(Credit: Netflix)

Netflix removed two shows on May 12th, 2025, with Black Mirror: Bandersnatch and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs the Reverend. Both of these releases were part of their interactive specials page. However, the decision to remove them does not come out of the blue, as the platform has been in the process of removing many such interactive specials from its catalogue to encourage its other avenues on offer.

The Black Mirror special was a dark choose-your-own-adventure film, released in 2018, where the viewer would get to forward the plot by choosing from a range of decisions, adding a sense of immersion to the series. The audience gets to make choices for the main character during high-risk situations, with different endings designed based on the options picked; there was even a meta-ending put in place. In that, the main character realises they are in their choose-your-own-adventure film, Truman Show style. The interactive movie was a fan favourite in no time, as viewers engaged on online platforms to discuss the many choices and endings, which helped deepen the connection between them and the series. 

These interactive pages worked on every device that can access Netflix, establishing it as a move towards promoting engagement on multiple media devices. The platform has been looking at expanding its library of mobile games, which already includes one revolving around Black Mirror. They are exploring the idea of streaming these games onto a television through the cloud. The newly designed television platform for Netflix even aims to help its viewers find games suited to their tastes.

Nevertheless, this removal of the specials page should not impact season seven of the show. While one of the episodes, ‘Plaything’, occurs in the same universe as the interactive film, it does not directly relate to it. At most, viewers who have interacted with Bandersnatch would have a more holistic entertainment experience. But, in terms of the content itself, a non-viewer of the film is not losing out on much.

The interactive specials page might be facing its conclusion, but Netflix is just entering the arena of interactive content. The streaming giant is dabbling with generative technology to create interactive games and further its footing in the business. This comes with the release of an exclusive game called World of Peppa Pig, based on the hugely popular children’s show. The game features many games within games, such as puzzles, colouring activities and more. The move is driven by the desire to focus on more than one aspect, such as stream IP, narration, and party and kids’ games. 

The platform now aims to make these games a complementary feature to its streaming offering, and is looking to expand its cloud technology to connect the games from its mobile app to smart televisions, since that is where the majority of its viewership is concentrated. It wants to build games based on existing shows to utilise their popularity to expand among fan bases.