Netflix fans rush to save 'groundbreaking' TV episode as 5,000 sign petition
Thousands of Netflix fans are in uproar after the streamer removed live-action interactive movie, Black Mirror: Bandersnatch.
The 2018 movie was a landmark moment for the streaming giant in the realm of interactive storytelling through the lens of Charlie Brooker's hit sci-fi dystopia.
The episode follows a programmer named Stefan (Fionn Whitehead) who is developing a Goosebumps-style choose-your-own adventure game for a tech company run by video game genius Colin Ritman (portrayed by Will Poulter).
But his attempts to create a bestselling interactive game turn meta when the viewer is put in control of how Stefan's story will pan out, with potentially deadly consequences.
However, it has now been removed from Netflix globally, alongside other interactive specials, including Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend.
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According to Variety, the move marks Netflix's creative decision to pursue interactive storytelling as it leans into beefing up its gaming content instead.
But, at the time of writing, more than 5,000 people have signed a petition on Change.org calling on the streaming platform to reverse its Bandersnatch decision to 'preserve this 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,' it said.
Bandersnatch's unique concept seemed to divide viewers at the time, ultimately landing a shaky but comfortable 67% on Rotten Tomatoes from audience reviews.
Some have praised it for its 'unique twists' with user Louis P calling it 'brilliant and forward thinking'.
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Daniel W agreed the feature-length episode was 'ambitious, trailblazing, and well-executed at times'.
On the other hand, some reviews like one from Donald D described it as 'frustrating and unfulfilling' with a story that 'dragged out'.
And the divisive legacy of the innovative episode was reflected in critic reviews as well, with GQ calling it 'actually quite underwhelming as a standalone story' where it landed in 25th place.
Meanwhile, Vulture echoed issues with the storyline but ultimately placed it at 14th place for its 'ambitious effort'.
Metro TV reporter Asyia Iftikhar reviewed the latest season of Black Mirror and ranked all six episodes from best to worst: USS Callister: Into Infinity Plaything Common People Bête Noir Hotel Reverie Eulogy
Read Asiya's review in full.
But for many, it remains one of the creepiest episodes they've watched.
'I can't begin to explain how unsettling yet amazing this was I have never had goosebumps but been so creeped out at the same time,' Rachel Damelio wrote on Google reviews.
One user, Johann D. M, called it a 'very interesting, creepy and clever idea'.
'I just played/watched black mirror Bandersnatch and my mind is not the same AT ALL, that was so creepy,' bubbleswho shared on X.
'Black Mirror: Bandersnatch. Probably the creepiest!!' Grasya echoed.
But whether you side with viewers praising the trailblazing episode or those who think it fell flat, it's now no longer available on Netflix.
This move is even more shocking considering season seven of the show, which came out in April, features a follow-up with Colin Ritman, who is behind yet another video game that has destructive consequences in Plaything.
Although his feature in the episode does not rely on having watched the interactive movie, his and co-star Asim Chaudhry's cameos in the episode are heightened for anyone who has seen it and knows these characters already.
Discussing his decision to bring back Will's character, creator Charlie told Metro: 'Plaything isn't really a sequel to Bandersnatch. More Trending
'While I was writing it, it was a separately conceived story. I just got to the point of, 'oh, well, now we're going to go and meet the creator of this game'.
'One of my favourite characters ever in the series was Colin Ritman. What if it could be him? And could we get Asim [Chaudhry] as well to play Mo, the owner of Tuckersoft? Could we do that?
'But I guess we could. Why not? Who decides these rules? It's not like the government is going to step in and shut us down. So that was why.'
View More »
A version of this article was published on May 8.
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