Summary

Netflix is removing the last two interactive specials, including "Black Mirror: Bandersnatch," by May 12, 2025.
Black Mirror fans took to social media to express disappointment over the removal of the interactive specials.
Although Netflix is discontinuing interactive storytelling, this format can increase viewer engagement and pave the way for VR experiences.

Black Mirror fans have until this week to watch one of its specials that will soon be removed from Netflix. The streaming giant is reportedly getting rid of their interactive specials and the last two will be bidding goodbye soon.

Black Mirror is an anthology television series with standalone episodes, exploring the themes of technology, human nature, and society in a dystopian or speculative future. Black Mirror premiered on Channel 4 in the U.K. In 2011 before Netflix picked up the show, starting with its third season. Black Mirror has two special episodes — "White Christmas" (2014) and "Bandersnatch" (2018). However, one of the two only has a week to stay on the streaming giant.

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By Fletcher Bailey

Netflix is removing the last two interactive specials left on the platform. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Black Mirror: Bandersnatch will only be accessible until May 12, 2025, according to What's on Netflix. The move is not really surprising since Netflix has been phasing out this type of program. Netflix officially discontinued its interactive specials to focus on mobile and cloud gaming in 2024. According to Chrissy Kelleher, while interactive technology was innovative, it was "limiting." There were dozens of interactive specials and all but four originals were removed in December 2024. However, Ranveer vs Wild with Bear Grylls and You vs. Wild were removed in January and the last two were departing too.

Black Mirror fans took to social media to air their disappointment with the move. Although Bandersnatch received a mixed reception, some really loved the interactive special. The 2018 special, written by Charlie Brooker and directed by David Slade, was considered one of the boldest entries from the franchise. It features a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure story, so one has to keep their remote close and ready while watching the special because it has multiple endings, depending on the viewer's choices. One is a meta-ending where the protagonist, Stefan, realizes he is inside a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure movie on Netflix. On average, it will take 90 minutes to complete the movie. However, the whole film has a five-hour and 12-minute runtime. But to see all the iterations possible depending on the various choices could take all day.

Netflix introduced interactive content to get audiences to participate in the storytelling. It's sufficient to say that the ambitious programs did not achieve their desired engagement levels because the platform decided to focus on mobile and cloud gaming instead. However, some who enjoyed it were disappointed because they had started to enjoy the engaging format. Among the favorites were Battle Kitty, Minecraft: Story Mode, and Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous: Hidden Adventure.

Although Netflix is determined to move on from its interactive storytelling, the disappointment is understandable. Interactive shows turn passive consumption into an engaging experience because the viewer can directly influence the plot by involving them in the narrative (through their choices). Deeper engagement can result in higher emotional investment, making the program more memorable. The branching storylines in Bandersnatch also encouraged viewers to rewatch and explore different options to see the different endings available. This approach could boost value because the subscribers will spend more time on the platform. This type of program could also pave the way for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences. There's a lot to explore. Regardless, Netflix's decision to end this creative chapter aligns with its evolving strategic focus. After all, everything is about business.

All episodes of Black Mirror stream on Netflix.

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Release Date: December 4, 2011
Network: Channel 4, Netflix
Showrunner: Charlie Brooker
Directors: Owen Harris, Toby Haynes, James Hawes, David Slade, Carl Tibbetts, Ally Pankiw, Bryn Higgins, Dan Trachtenberg, Euros Lyn, Jodie Foster, Joe Wright, John Hillcoat, Sam Miller, Tim Van Patten, Uta Briesewitz, Colm McCarthy, Jakob Verbruggen, James Watkins, John Crowley, Otto Bathurst, Anne Sewitsky, Brian Welsh
Writers: Jesse Armstrong