Black Mirror Bandersnatch: Dramatic first teaser
Netflix is set to purge nearly all of its interactive titles from the streaming giant's library starting December 1, leaving fans to bid farewell to most of their choose-your-own-adventure favourites.
Launched in 2017, the platform's Interactive Specials page currently showcases 24 series and films that offer viewers a chance to steer the story.
The initiative kicked off with Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale, which has already disappeared from Netflix's offerings.
However, the critically acclaimed Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, a standalone episode from the hit anthology series, will survive the cull alongside Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs the Reverend, Ranveer vs Wild with Bear Grylls, and You vs Wild.
Netflix spokesperson Chrissy Kelleher was quoted by The Verge as saying, "The technology served its purpose, but is now limiting as we focus on technological efforts in other areas."
This move has sparked debate among subscribers, with some expressing disappointment over the discontinuation and removal of the interactive content.
A particular point of contention arose on Reddit regarding the omission of the WWE-themed adventure featuring The New Day and The Undertaker, prompting one user to remark, "You'd have thought they'd keep the one where The New Day are chased around a haunted mansion by The Undertaker for the synergy with the WWE."
Another chimed in, "That's exactly what I was thinking. Kinda dumb that they would get rid of that one", reports the Mirror.
While a third pointed out, "Especially with RAW moving to Netflix in a couple months."
Dismay sweeps through the Netflix universe as subscribers confront the removal of beloved interactive children's titles.
One concerned viewer queries, "Has Netflix made a smart decision with their catalog in the last... idk decade?"
Fans lamented over other favourites as a user shares, "My kids loves the Jurassic park camp Cretaceous one," only to be echoed with shock by another who adds, "They just released a new series too. I'm shocked that they would remove this."
The sentiment of loss continues with the expressions, "Oh that Sucks, my son loves the boss baby one," and "That sucks. My kid really liked those."
Sky regularly gives free Netflix when you take out a package on its website.
If you want to try out some Sky packages as your TV contract is up, Sky also offers free trials on its Sky Stream TV package.
EE, which is taking over from BT, also offers Netflix when you take out TV packages.
EE offers a number of flexible packages that include Netflix so it'll be included in your monthly bill.
Virgin Media also offers Netflix in its TV packages that you can choose from so you don't need to worry about buying it seperately.
Although there's a consensus that these interactive adventures may not represent Netflix's finest hour, the outright cancellation has sparked debate among viewers.
Amidst these cuts, Netflix holds the axe high with multiple show cancellations this year including Kaos and Dead Boy Detectives, whereas Outer Banks is granted a closing season.
Screen Time has approached Netflix for comment.
