Netflix is no stranger to including weird, and outright creepy shows on its streaming platform, but there was one experiment that took the creepy levels up a notch, and it's about to leave the streaming service for good.
Back in 2018, Netflix went through a bit of an experimental stage, looking for new and exciting ways to keep customers engaged in their streaming platform.
One of the methods they used was through new and exciting interactive shows, such as Bear Grylls' You vs. Wild, and Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror: Bandersnatch.
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While Netflix removed most of its interactive shows, Black Mirror: Bandersnatch and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend survived the interactive media cull, that was until now.
Black Mirror: Bandersnatch which was watched 45,000,000 times in the first month following its release is now leaving Netflix, and will no longer be available to stream after May 12.
What is Bandersnatch?
The show is an interactive special set in the world of Charlie Brooker's Black Mirror, and takes viewers on one of the most creepy rides the show has seen to-date.
If you've watched Black Mirror before, you know to expect dystopian sci-fi, tech ruining lives, and some of the creepiest TV ever created.
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'Bandersnatch' takes it to the next level by giving viewers control over the show. At key points, viewers are able to choose the outcome, meaning that almost every time you watch the show, unless you picked the exact same outcomes, you will get a slightly different story.
The plot follows a games designer who descends into madness as he tries to adapt a choose-your-own-adventure style novel.
Staring Will Poulter and Asim Chaudhry, the show was considered one of the most unique, and impactful Black Mirror episodes to-date, thanks to its ability to literally draw in the viewers.
What viewers thought of Bandersnatch
The show currently has an impressive 74 percent critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, with most critics agreeing the interactive show offered something new and exciting, while even making it near impossible for spoilers to ruin the experience.
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In her review of the show, Tilly Pearce from Metro said: "The pure joy of this episode is that we have absolutely no idea if this is a normal experience or just the path we chose.
"In a world full of spoilers, it certainly keeps everyone on their toes."
But a much less impressed Rachel Cooke from New Statesmen wasn't as kind in her review, revealing that she though 'Bandersnatch' was 'tedious: confusing, repetitive, dilatory... it's the TV equivalent of being stuck in heavy traffic'.
Will Bandersnatch be back?
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We know that as of May 12 'Bandersnatch' will no longer be available in its interactive form on Netflix. However, there hasn't been any mention of whether we can expect to see the show remade in a more traditional format at any point.
Previously removed Bear Grylls interactive specials were reuploaded to Netflix as traditional linear programmes, but given 'Bandersnatch''s sprawling narrative this might be more tricky to adapt without the interactive content.
Will Poulter and Asim Chaudhry did recently return to Black Mirror in season 7 episode 'Plaything'. But only time will tell if we will see 'Bandersnatch' back on our screens again in one format or another.
Topics: Netflix, Black Mirror, TV and Film
Kegan Marquez