What is Netflix’s “Kaleidoscope” and How Do You Watch It?

Netflix’s new show can be watched in any order.

Kaleidoscope, a new heist series from Netflix, has completely changed the game.

Unlike your standard series’, where you’ll start with episode one and move through the chapters chronologically, Kaleidoscope can be watched in any order.

Instead of having numbered episodes, each episode is named after a colour.

When you go to watch the show, every episode is randomized for every user, with Netflix only suggesting to watch “White” last.

The show itself is the story of a $7 billion dollar heist, told over the span of 25 years, as Leo Pap, played by Giancarlo Esposito (AKA Gus Fring from Breaking Bad) takes revenge on an old partner.

Outside of the non-linear and randomised structure, the show presents itself as a ‘by-the-numbers’ heist story, featuring double-crosses, betrayals, misdirection, moles and an eventual Mexican standoff that reminds viewers of films like Ocean’s Eleven and Resevoir Dogs.

Fans of the show have been quick to formulate their own “ideal” watching order that gives viewers a different experience of the show.

Some have championed the Rainbow order, the Reverse order and Chronological order.

Although Netflix recommends watching “White” last (the episode that actually features the heist), some think that episode should be the first one you see.

“Throw out everything you know about storytelling, because Kaleidoscope is about to change your expectations,” Netflix said about the show.

Show creator Eric Garcia said that “being able to move around and watch different orders gives you a different viewpoint on the characters”.

This isn’t Netflix’s first foray into a choose-your-own adventure release, with 2018’s Black Mirror: Bandersnatch allowing users to interact with the events of the film.

Later this year, Netflix is set to release A Perfect Pairing, a rom-com from Australian director Stuart McDonald that’ll allow viewers to choose what happens to the characters.

Unlike those two, Kaleidescope, doesn’t allow you to change the outcomes of the story, but rather lets users choose their own experience of it.

Header image: Netflix.