As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but get hooked on the Black Mirror anthology series. Each episode takes me on thrilling science fiction journeys set in our not-so-distant future. But here’s the catch – every adventure comes with a price to pay. These standalone tales always drive home one key lesson: be wary of technology and its relentless advancement. For instance, some episodes subtly remind us that just because we have the ability to implant devices in our brains, it doesn’t necessarily mean we should.
Originating from Britain’s Channel 4 but now streaming on Netflix since Season 3, “Black Mirror” explores themes of technology, society, and human interaction, delving into social issues that resonate with our contemporary world. The series often presents scenarios resembling our reality, making viewers ponder if these stories might depict potential futures, particularly as artificial intelligence and virtual reality technologies continue to evolve.
Given that the number of “Black Mirror” episodes is limited, enthusiasts find themselves yearning for additional viewing material as they anticipate future releases. For individuals seeking other anthology series or productions reminiscent of prolonged “Black Mirror” installments, here are a dozen suggestions to keep on your viewing list.
Severance
In Apple TV+’s show “Severance”, we follow the lives of workers at a biotech company called Lumon Industries. Unlike most businesses, when employees join, they undergo a procedure known as “severance”. This process enables them to maintain work-related matters at work, personal life at home, and prevents their personal lives from affecting their job performance. Essentially, the work persona, or “innie”, is distinct from the home persona, or “outie”, because one is completely dedicated to work, while the other carries the individual’s personal history and experiences.
The idea behind “Severance” shares striking resemblances to an episode from “Black Mirror”, though it isn’t an anthology series. Specifically, the show draws inspiration from the “White Christmas” episode, where characters are trapped in a time loop. A character named Matt (played by Jon Hamm) in that episode was involved with creating ‘cookies’, or digital replicas of people, much like the concept of ‘innies’ in “Severance”.
The show “Severance” delves into similar topics such as technology’s impact, personal identity, and how institutions can erase individuality. It also offers an intriguing perspective on workplace comedies by blending it with elements from popular culture, such as the Backrooms creepypasta, resulting in a winning combination that “Black Mirror” fans will find appealing, particularly those who appreciate shows that challenge viewers’ perceptions.
The Outer Limits
Back in 1963, I stumbled upon this incredible sci-fi series known as “The Outer Limits.” Over the years, it graced our screens for two seasons initially, only to return refreshed in 1995, continuing its journey for another seven seasons until 2002. This show is all about science fiction and boasts an ever-changing cast that adds a unique twist to each episode. One of the episodes that truly stands out, “Demon with a Glass Hand” from 1964, even made it onto TV Guide’s list of greatest TV episodes ever! Inspired by the brilliant work of Harlan Ellison, this tale follows a man who possesses a peculiar computer as his hand, on a mission to retrieve his missing digits by traveling through time.
If you’re a fan of unexpected turns in stories, similar to “Black Mirror,” then “The Outer Limits” might be right up your alley! Although not all episodes follow this pattern, it is renowned for its shocking revelations at the end. In the episode titled “Demon with a Glass Hand,” the protagonist finds out he’s not who he believes himself to be, which completely alters his perspective on his circumstances. The anthology format of the show, like that of “Black Mirror,” allows you to skip episodes that don’t appeal to you and focus on the ones that resonate with you most, or simply binge-watch the critically acclaimed ones, given that it spans nine seasons!
Solos
The series “Solos” on Amazon Prime delves into the question: What makes us truly human? Each episode presents a unique character, but their stories are all connected in some way. You’ll find tales ranging from a physicist seeking to reach the future, an elderly person volunteering for space travel, to a man transferring his consciousness into a robot upon death. Just like “Black Mirror,” it boasts a talented cast. Although critics didn’t rate it as highly as the latter, viewers have generally found it appealing.
In contrast to other anthology series on this list, the miniseries “Solos” weaves an extensive narrative across its episodes, offering more interconnections than usual. If you appreciated the continuity of stories like the sequel to “USS Callister” in “Black Mirror’s” third season or the recurring character Colin Ritman from “Bandersnatch,” then “Solos” is definitely worth your time. It delves into themes similar to those frequently found in “Black Mirror,” while also creating a distinct viewing experience through the connections between episodes.
SF8
The series titled “SF8” is referred to by The Korea Times as a Korean version of the popular anthology show “Black Mirror”. Each of its eight episodes presents unique narratives, such as a robot grappling with moral dilemmas about whom to save or advanced antibodies that increase lifespan. A significant portion of the show explores events occurring in digital spaces like dating apps or video games, although there are frequent links between these virtual worlds and reality. In essence, “SF8” delivers stories akin to those found in “Black Mirror’s” episodes “Nosedive” and “Hang the DJ”.
Despite being a limited series, “SF8” delivers on the familiar themes of “Black Mirror,” such as artificial intelligence and warped realities, wrapped in compact, standalone episodes that leave you pondering their meaning. It explores the consequences of technology on our lives, both positive and negative, making viewers question whether they would embrace the technology depicted. For fans of “Black Mirror” seeking a global take with a comparable premise, “SF8” is an excellent choice.
Made for Love
The series “Made for Love” is about Hazel (Cristin Milioti), a woman who finds herself in an unsettling situation post-divorce. Her ex-husband implanted a tracking device in her brain to monitor her every move and emotion, effectively keeping tabs on her even when she’s technically free. The couple had spent a decade living in a virtual reality compound, never venturing out before the divorce. Thus, even her pre-divorce life was dominated by his control.
As a die-hard gamer, I can’t help but notice the eerie similarities between “Black Mirror” episodes and the captivating show “Made for Love”. Just like some of my favorite Black Mirror stories, such as “The Entire History of You”, “Arkangel”, and “Common People”, Made for Love explores mind-bending technologies that blur the line between our minds and machines. If you’re a fan of Black Mirror’s thought-provoking themes like identity, control, and technology, then Made for Love is right up your alley! What makes this series stand out is that it delves deeper into these themes by following the same characters over time – something we rarely see in Black Mirror episodes on Netflix.
Made for Love” showcases what we love about “Black Mirror,” and its leading actress, Milioti, starred in two beloved episodes titled “USS Callister” and “USS Callister: Into Infinity.” Her character Nanette Cole from “Black Mirror” bears a striking resemblance to Hazel’s, as her captain, Robert Daly (Jesse Plemons), creates a clone of her when she refuses his romantic advances. This clone is then manipulated by the original Nanette.
Inside No. 9
Since “Black Mirror” started as a British anthology series before it migrated to Netflix, it’s quite suitable to add another engaging British anthology series to your viewing list while you anticipate fresh “Black Mirror” episodes. One such series is “Inside No. 9,” which spanned nine seasons from 2014 to 2024. Each episode lasts approximately 30 minutes, and the connection to the number nine, reflected in the title of the show, is the only element that unites each episode.
Inside No. 9″ is a dark comedy series, similar in spirit to shows like “Black Mirror.” It delves into thought-provoking themes as seen in episodes such as “The National Anthem,” “White Bear,” and “Shut Up and Dance.” Just like these episodes, the ominous aspects are often hidden until the end of each episode, leaving viewers scratching their heads trying to decipher the story. Additionally, the plotlines can take unexpected turns, even when the initial tone seems light-hearted or humorous.
If you’re fond of “Black Mirror,” you might want to give “Inside No. 9” a shot. It shares similar themes and a comparable tone, but what sets it apart is the rave reviews it has received – a perfect score from critics and an impressive 92% rating from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. Such high ratings suggest that there’s something truly unique about “Inside No. 9.
Love, Death + Robots
Love, Death & Robots” is an assorted collection of animated episodes, each focusing on one or more of the three themes: love, death, or robots. The stories originate from various studios, offering a diverse range of genres, including humor, romance, mystery, and sci-fi, to name a few. However,
Throughout its four distinctive seasons, the anthology series “Love, Death & Robots” delves into various themes such as socially unacknowledged werewolves, puppet versions of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and genetically altered yogurt by scientists. Each episode, typically ranging from 10 to 15 minutes, offers a self-contained story that can be enjoyed in less time than it takes to watch a movie or even a regular half-hour TV show, making it an ideal choice for busy viewers who still crave compelling narratives.
If you’re a fan of “Black Mirror” and fancy an animated spin-off, I’d recommend checking out “Love, Death & Robots”. While each story in this anthology series focuses on just one of the three main themes, these topics are regularly explored in Netflix’s live-action version too. For instance, ‘Hang the DJ’ delves into love, ‘Common People’ deals with death prevention, and ‘Be Right Back’ presents an android replica of a deceased loved one – all reminiscent of some “Black Mirror” episodes. What makes “Love, Death & Robots” unique is that each story isn’t bound by a single medium; it blends animation with other forms, ensuring each episode maintains its distinct identity.
Westworld
In the world of gaming, I’ve found myself immersed in “Westworld,” a captivating TV series that seamlessly blends sci-fi and Western elements over four seasons. This isn’t your typical theme park; it’s an American Old West setting where robots, indistinguishable from humans, are there to guarantee an unforgettable experience for guests. However, the twist is that these lifelike machines, known as hosts, prioritize human safety at all costs, even if it means risking their own lives. They’re programmed not to harm humans and are incapable of causing harm themselves. Each host assumes a specific role, like a farm girl or a bandit, and once they complete their tasks, they undergo a reboot, erasing any memories beyond their pre-programmed routines.
This idea would be perfect for a “Black Mirror” episode, given its exploration of self-rule following the resurfacing of a host’s forgotten memories. Not only do they uncover past lives, but one host seeks to assume command and dominate the others. As robots grow cognizant of their predicament, they start shaping their environment – the theme park and ultimately, the world. The series serves as a critique on self-determination, technological advancement, and our place in the grand scheme of technology’s evolution.
Oh, talk about a twist straight out of a “Black Mirror” plotline! I was shocked to find that “Westworld” vanished from HBO Max a mere month after its cancellation – but it’s still accessible through platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video. The series drew the curtain on production following four seasons, despite the creators originally intending for a fifth season to round off their storyline. Fortunately, since Season 4 doesn’t leave us hanging with a cliffhanger, it feels like a full-circle conclusion, even if it wasn’t the intended finale.
The Twilight Zone
Leaving out Rod Serling’s groundbreaking creation, “The Twilight Zone,” would be like missing a crucial piece of any comprehensive discussion about legendary sci-fi and fantasy TV series. With its unique status as one of the most recognized anthology television shows ever made, each episode takes viewers on a self-contained journey where characters venture into the mysterious “Twilight Zone” due to some strange occurrence. Each tale carries an underlying message or life lesson, along with a twist ending that keeps audiences guessing. A significant part of its enduring appeal, particularly during its original run, lies in the thought-provoking opening and closing monologues delivered by the show’s narrator. These brief introductions set the stage for the story and offer a satisfying conclusion to each episode.
For fans of “Black Mirror,” it’s a fantastic show with four distinct versions and over 250 episodes since its 1959 premiere. While certain episodes may delve deeper into horror or supernatural themes than Netflix’s anthology, there’s something for every viewer. You can start from the beginning and watch everything, or jump around and select your favorites from what are considered the series’ most acclaimed, well-known, or even underappreciated episodes.
In the initial presentation of “The Twilight Zone”, each episode told a self-contained story from start to finish. However, the second phase which aired from 1985 to 1989 presented multiple, unconnected stories within a single episode. The third revival, airing from 2002 to 2003, took a turn towards science fiction and horror, much like the “Black Mirror” episode “Playtest”. Lastly, the fourth incarnation of the series was co-developed by Jordan Peele, creator of hit movies such as “Get Out”, making it an appealing choice for fans of his work.
Electric Dreams
If you’re a fan of “Black Mirror” and appreciate the work of Philip K. Dick, the science fiction writer behind “The Man in the High Castle”, then you might be interested in “Electric Dreams”. This 2017 anthology series takes a different short story by Dick and brings it to life in each episode. Topics range from regulating areas where people with telepathic abilities reside, to companies manufacturing humanoid robots capable of experiencing emotions, and post-nuclear war survivors battling machines for resources.
Title “Electric Dreams” boasts a stellar cast similar to “Black Mirror,” featuring notable actors such as Bryan Cranston and Steve Buscemi. Unlike the episodes in this series, each one stands independently, allowing viewers to choose which ones they’d like to watch without being tied to watching them all in sequence, much like with the Netflix show.
Reddit users appear to have differing opinions about whether “Electric Dreams” is perceived as a “budget version of ‘Black Mirror'” or an “engaging companion piece.” However, what sets it apart from other series on this list is that the show is adapted from stories you can read beforehand. This provides fans with an alternative way to revisit the content in a new format, which is not available with “Black Mirror.
Fringe
Fringe” is a science fiction television show that blends elements of police dramas with the eerie atmosphere of “The Twilight Zone”. Within the FBI, there’s a special division known as Fringe, where an intellectual, his son, and an agent collaborate to tackle unusual cases and crimes linked to a recognized alternate reality. But unlike conventional investigation methods, they rely on unconventional scientific approaches, which we might call ‘fringe science’.
Throughout five seasons, this series presents a collection of seemingly distinct narratives that gradually intertwine as fresh insights emerge, contrasting it with an anthology-style show. While there’s an underlying menace the trio is preparing for, each episode follows a self-contained “mystery of the week” format. However, unlike “Black Mirror,” this show allows viewers to follow the same characters across various tales, culminating in a satisfying and engaging viewing experience as all stories ultimately converge.
In essence, the multiple timelines in the show “Fringe” lend it a feeling akin to “Black Mirror.” Just like an episode such as “White Bear” from the latter series, we understand that the main character is destined to replay the same day repeatedly. However, unlike “White Bear,” “Fringe” allows us to witness this repetition and its evolution, offering a perspective that “Black Mirror” does not provide, while both shows share similar themes.
Tales from the Loop
In 2020’s science fiction series “Tales from the Loop,” we embark on a journey to Ohio and an underground research facility. The show delves into the lives of townspeople as scientists below work tirelessly to unravel the universe’s secrets using a device called the Loop. The narrative unfolds with peculiar occurrences such as stones defying Earth’s gravitational forces, gadgets enabling body swaps, and investigations into events taking place in an alternate dimension. This captivating series is inspired by Simon Stålenhag’s art book of the same name, with the writers’ room expanding on concepts found within his artwork.
The Amazon series delves into concepts that could be reminiscent of “Black Mirror” episodes, focusing on the blurred lines between humanity and technology. These ideas are frequently presented in the Netflix project, but their portrayal within the small-town America setting of “Tales from the Loop” offers a fresh perspective. A plot twist where a character discovers their child’s friend is actually them from another time might seem like something from “Back to the Future,” yet it also recalls the thought-provoking revelations typical of the last few minutes of a “Black Mirror” episode, leaving viewers questioning reality itself.
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2025-06-02 13:32