Latest news with #UnbreakableKimmySchmidt:Kimmyvs.theReverend
Metro
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
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. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. 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 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'. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 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. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Netflix viewers rush to watch 'exceptional' drama based on Judy Blume novel MORE: Netflix's latest 'charming' film with 'giant heart' is your ultimate weekend watch MORE: Brutal horror film with 'diabolical gore' finally arrives on Netflix
Tom's Guide
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Netflix is about to ditch its final interactive specials — including this iconic 'Black Mirror' episode
(Image credit: Netflix) Netflix looks to finally be bringing its "interactive content" era to a close in just a few days. While Netflix continues to invest in gaming, the streaming service began delisting its interactive specials late last year. 20 of the streamer's 24 "Interactive Specials" were taken down from its library on Dec. 1, and the two "vs. Wild" interactive specials disappeared soon thereafter on Jan. 1. According to a new report from What's On Netflix, the final two specials — "Black Mirror: Bandersnatch" and "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend" — are leaving Netflix in less than a week. You may like The outlet reports that both specials "will be leaving the service globally on May 12, 2025." Netflix hasn't officially confirmed the removal themselves; at the time of writing, neither special was flagged as "leaving soon" on their landing page on the streamer, either. Even if we didn't rate "Bandersnatch" all that highly — look at our list of the best and worst "Black Mirror" episodes as proof — it will be a shame if franchise newcomers won't be able to experience this experimental slice of TV any longer. "Bandersnatch" is flawed, but its debut made waves back in 2018, and even spawned a follow-up episode featuring eccentric game developer Colin Ritman (Will Poulter) in "Black Mirror" season 7. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Why has Netflix removed interactive content? Black Mirror: Bandersnatch | Featurette: Consumer [HD] | Netflix - YouTube Watch On Netflix's main reason for deprioritising this particular form of interactive storytelling is seemingly down to the fact that the technology behind the specials had become "limiting." Speaking to Game File's Stephen Totilo in 2024, Netflix's Head of Gaming, Mike Verdu, said: "We're not building those specific experiences anymore." Totilo continues: 'The technology was very limiting and the potential for what we could do in that realm was kind of capped. But we learned a ton from that," he added. He went on to say their learning would instead be ploughed into full narrative games, such as those based on "Love is Blind" and "Too Hot To Handle." 'It will start to feel more and more like you really are playing the show,' Verdu said. 'I think that's sort of the spiritual evolution of what you saw there. But we learned a ton. And 'Bandersnatch' is a phenomenal experience," Verdu added. (Image credit: Eric Liebowitz/Netflix) In the above report, What's on Netflix also stated the streamer was due to undergo an interface redesign, and implied its interactive specials wouldn't be compatible with the new UI. While reporting the first wave of removals, fellow TG writer Malcolm McMillan also speculated two other reasons. There's the rise of mobile viewing, and the fact that viewers probably weren't looking for this kind of content from Netflix in the first place. I'd also throw in one other reason: if you've played any sort of video game, I'd wager a fairly simplistic choose-your-own-adventure offering wasn't a compelling enough offering in the first place. Regardless, if you are interested in checking out either "Kimmy Vs. The Reverend" or "Bandersnatch" on Netflix and seeing their branching stories, now is seemingly the time to do just that. If you're looking for something else to watch in the meantime, be sure to check out our guide to the best Netflix shows you can stream right now for plenty of top recommendations. More from Tom's Guide
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Daniel Radcliffe joins Tracy Morgan's new NBC comedy pilot from '30 Rock' team
Tracy Morgan's untitled NBC comedy pilot has bagged none other than Daniel Radcliffe. The Harry Potter and Swiss Army Man actor has joined the cast of the comedy — about a disgraced former football player on a mission to rehabilitate his image — from the 30 Rock creative team. Radcliffe will play Arthur Tobin, an award-winning filmmaker who moves into Reggie's (Morgan) mansion to shoot an immersive documentary about the erstwhile star athlete. The show hails from Morgan's 30 Rock costar Tina Fey, who will executive-produce alongside her former 30 Rock creative teammates Robert Carlock and Sam Means. Carlock and Means will also write the comedy, which has tapped Rhys Thomas as director and executive producer for the pilot episode. Related: Tracy Morgan and Tina Fey to have 30 Rock reunion with NBC comedy pilot about disgraced football player Radcliffe has worked with Fey and company before, appearing as Prince Frederick in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend. Radcliffe's last recurring TV role was on the anthology comedy Miracle Workers. His other recent credits include the movies Weird: The Al Yankovic Story and The Lost City, and a voice role on the animated Netflix series Mulligan. He also recently completed a sold-out run of Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along, which earned him his first Tony Award at the 2024 ceremony as well as a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theatre Album. Related: Daniel Radcliffe says it would be 'very weird' for him to appear in the Harry Potter TV series As for Morgan, his last recurring TV role was on sitcom The Last O.G. He's also set to star on the Paramount+ comedy series Crutch, premiering later this year. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly in 2018, Morgan looked back at his time with the 30 Rock team with fondness and said the show "saved" him. "Being on that show kept me busy," he recalled. "I was sober then. I was able to do Tracy Jordan without having to have a drink. Tina Fey saw me partying at the after-parties of Saturday Night Live, so she [drew from] that. I didn't have to be in the picture — I could paint the picture. I got crazy without actually having to drink. And that saved me." Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly
