For those who are fans of Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror, we have some good news for you. You can look forward to another 12 episodes of the acclaimed satirical drama after Netflix confirmed it would produce the next extended run of the show which previously aired on Channel 4.
Created and written by Brooker, BLACK MIRROR taps into our collective unease with the modern world and each stand-alone episode is a sharp, suspenseful tale exploring themes of contemporary techno-paranoia. Without questioning it, technology has transformed all aspects of our lives; in every home; on every desk; in every palm – a plasma screen; a monitor; a Smartphone – a Black Mirror reflecting our 21st Century existence back at us. The series has been recognised with an international Emmy Award, a Peabody Award, a Rose D’Or and been nominated for a Bafta award.
Netflix said it would premiere exclusively on Netflix worldwide outside of the UK and Ireland “where plans are still being determined”.
It suggests the dystopian drama could yet remain on Channel 4, which has a “first-look option” which means it can acquire the rights to broadcast it first in the UK in the event that it changes channels.
Brooker said: “It’s all very exciting – a whole new bunch of Black Mirror episodes on the most fitting platform imaginable.
“Netflix connects us with a global audience so that we can create bigger, stranger, more international and diverse stories than before, whilst maintaining that Black Mirror feel. I just hope none of these new story ideas come true.”
Brooker is also understood to have been attracted to Netflix by the greater creative freedom that the online broadcaster had to offer.
Netflix, best known for making Kevin Spacey’s House of Cards, already had the rights to the Black Mirror back catalogue. Previous episodes were a big hit in the US where it was applauded by one critic as the “only show on TV that truly understands how we use technology”.
The new 12-part commission is almost double the seven episodes that have been made to date, ending with last year’s Christmas special in which MAD MEN star Jon Hamm features as a terrifying high-tech pick-up artist whose seduction technique ends in a horrific murder.
Cindy Holland, vice president, original content, Netflix, said: “Charlie has created a one-of-a-kind series with an uncanny voice and prescient, darkly comedic vision. We’re tremendously proud to bring Black Mirror to our members as a Netflix original series.”
Premiere date and episode rollout for BLACK MIRROR will be announced at a later date.
