‘Black Mirror: Bandersnatch’ is leaving Netflix forever - Here’s why that matters

Dubai: Two of Netflix’s last remaining interactive specials are set to leave the platform, signalling the end of an experimental chapter in the streaming giant’s history. Black Mirror: Bandersnatch and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend will be removed globally from the service on May 12, 2025, according to a notice published on What’s On Netflix.

Their departure follows Netflix’s wider withdrawal from interactive storytelling, as the company pivots its focus toward cloud-based and mobile gaming experiences. This move is part of a broader platform overhaul, which also includes a redesigned homepage and new mobile features.

Netflix began removing most of its interactive specials in late 2024. Titles such as Ranveer vs Wild with Bear Grylls and You vs. Wild were taken down in January 2025. That left only Bandersnatch (2018) and Kimmy vs. the Reverend (2020) – both of which are now set to disappear.

Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, released in December 2018, was a critically acclaimed choose-your-own-adventure-style film that allowed viewers to make decisions for the main character, Stefan Butler, a young game developer in 1984. The outcome of the story changed based on viewer choices, offering multiple narratives and endings. Created by Black Mirror mastermind Charlie Brooker and directed by David Slade, the film starred Fionn Whitehead, Will Poulter, and Craig Parkinson.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend, released in 2020, was another interactive experiment, arriving several months after the end of the show’s four-season run. It featured the original cast, including Ellie Kemper, and offered fans a comedic branching storyline that played on the show's quirky tone.

Netflix is currently undergoing a major transformation. The removal of these specials coincides with the company’s efforts to prioritise its gaming initiative. In May, Netflix announced a revamp of its homepage, and over the coming weeks and months, depending on users’ locations, a new, cleaner interface will begin rolling out. This refreshed design aims to help users more quickly discover their next favourite show, film, live event, or game.

In addition, Netflix is trialling a new mobile feature, a vertical video feed similar to TikTok or Instagram Reels – filled with short trailers and show clips. Users will be able to tap to watch, save, or share content instantly.

With Netflix’s interactive films being permanently deleted, many are wondering whether Bandersnatch can ever be watched again. Is it truly gone forever? Netflix has not commented on the matter, leaving the future of Bandersnatch uncertain. The company has yet to confirm whether the interactive film has been archived, whether it can be made available for digital purchase, or if its unique scenes and decision paths will be lost for good.

The announcement has sparked a wave of concern among fans, with nearly 5,000 people signing a petition on Change.org urging Netflix to reverse its decision and preserve what they describe as a “cultural and interactive landmark”.

“This isn’t just the removal of a film. It’s the deletion of a groundbreaking moment in storytelling and innovation, a format-defining experience that cannot be replicated once it’s gone,” the petition states.

The removal of original content from streaming services is not unique to Netflix. This trend began to take shape during the transition from HBO Max to Max in 2023. As part of the merger between Warner Bros. and Discovery, the rebranding led to cancellations and removals of multiple television shows and films from the soon-to-be-defunct HBO Max platform. While some shows found homes on other services, others did not, resulting in strong backlash from viewers who could no longer rewatch some of their favourites.

For content creators, this trend also raises alarm bells. The disappearance of original titles raises questions about the longevity of digital media, particularly when shows and films are no longer available to stream or purchase elsewhere. Critics argue that this trend threatens cultural preservation and underscores the need for better archiving practices in the digital age.