Los Gatos, California — Netflix will remove its interactive features from its platform as it phases out two titles, “Black Mirror: Bandersnatch” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. The Reverend,” on May 12, 2025. This shift marks the end of the streaming service’s foray into interactive films, an experiment that sought to engage viewers in a new format.
“Bandersnatch,” which premiered in December 2018, allowed audiences to dictate the storyline of a young programmer in the 1980s who confronts a blurring line between reality and choice. With approximately 312 minutes of content and multiple endings, the film garnered attention for its innovative approach to storytelling. However, Netflix now appears to be redirecting its focus towards enhancing its gaming offerings rather than interactive videos.
The decision was first reported by What’s on Netflix, prompting inquiries to Netflix for further details. A representative indicated last fall that the interactive technology that powered “Bandersnatch” had fulfilled its intended purpose. As the streaming giant pivots to prioritize other technologies, the platform’s gaming portfolio is set to expand. Newly designed homepage features include the integration of games like “Too Hot to Handle 3” and “Oxenfree,” which can be played directly on connected TVs with mobile devices acting as controllers.
Originally, Netflix viewed interactive programming as a promising avenue for engagement. Former product VP Todd Yellin had expressed enthusiasm about doubling down on this new technology. However, with his departure in 2022, the company’s strategy appears to have shifted away from this approach.
In addition to “Bandersnatch,” the interactive special “Kimmy vs. The Reverend,” released in 2020, allows viewers to make decisions that influence Kimmy’s actions as she prepares to marry while contending with an antagonist’s sinister schemes. This project was celebrated as a fitting conclusion to the beloved comedy series, which ran for four seasons on Netflix.
While some fans may be disappointed by the removal of these titles, the decision reflects a broader trend within streaming services to adapt to changing audience preferences and technological capabilities. As Netflix continues to innovate, the future of interactive storytelling now shifts toward other mediums and platforms, leaving behind a creative experiment that sparked conversations about viewer agency in entertainment.