5 things Your Kids Will Love about New Interactive Storytelling from Netflix

For anyone who ever loved Choose Your Own Adventure, Netflix has brought it into the 21st century with its amazing Interactive Storytelling feature for kids

Ever felt that a TV show character shouldn’t have gone the way he did? Now you (or your kids) have the power to decide his fate! Netflix has just shaken up the format of traditional entertainment with Interactive Storytelling – an entirely new type of offering and content slate, elevating viewing experiences from passive viewing to active engagement and becoming a creator.

For example…

The fam settles in to watch everyone’s favourite swashbuckling feline, Puss in Boots. You chuckle as Puss in Boots finds himself in the story of Goldilocks with the Three Bears staring at him. 

And then… you’re asked to make a choice: 

Should these bears be friends or foes?  

It’s actually your choice to make. Your adventure! You decide how the story proceeds and what Puss in Boots does next.

Cool! Kiddos can now enjoy the freedom to tell non-linear stories, and a whole new world of storytelling possibilities is just a choice or two away. Check out our top 5 favourite features of Interactive Storytelling!

Your kid may not be dangling his feet from the director’s high chair, but he or she can call the shots now. Having the ability to choose from various paths for their favourite characters means that your little ones get to be in complete creative control of what these characters end up doing and saying on screen. Their neurons will be firing left and right as they actively engage in an activity that they’ll love; mamas will feel good about them enjoying the experience; and both will appreciate the safe, commercial-free space.

Directors never work alone – they need a competent crew! Deciding the fate of their favourite characters may be daunting, so guide your kids through their adventure scenarios and provide the best support they can get. And no, you don’t have to hold their hands for this one! Interactive storytelling provides the perfect opportunity to transform a passive family viewing moment into an engaging experience that lets families interact with their favourite characters.

Kids of varying ages – siblings in particular – can have a hard time seeing eye to eye on everything. With interactive storytelling on Netflix, the perfect common ground is established. Sure they may argue over which path to take, but hopefully they’ll also learn about conflict resolution while taking turns and working together. Sibling bonding time has never been this effective and fun!

With numerous possible storylines, favourite characters can relive the same scenarios over and over again — but with different outcomes. Children will be able to watch the titles they love as many times as they like without hearing or seeing the exact same story, providing a gift of constant discovery for them (and a reprieve for mama and papa!).

Netflix is the first to offer something like this on a global scale with three different titles – Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale, Buddy Thunderstruck: The Maybe Pile, and Stretch Armstrong: The Breakout. All three will be available globally on iOS and TV devices. So when you’re out, it doesn’t mean the fun has to stop, mama. This is the coolest way ever to keep kiddos occupied while waiting at the dentist’s office!