Netflix adds a weird “surprise box” to your TV — here’s what it unlocks

NETFLIX on Thursday announced a new feature to help kids find new shows and movies.

The “Mystery Box” lets Netflix choose what to watch for you – and saves you the time-wasting agony of looking for something yourself.

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It’s a dead-friendly version of the shuffle button that the US streaming giant introduced last year.

In a blog post, Netflix said the new tool aims to be a “fun and safe place” for kids to discover their next favorite shows and movies.

“Children are drawn to what they love — their favorite toys, foods, songs — and it’s hard to get them to try something new,” the company wrote.

“We hope kids will love the surprise and joy of unveiling the next show or movie recommended for them.”

Mystery Box is now rolling out to users worldwide.

To try it yourself, sign in to a child profile in the Netflix app on your TV.

A new sparkling icon with a question mark will appear in the “Favorites” row at the top of the home screen.

“Hover over the sparkling ‘Mystery Box’ to discover a title that’s ‘new to you’! And voila, it’s showtime,” Netflix wrote.

Netflix is ​​investing money in children’s content and features to diversify its audience.

The platform recently launched the Kids Top 10 Row, which recommends kid-friendly content and new parental controls.

Elsewhere this week, it emerged that Netflix is ​​looking to start producing live programming for the first time in a desperate bid to attract new subscribers.

The streaming giant is reportedly looking for live specials for unscripted shows and stand-up performances.

It all comes after Netflix announced earlier this year that it lost more subscribers than it gained for the first time in a decade.

So the company is under pressure to find new ways to reach more viewers.

The Stranger Things maker also plans to ban password sharing on the platform to curb leaks.

It’s believed that 100 million accounts are shared with people outside of their household — something Netflix bosses have long turned a blind eye to.

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