Netflix’s next interactive show after Black Mirror: Bandersnatch is called You vs. Wild. In it, you will “have the power to control which decision Bear Grylls makes”.
Netflix doubling down on interactivity
Following the success of interactive film Black Mirror: Bandersnatch and children’s entertainment, Netflix is “doubling down” on interactive storytelling over the coming years, Todd Yellin, VP of product, announced earlier this month, according to Variety.
The next interactive show from Netflix will be You vs. Wild with survivalist Bear Grylls. The company describes it as interactive adventure. It will debut worldwide on April 10.
- “On April 10, you will have the power to control which decision Bear Grylls makes as he climbs towering mountains, enters dense jungles, and dives headfirst into You vs. Wild — a groundbreaking interactive adventure series,” the company announced.
No linear version
No linear version of You vs. Wild will be available and as such it will be limited to devices that support interactive content. These include Android, iOS, some Smart TVs, Roku, game consoles, and PC/Mac browsers.
Interactive content is not currently supported on Apple TV, Chromecast, the Netflix app for Windows, and browsers using Silverlight. The company has not announced a timeline for adding support.
Netflix’s slate of interactive content includes Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale, Buddy Thunderstruck: The Maybe Pile, Stretch Armstrong: The Breakout, Minecraft: Story Mode, and Black Mirror: Bandersnatch
The success of interactive content has surprised even Netflix. “It’s a huge hit around the world, and we realized, wow, interactive storytelling is something we want to bet more on”, Todd Yellin said earlier this month, adding that Netflix is exploring other genres too such as comedy and romance.
Netflix FAQ: Interactive content
What devices will I be able to watch interactive content on?
Interactive content is available on many newer devices, including smart TVs, streaming media players, game consoles, and iOS devices running the latest version of the Netflix app.
- Apple TVs, Chromecasts, iOS devices using AirPlay or wired connections, Windows computers and tablets running the Netflix app, and browsers using Silverlight do not support interactive content at this time.
- Sometimes a device update is needed to ensure your TV has the newest Netflix app. If you're not sure how to update the system software on your TV, you can check your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer. Please note that an update does not guarantee that your TV will be compatible with interactive content.
- Playback on Android is only supported with Stretch Armstrong: The Breakout (Android app version 6.11 or later), Black Mirror: Bandersnatch (Android app version 6.19 or later) and You vs Wild (Android app version 6.19 or later)
Devices that do not support interactive content will play a linear version of select titles, or instruct you to switch to a supported device. Linear versions will not include choices. |
