).

Any suggestions? The only thing I've been able to do it unplug it but it starts all over again once it's turned on.