Netflix Sparks Outrage by Removing 'Black Mirror: Bandersnatch'
Typically, when a title is removed from the Netflix library, it is because its contract to host that film, show, or special has expired. For that reason, you don't often see the streaming service remove its own original titles, but one beloved and groundbreaking Netflix original will be removed in just a few days.
In 2018, Netflix unveiled Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, an interactive film within the sci-fi anthology series Black Mirror, offering viewers the ability to shape the narrative in a choose-your-own-adventure style.
This wasn’t Netflix’s first step into interactive storytelling, but it was easily the most iconic, given its promotion and tie to the popular Black Mirror franchise. The streaming platform kept the interactive feature under wraps until its debut, making it a surprise for viewers.
Despite its undeniable popularity, particularly upon release, Netflix appears to have decided to remove Bandersnatch from its catalog.
Per What’s on Netflix, the streaming giant will discontinue the iconic interactive film from its library starting Monday, May 12, leaving fans with just a few days to experience it.
This decision from Netflix quickly sparked outrage as fans took to social media to express their frustration and confusion at the move, especially considering it's a Netflix original movie and one of the episodes in the most recent Black Mirror series is related to it.
"Doesn’t Netflix own it?? Why would it be removed?" one person questioned.
"So it's dead dead then? Where else could it be used? Interactive [stuff] certainly doesn't work anywhere else I'd presume," someone else wrote.
"So it's fully dead media wow," another person wrote.
"This is so strange considering they literally dropped a sequel to this episode like 2 weeks ago," someone else added.
"That's unfortunate! Even though I didn't like the episode much, I think it's very unique and should stay," another person commented.
"This is such a bummer! Bandersnatch was a groundbreaking interactive experience, and with a sequel just dropping, the timing feels off. Guess I'll be binge-watching it one last time this weekend," someone else added.
In addition to Bandersnatch, Netflix is also set to remove Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend, another of its interactive specials.