Netflix is attempting to free us from the constraints of linear storytelling with its drama series Kaleidoscope, which is designed to be watched in any order.
The streamer has provided a staggering 40,320 different ways in which we can experience the eight-episode show, with each variation intended to leave us with different opinions on the show’s key characters and events – though there is of course a chronological order which you can follow for a step-by-step of the story.
Better Call Saul star Giancarlo Esposito leads the cast as the mastermind of an elaborate heist, with his crew comprised of Jai Courtney (The Suicide Squad), Tati Gabrielle (Uncharted) and Rufus Sewell (Old), among others.
The experimental series has certainly grabbed the attention of fans, which would never have been possible on terrestrial television and was previously attempted by the streamer with the original edit of Arrested Development season 4.
Read on for more details about Netflix’s Kaleidoscope, including plot and cast explainers and a first-look clip.
Kaleidoscope Netflix release date
Kaleidoscope arrived on Netflix worldwide on Sunday 1st January 2023, also known as New Year’s Day, kicking off what should be another strong year for the streaming service.
As is the case with most other Netflix series, all episodes dropped at once. However, unlike other shows, Kaleidoscope episodes are in a different order from user-to-user, with only the introduction and finale staying the same for everyone.
Who is in the cast of Kaleidoscope?
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It’s no surprise that this revolutionary project also packs a star-studded ensemble cast, all of whom have both a character name and a nickname in the gang.
Breaking Bad’s Giancarlo Esposito plays the brains behind the operation, Leo, aka The Mastermind, while Paz Vega appears as The Weapons Specialist, Ava.
Rufus Sewell (Dark City) is set to play The Corporate Security Titan, Roger, Tati Gabrielle appears as Hannah, The Protégé, and Peter Mark Kendall plays The Smuggler, Stan.
Meanwhile, Rosaline Elbay is The Explosive Expert, Judy, Jordan Mendoza is The Driver, RJ, Jai Courtney is Bob, The Safecracker, Niousha Noor is Nazan aka The Driven Agent and Soojeong Son plays Liz, The Sister.
The supporting cast also features Hemky Madera, Bubba Weiler, Stacey Oristano, Whit Washing, Max Casella, Robinne Lee and James Augustus Lee.
What is the plot of Kaleidoscope?
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It would be a mistake to assume that a non-linear narrative would impact having a substantial plot. Instead, Kaleidoscope explores potentially the greatest heist in history.
The plot is based on one of Wall Street’s strangest events. Back in 2012 when Hurricane Sandy hit, an underground vault was flooded and $70 billion in bearer bonds mysteriously went missing.
The lost money was never recovered (and with creative licence) Netflix has used this incident as the rich soil from which to grow the complex series.
While it revolves around this one crime, the show spans over two decades in time. Each episode jumps backwards and forwards from this one event, to explore the character’s changing loyalties and inevitable betrayals.
In order to keep the immersive viewing experience unique for every subscriber, the episodes aren’t numbered but labelled with different colours and titles to encourage people to randomly choose which episode to see next.
The full episode list consists of:
- Yellow: 6 Weeks Before The Heist
- Green: 7 Years Before the Heist
- Blue: 5 Days Before the Heist
- Violet: 24 Years Before the Heist
- Orange: 3 Weeks Before the Heist
- Red: The Morning After the Heist
- Pink: 6 Months After
- White: The Heist
Viewers will see the entire kaleidoscope by the end of the show through the lens of their chosen colour pattern.
Speaking about the jumbled order, Esposito previously told TVLine: “I think it allows [viewers] not to be in their comfort zone.
“When we watch things, we kind of have an idea of how it’ll turn out, how it’ll end, what’s going to happen, so I like the idea of being taken out of your comfort zone, because I think that allows you to be more attentive.
“You’ve got to watch this thing closely, and I imagine you will, because little things happen which you don’t think might be clues, but are.”
Kaleidoscope trailer
Netflix dropped the first full trailer for Kaleidoscope in December 2022, offering a tantalising taste at what’s in store across the eight-episode series. Watch below:
Previously, Netflix offered a behind-the-scenes look at the crime drama, where the cast and crew explain how a strong script prevents the show’s randomised format from being a gimmick. You can find that here too:
Kaleidoscope is available to stream on Netflix now. Sign up for Netflix from £6.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream.
Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on.
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