Netflix is aiming to engage younger viewers with a new set of interactive content in its streaming lineup that lets kids decide how the story in each episode proceeds.
Like a choose-your-own-adventure book (remember, Goosebumps?), the two new “branching” titles will allow viewers to pick an ending for two popular characters: Puss in Book and Buddy Thunderstruck. According to Netflix, children’s content was a “natural” place to start with the branching content since “kids are eager to ‘play’ with their favorite characters.” Netflix notes younger viewers tend to also vocally respond to the characters on their screens, and branching can make that conversation become two-way.
“Content creators have a desire to tell non-linear stories like these, and Netflix provides the freedom to roam, try new things, and do their best work,” Netflix says in a blog post announcing the episodes. “Being an internet-based company enables us to innovate new formats, deliver at scale to millions of members all over the world on multiple device types, and, most importantly, learn from it.”
Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale launched globally on Tuesday and Buddy Thunderstruck: The Maybe Pile is set to make its debut on July 14. A third branching narrative, dubbed Stretch Armstrong: The Breakout, is in the works and scheduled to hit Netflix next year. Netflix says the titles will be available at launch across “most TV experiences” and iOS devices.