Shows Like Black Mirror
Mindhunter
Based on the true crime book of the same name, written by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker, Mindhunter is a series that shows how to catch criminals by thinking like them and kicks off our list of shows like Black Mirror.
FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench study the damaged psyches of the deranged, creating the development of modern serial-killer profiling as we know it today.
Mindhunter is filled with suspense and intrigue. Its dark themes and tales of human atrocities overlap with a vast majority of the episodes that make up Black Mirror.
The show manages to simultaneously revolt and intrigue the audience, making it hard to watch but harder to put down. If you love Charlie Brooker’s direction and storytelling, there is no doubt the themes and stories of Mindhunter will also be appealing to you.
Shows Like Black Mirror
Utopia
Another dramatic thriller brought to you from the cheery folks from across the pond, Utopia’s premise alone is fascinating.
The show revolves around a small group of people that possess a manuscript sequel to the graphic novel that was rumored to have predicted the worst disasters of the last century.
Using this book, known as The Utopia Experiments, this group must uncover its hidden meanings and avoid the grasp of an evil organization, The Network.
Alongside a futuristic approach and setting, the way the show addresses social commentary is just like Black Mirror. Utopia relies on a plot ripe with suspense in order to convey its message regarding overpopulation in the world.
With just 12 episodes in total, Utopia is another binge-worthy sci-fi series worth giving a try.
Shows Like Black Mirror
Electric Dreams
The stories created by Philip K. Dick have had a huge impact on the sci-fiction concepts, serving as the basis for shows like Black Mirror. In 2017, Amazon released a series of ten standalone episodes based on Dick’s work, titled Electric Dreams.
Alongside a similar short story, standalone format, Electric Dreams dresses its lesson and themes up with unique concepts, combining involved plots and setting with plenty of bizarre allegories.
The show carries some star power as well, including the likes of Bryan Cranston, Steve Buscemi, and many more, all in roles they aren’t usually typecast in.
It might not be for everyone, but Electric Dreams utilizes similar creativity seem in Black Mirror and manages to turn the weirdness up even more.
Shows Like Black Mirror
The Expanse
Centuries have passed, as humans have colonized the solar system and Mars has become an independent military power. Earth and Mars are on the brink of war, while a race across the solar system could expose the greatest conspiracy in human history.
That summary alone was enough to hook me on The Expanse, as its futuristic premise is unlike any show around at the moment. So why would you like it as a Black Mirror fan?
Both series contain stunning visuals, fleshed out character, and intriguing political narratives. Not only that, but they both exist on the same technologically advanced plain in regards to their setting.
Just like how Black Mirror was the best sci-fi show you weren’t watching around its debut in 2011, The Expanse is easily the most underrated show on TV today.
Shows Like Black Mirror
The Twilight Zone
The Twilight Zone is heralded as one of the greatest shows of all time, and for good reason.
Despite being released in the ’50s, its macabre and twisted take on morals from various genres, including fantasy, science fiction, suspense, horror, and psychological thrillers, laid the foundation for many of the shows we see on TV today.
The first show that comes to mind when you think of Black Mirror is The Twilight Zone. It’s easy to tell that Brooker took heavy inspiration for the format, concepts, themes, and the show’s overall execution from Rod Serling’s hallmark anthology.
If that isn’t enough of a reason for you to watch this classic – as even old Twilight Zone episodes till hold up to this day – you’ll want to do so in preparation of Jordan Peele’s revival of the series, slated to premiere in 2019.
Shows Like Black Mirror
Dead Set
Another Charlie Brooker original, Dead Set is a story about what would happen if the cast of the fictional television series of Big Brother were in the Big Brother House when a zombie outbreak occurs. The catch is that none of the housemates are even aware that it’s occurring because of the rules.
Unsurprisingly, this twisted take on pop culture sounds exactly like an episode of Black Mirror. The main difference with Dead Set is that it exists as four episodes that follow a straight continuity.
This slight variation shows what its like when Brooker has some room to work with developing one plot line over time. Even though its only five episodes, Dead Set ramps up marvelously, leading to another ending worthy of existing on the British screenwriter’s resume.
Shows Like Black Mirror
Inside No.9
Another anthology that likes to explore the possibility of technology and other real-world concepts, albeit with grim twists, Inside No.9 is a must watch for Black Mirror fans.
Over the 24 episode series, the show tells plenty of riveting, unique tales, each of which contains captivating characters and narratives. What’s most appealing about Inside No.9 is that it features just the right blend of horror and comedy.
More often than not, Black Mirror episodes tend to leave you feeling drained after watching them. Watching too many in a row is likely to rob you of the experience you’re meant to get.
You can only experience the rollercoaster of emotions brought on by Black Mirror so much before needing a break. Inside No.9 rarely seems to have that problem, as the comedic focus provides viewers with light amidst the grim concepts of the show.
Published: Dec 26, 2018 09:49 am