News of the upcoming removal of the innovative Black Mirror: Bandersnatch episode from Netflix’s catalogue has stirred strong reactions among fans of the series.The experimental 2018 project was a milestone for the streaming platform, offering viewers the ability to influence the storyline through interactive choices. This allowed for multiple narrative paths and endings.
Crucially, full interactivity was only possible through Netflix’s interface. Pirated versions distributed all endings at once, stripping the episode of its original intent. Once removed from the platform, Bandersnatch will essentially lose its purpose.
Plot of Black Mirror: Bandersnatch
In this interactive episode, key roles were played by Fionn Whitehead, Craig Parkinson, and Will Poulter. The story follows Stefan, a gifted young programmer tormented by guilt over his mother’s death. He sets out to adapt a fantasy novel into a video game, but as his work progresses, the line between reality and virtual worlds begins to blur.
Each viewer became an active participant in the story. By making decisions on Stefan’s behalf, they directly shaped the plot and determined the final outcome.
Removal of Black Mirror: Bandersnatch
The episode earned two Emmy Awards and was widely praised for its revolutionary approach to streaming content. However, since 2023, Netflix has gradually wound down production of interactive titles. In January, the platform removed two interactive shows featuring Bear Grylls. Now, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend and the cult Black Mirror episode face the same fate.
Interestingly, the decision to remove Bandersnatch coincides with the release of the show's seventh season. One of the new episodes includes references to events from the interactive feature. Although not a direct sequel, it is set in the same universe.
