Netflix’s Kaleidoscope Can Be Watched In 40,320 Unique Ways And Here Are The Best Ones

Netflix's Kaleidoscope Can Be Watched In 40,320 Unique Ways And Here Are The Best Ones
Image: Netflix

Netflix is at it once again. After revolutionizing how we watch TV and then twisting the essence of storytelling with the Black Mirror film Bandersnatch, the streamer began 2023 with another viewing experience that could alter the course of events. Kaleidoscope (formerly known as Jigsaw), a bank heist series that debuted on January 1st, has a non-linear episode format, allowing viewers to choose the order of the episodes as they progress through the narrative.

That’s right: only the eighth and final episode of Kaleidoscope, titled “White,” will appear in a predetermined spot on every Netflix account. The remaining seven episodes (all named after colors and taking place at different points in the heist’s planning and execution) will be randomized. This means that the first episode a Netflix subscriber watches could be from 24 years before the heist to six months after it.

While that is a fantastically creative approach to structure, it also runs the risk of being confusing. But don’t worry! We’ve gathered a slew of episode-ordering options for your viewing pleasure. Continue reading to find out how you can watch and enjoy Kaleidoscope in a variety of ways.

The best ways to watch Kaleidoscope

The Random order

The random approach eventually melds into a (mostly) satisfying story. It also gives memorable moments of dramatic irony. When one character says of the big win, “We’ve got a chance to fix everything that went wrong in our lives,” the audience knows he’s mistaken. Kaleidoscope allows each viewer to have their own unique experience while watching the show. You might as well give it a try! However, if you do not, here are some alternatives:

The Chronological order

  • Violet (Twenty-Four Years Before The Heist)
  • Green (Seven Years Before The Heist)
  • Yellow (Six Weeks Before The Heist)
  • Orange (Three Weeks Before The Heist)
  • Blue (Five Days Before The Heist)
  • Red (The Morning After The Heist)
  • Pink (Six Months After The Heist)
  • White (The Heist)

Again, it is said that Kaleidoscope’s episodes can be viewed in any order, with the exception of “White,” which is meant to be watched last despite the fact that “Red” and “Pink” take place one day and six months, respectively, after the theft. In accordance with the creator’s instructions, we have thus put it towards the end. However, it is a show about a group of skilled crooks. Will they abide by the rules? But if you want to experience it chronologically, watch it third from the end.

Watching Kaleidoscope in chronological order is probably the most direct route through its story, but it is not always the most satisfying. Viewers quickly learn Leo and Roger’s history together, why Leo’s animosity is so strong, and the significance of one of Leo’s employees. However, these appear to be revelations best discovered later.

The Reverse order

  • Pink (Six Months After The Heist)
  • Red (The Morning After The Heist)
  • Blue (Five Days Before The Heist)
  • Orange (Three Weeks Before The Heist)
  • Yellow (Six Weeks Before The Heist)
  • Green (Seven Years Before The Heist)
  • Violet (Twenty Four Years Before The Heist)
  • White (The Heist)

This could be an even more unconventional way to watch Kaleidoscope. Whereas watching in random order helps to solve some mysteries faster than others, this method adds to the confusion. Beginning six months after the events of “White,” you’ll see characters die only to be reborn in the following episode.

Characters will share beds with one another only to discover they’ve traded partners earlier in the story. And, assuming you’re going to save “White” for last, you won’t find out why Leo is so determined to bring Roger down until the end of the penultimate episode. The elderly become young! The young either become children or vanish from the story! It’s insane!

Watch the Heist first

  • White (The Heist)
  • Whatever order you choose after that

Hmmm… an intriguing idea. But it has all of the disadvantages of watching the show in reverse chronological order and none of the benefits. It’s similar to looking at the solution to a crossword puzzle and then attempting to solve the puzzle. It’s difficult to recommend this approach, but there’s nothing stopping you from trying it.

The Block order

  • Yellow (Six Weeks Before The Heist)
  • Orange (Three Weeks Before The Heist)
  • Blue (Five Days Before The Heist)
  • Violet (Twenty Four Years Before The Heist)
  • Green (Seven Years Before The Heist)
  • Red (The Morning After The Heist)
  • Pink (Six Months After The Heist)
  • White (The Heist)

The theory behind this arrangement is that most Kaleidoscope episodes tend to cluster together into different era “blocks.” These are as follows: before the heist was even planned (Violet, Green), after the heist was planned but before it was executed (Yellow, Orange, Blue), during the heist (White), and after the heist was executed (Yellow, Orange, Blue) (Red, Pink). You can arrange those blocks in any order you want, but the above option jumps right into the action, then provides context, then confusion, and finally closure.

Voila! There you have it. All 8 episodes of Kaleidoscope are available to stream on Netflix now. Let us know your watch order in the comments down below.

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