Friday 20 May 2022 09:16 AM Netflix launches a 'Mystery Box' feature for kids that will suggest new films ... trends now

Whether it's Peppa Pig or Cocomelon, the theme song alone of some children's TV programmes is enough to fill many parents with dread.

But if you're sick of your child's favourite programme, Netflix's new feature could be just the thing.

Netflix has launched a 'Mystery Box' tool for kids that will suggest new films or programmes.

'We're launching a new mystery box feature on TVs around the world to provide a fun and safe space for kids to discover their next favourite series and films or reconnect with a familiar face,' said TJ Marston, Director of Product Innovation at Netflix.

Mystery Box is similar to Netflix's 'Play Something' feature, which will select a TV programme or film based on your previous watches and known favourites and is essentially a 'shuffle' button.

However, it is designed especially for children, and is only available on kids' profiles.

To access it, login to a kids profile, and find the 'Favourites Row' at the top of the homepage.

'This row is character-driven to more easily and vividly connect them with the characters, shows and films they love as soon as they turn on Netflix,' Mr Marston said.

You'll now find a new sparkly 'mystery box' option in this row. Click on this, and a new title will be suggested for your child.

'As a parent and uncle myself, I know every kid and family is unique, which is why at Netflix we are dedicated to creating an engaging and tailored experience to connect kids to the stories that shape their world,' Mr Marston added.

'We hope that kids will love the surprise and delight of revealing the next show or film recommended for them.'

The launch of the new feature comes shortly after Netflix sped up plans to introduce a cheaper, advert-subsidised plan for users who are perhaps contemplating cancelling the streaming service, as it tries to shake off a shockingly bad first quarter. 

Netflix on April 19 announced it had lost 200,000 subscribers in the first three months of the year – the first time in a decade their numbers have fallen, and a dramatic reversal of their aim of adding 2.5 million.