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Last Updated: April 14, 2025, 18:23 IST
Since its debut in 2011, Black Mirror has always explored the darker side of technology often set in near-future dystopias.
All six episodes of Black Mirror season 7 are now streaming on Netflix.
Netflix’s acclaimed series Black Mirror has returned with its latest season, delivering a collection of gripping and intense narratives. Since its launch in 2011, the show has maintained a focus on the unsettling implications of technology, often placing its stories in dystopian futures. Each episode uniquely illustrates potential consequences of technological advancements, prompting audiences to reflect on the trajectory of our society.
With the new season now available, USA Today has identified five standout episodes from prior seasons, each leaving a lasting impression with its storytelling and themes. Here’s a closer look at these notable episodes:
Be Right Back (Season 2, 2013)
In “Be Right Back,” viewers are introduced to Martha, portrayed by Hayley Atwell, who faces the devastating loss of her boyfriend, Ash, played by Domhnall Gleeson, due to a tragic accident. Consumed by grief, Martha turns to a cutting-edge technology that enables her to converse with an AI replica of her deceased partner. What initially offers comfort soon morphs into a haunting realization: no artificial construct can truly fill the void left by a loved one. This poignant episode highlights the inherent limitations of technology in replicating genuine human relationships.
U.S.S. Callister (Season 4, 2017)
“U.S.S. Callister” centers on Robert Daly, depicted by Jesse Plemons, an introverted programmer with a talent for creating immersive virtual environments. Feeling marginalized in his real-life job, he builds a Star Trek-inspired universe where he exerts absolute power over digital versions of his colleagues, whom he mistreats. This episode scrutinizes themes of toxic masculinity and the unsettling aspects of fandom, and notably stands out as the first episode to receive a sequel, titled “U.S.S. Callister: Into Infinity.”
San Junipero (Season 3, 2016)
“San Junipero” presents a heartfelt exploration of love set against the backdrop of a virtual afterlife. Featuring performances by Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Mackenzie Davis, the story follows two women who fall in love in a vibrant, nostalgic world reminiscent of the 1980s. However, the narrative poses profound questions about existence and choice, culminating in a bittersweet finale that contrasts the joy of their relationship with the stark reality of their digital surroundings.
The Entire History of You (Season 1, 2011)
In “The Entire History of You,” set in a reality enhanced by the “grain” technology that allows individuals to view their memories, Liam (Toby Kebbell) becomes increasingly paranoid when he observes his wife, Ffion (Jodie Whittaker), interacting with another man. His descent into obsession, fueled by the ability to replay his memories, exposes the dangers of technology that can lead to mistrust and personal conflicts, ultimately affecting relationships in damaging ways.
Metalhead (Season 4, 2017)
“Metalhead” diverges from the cerebral and psychological tones typically found in Black Mirror, entering the realm of visceral horror. Set in a bleak, post-apocalyptic world dominated by relentless robotic “dogs,” the episode combines intense action with a haunting narrative twist, showcasing the writing’s depth and emotional resonance amidst a landscape of despair.
The latest season of Black Mirror includes six new episodes: Common People, Bete Noire, Hotel Reverie, Playthings, Eulogy, and U.S.S. Callister: Into Infinity. Early fan reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, providing a glimpse of anticipation surrounding the new content.
Feedback from viewers highlights the emotional depth of episodes like “Hotel Reverie,” with one user stating, “The best part is that you don’t expect it to be so good when you start watching, but after some moments you’re just getting lost in falling emotions. The best episode ever.”
Another viewer described “Common People” as “dark, depressing and heartbreaking,” emphasizing its lingering impact on audiences long after viewing.
One fan reflected on “Eulogy,” noting, “It doesn’t even feel like the show, and it’s not even about the tech. Just memory, regret, how with enough time you can’t even remember the face of someone who meant the world to you,” praising actor Paul Giamatti for his performance.
Additionally, a fan remarked, “U.S.S. Callister was my favorite Black Mirror episode… until now. The sequel episode Into Infinity was even better. Netflix should’ve made that into a standalone movie.”
All six episodes of Black Mirror season 7 are currently available for streaming on Netflix.
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