5 interactive shows to watch on Netflix and beyond

Interactive TV shows on Netflix and the newly launched choose-your-own-adventure app, Whatifi, are upending the TV-watching experience. Haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet? From standalone special episodes to full-fledged series, here are some of the best interactive shows to watch on Netflix and beyond:

Late Shift (2016)

Did you know Netflix wasn’t the first to produce a feature-length interactive film? Released in 2016 on the big screen, Late Shift was later available on PS4, Xbox One, Steam (PC and Mac) and the CtrlMovie app for iOS devices, blurring the line between films and video games.

Produced by Kino Industries (formerly CtrlMovie), the title has travelled to A-list film festivals and won awards from around the world. With about 180 different decision points offering seven endings, the audience can make decisions for the interactive thriller’s protagonist Matt, a college student slash parking lot attendant, who has to prove his innocence after being forced into the robbery of a famous London auction house.

Black Mirror: Bandersnatch (2018)

Netflix broke the fourth wall with its first interactive film for adults, Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, a standalone episode from the critically-acclaimed sci-fi anthology series.

Adapted from an eponymous choose-your-own-adventure novel, the dark and slightly psychedelic episode follows young programmer Stefan, who is trying to turn a mad writer’s choose-your-own-adventure fantasy novel (inception much?) into a video game. As the story progresses, Stefan starts to fall into the rabbit hole and question if he can control his own destiny (which we all know, he can’t).

You vs. Wild (2019)

You might have seen Bear Grylls battle the wild before, but this time, it’s You vs. Wild. Choose how the adventure survivalist will make it out of the wilderness alive – will he wade through the river, or bushwhack through the jungle? Snack on the fishy frog sprawl, or go spearfishing? Shelter in the cave, or make a camp in the tree? In this interactive adventure reality series, make key decisions to help the survivalist extraordinaire complete missions in the harshest environments on Earth.

Anatomy of a Decision (2020)

Anatomy of a Decision is one of the two original films released by Whatifi, a recently launched choose-your-own-adventure app. With 64 paths for the audience to discover, the film unfolds the story of Junior, a boy conceived at a fertility clinic, whose life can be wildly different based on the key decisions you make.

As Dead as it Gets (2020)

The other film on Whatifi is As Dead as It Gets, which tells the story of intrigue and scheming among ghosts at an old hotel. While some ghosts can still return to life, others are as dead as it gets. Find out everyone’s hidden agenda as you explore where each of the 16 paths lead. 

See also: #BlackLivesMatter: Listen and learn with these shows, podcasts and books