Netflix has announced that all but four interactive titles will be taken off the streaming platform from 1 December. The Interactive Specials page, which was first launched in 2017, currently lists 24 series and films where the viewer controls the narrative.
The initiative started with Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale, which is reportedly already unavailable.
Perhaps the most successful entry was the interactive sci-fi film Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, a spin-off from the popular speculative thriller series.
Bandersnatch will remain available, along with Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs the Reverend, Ranveer vs Wild with Bear Grylls, and You vs Wild.
Netflix spokesperson Chrissy Kelleher stated, as per The Verge: “The technology served its purpose, but is now limiting as we focus on technological efforts in other areas.”
Netflix’s decision to not only stop its interactive productions but also remove most of them from the service has left fans divided.
One Redditor noted one title in particular, commenting: “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”, reports the Mirror.
Another user responded: “That’s exactly what I was thinking. Kinda dumb that they would get rid of that one.”
A third person added: “Especially with RAW moving to Netflix in a couple months.”
One commenter posed the question: “Has Netflix made a smart decision with their catalog in the last… idk decade?”
Interactive children’s titles have become firm favourites, and the news of their removal has left many subscribers feeling let down.
“My kids loves the Jurassic park camp Cretaceous one,” shared a user, prompting another to respond: “They just released a new series too. I’m shocked that they would remove this.”
Sky is giving away a free Netflix subscription to Sky Stream members, saving £119.76 over the 24-month term.
Sky Stream lets members watch live and on-demand TV content without a satellite dish or aerial and includes hit shows like The Penguin and the upcoming second season of Squid Game.
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SkyAnother disappointed parent remarked, “Oh that Sucks, my son loves the boss baby one,” while yet another viewer expressed frustration: “That sucks. My kid really liked those.”
Despite a consensus that the interactive titles may not be Netflix’s finest content, the choice to axe them has sparked debate among viewers.
The streaming giant’s recent actions follow a spate of cancellations this year, including shows like Kaos and Dead Boy Detectives, although the teen series Outer Banks is set for a fifth and conclusive season.
Screen Time has approached Netflix for comment.