Once upon a time, watching television was a passive experience.
You open it, plop down on the couch, don’t move a finger, and let the story unfold.
But then came shows like Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, which flipped the script and gave control to the audience.
Suddenly, the audience starts making decisions for the characters, shaping the outcome, and realizes they no longer have to sit back and watch—they can control the story.
Sure, it was a gimmick, but it planted a seed.
Now, as technology evolves and our desire for personalized content continues to grow, interactive TV could be the next big thing. Or is this just a passing fad?
The History of Choose Your Own Adventure
Before we dive into interactive television, let’s take a moment to appreciate the granddaddy of storytelling controls: the choose-your-own-adventure books.
If you grew up reading these articles, you know they are bomb. You’re not just reading; you’re reading. You are living this story.
Deciding whether to explore eerie caves, face fire-breathing dragons or solve space mysteries is exciting – the outcome is entirely up to you.
The best part? When your choices lead to sudden doom, you turn back and try a different path.
These books offer endless adventure and never get old. Even now, they’re still some of the most interesting things you can have with a book in your hands.
This magic – as part of the story – is what interactive television attempts to recreate.
But the seeds of the concept didn’t start on television.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Hollywood experimented with interactive gimmicks like Smell-O-Vision and AromaRama, which injected scent into theaters and immersed audiences in the story.
In 1981, John Waters revived the concept using scratch cards in his film Polyester, and it made a bizarre comeback in 2003’s Rugrats Go Wild.
While these ideas weren’t well-received, they reflected an ambition to push storytelling beyond the screen and engage audiences in new, creative ways.
By the 1990s, even video games were trying to revive the concept of sensory interaction, adding scent-based elements to niche experiences.
Around the same time, gaming as a whole was pushing the boundaries of interactivity.
Intellivision distinguished itself in the early console era with RPG games like Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Cloud Mountain and Treasures of Tamin, which allowed players to explore dungeons and fight monsters.
Computer games like The Curse of Monkey Island go a step further, blending humor, puzzles, and narrative-driven choices to create engaging, player-driven adventures.
Then came the modern era of gaming, and interactive storytelling came a long way.
Games like The Walking Dead and Mass Effect revolutionized the medium, allowing players to make emotionally charged decisions with real consequences.
These aren’t just games – they’re immersive experiences where every choice shapes the story.
By the time streaming emerged, the foundation for interactive storytelling had already been laid.
Netflix is taking things to the next level with Black Mirror: Bandersnatch , a groundbreaking experiment that puts the power in the hands of the audience.
It’s not just about making choices – it’s about feeling the weight of those decisions.
As streaming platforms continue to innovate, they are proving that audiences are ready to move from passive viewing to active participation.
How streaming is changing the game
Streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu and Prime Video have one major advantage over traditional TV: complete control over how and when content is delivered.
It’s no coincidence that “Bandersnatch” is on Netflix instead of a cable channel.
The on-demand structure of streaming means interactivity fits like a glove. No waiting for ad breaks, no linear scheduling, just pure, customizable chaos.
But Bandersnatch isn’t just about making decisions; It forces viewers to reflect on their choices.
Do you choose to have the protagonist jump from the balcony? Do you force him to poison people?
These were not easy decisions, and the psychological stress made the experience unforgettable.
It wasn’t perfect – some criticized the story for feeling like a gimmick – but it proved that audiences were willing to play along.
The success of Bandersnatch opened the door.
Streaming platforms, desperate to stand out in an oversaturated market, are exploring how to make their content feel fresh and unique. Interactivity taps into something primal: the desire for control.
Think about how we might get involved in “interactive television” in more subtle ways.
Platforms like Hulu allow you to tailor your advertising experience to your preferences. Like cars? Watch car commercials. Hate cleaning? Skip the vacuum ads.
This is not storytelling, but a form of customization that shows how the audience wants their experience to be customized.
Imagine applying this logic to television.
Want the protagonist to choose love over revenge? Choose option A. Choose option B.
The technology already exists, and audiences seem ready.
Will it take over television?
Here’s the big question: Is interactivity the future of television, or is it a novelty that will eventually become obsolete?
On the one hand, the idea of writing your own narrative is exciting.
Consider genres like murder mysteries or thrillers, where you can direct the investigation or even become the killer.
Shows like Murder in the Building or True Detective can thrive by choosing your own detective options.
But let’s face it—traditional storytelling works for a reason. Not everyone wants to take responsibility for the choices they make.
Sometimes, we just want to hear a good story.
Too many choices can dilute the narrative and make it feel more like a game than a show.
There’s also the risk of lazy storytelling, with creators relying on interactivity as a crutch rather than crafting tight, compelling scripts.
Then there is the technical aspect.
While larger platforms like Netflix can afford the investment, smaller platforms may struggle to implement these features.
Interactivity may eventually become a perk exclusive to streaming giants, leaving traditional networks in the dust.
The future is here
We may not see a ton of interactive programming yet, but the foundation is being laid.
Netflix followed up Bandersnatch with projects like Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Jimmy vs. the Priest , which let viewers guide Jimmy through her bizarre adventures.
Other platforms are experimenting with children’s content, where interactivity feels natural.
Beyond television, games and virtual reality are increasingly combining storytelling with active participation.
As technology becomes more accessible, we may see shows incorporating augmented reality elements, where your phone or VR headset becomes part of the narrative.
Imagine a murder mystery, clues appear on your screen and you must work with the characters to solve the case.
The idea of interactive television is exciting, but there are some problems.
Will audiences be willing to spend the extra time making choices, or will they ultimately crave the simplicity of traditional storytelling?
Will this trend develop into something groundbreaking, or will it fail like Smell-O-Vision and fancy DVDs?
One thing is for sure: we are no longer content to sit on the sidelines.
Whether we choose which ads we watch or decide the fate of fictional characters, we all want to have a say in how we consume entertainment.
Interactive TV may not completely dominate, but it is carving out its own corner of the industry. If nothing else, it forces creators to think outside the box.
So, are we entering the era of interactive television? perhaps. Or maybe we already live in it, one choice at a time.
Now it’s your turn, TV fanatics! Are you ready to embrace the world of interactive television?
Are you diving into Black Mirror: Bandersnatch? What are your thoughts on this concept? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!
