Final Days to Experience Black Mirror: Bandersnatch Before It Leaves Netflix

You have just a few more days to explore "Black Mirror: Bandersnatch." It’s fitting that the technology used to create this interactive episode might now be its undoing, considering the series often highlights the perils of relying too much on technology. The 2018 special, which allowed viewers to influence the storyline through on-screen pop-up menus, initially escaped Netflix’s efforts to clean up its interactive content. However, the time has come to bid farewell to "Bandersnatch," as Variety reports it will leave the streaming platform on May 12. If you’re planning one last adventure with aspiring video game creator Stefan Butler (played by Fionn Whitehead), make sure to set aside some time this weekend. "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs the Reverend," another interactive special from Netflix, will also be removed on the same date. This isn’t a reflection on the quality or popularity of the Black Mirror series but rather a strategic shift by Netflix. In November 2024, as noted by Gizmodo and originally reported by the Verge, Netflix announced it would refocus its technological efforts on games rather than interactive narrative shows. This move reflects the company's ongoing efforts to expand into new digital entertainment territories. To tie in with the new Black Mirror season, Netflix launched a game called "Thronglets." This game mirrors the chaotic, ever-expanding online ecosystem featured in the episode “Plaything,” providing users with a firsthand experience of the show’s disturbing themes. Furthermore, if you miss "Bandersnatch," some familiar faces make appearances in "Plaything." For instance, Colin Ritman, the eccentric and unpredictable game designer played by Will Poulter, reappears, offering a bit of continuity for fans of the series. For those looking to stay updated on all things tech and entertainment, there’s plenty more to explore. Keep an eye out for the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, the upcoming projects in the DC Universe across film and television, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.