“Black Mirror” is a British sci-fi anthology series that has been praised by audiences and critics alike for its thought-provoking storytelling and visual style. Each episode tells a self-contained story, but the themes and ideas explored are often interconnected and build upon each other. From the dangers of social media to the ethics of artificial intelligence, Black Mirror constantly challenges us to question our relationship with technology and the consequences of our actions.
If you like this type of TV series, we will recommend 10 dark TV series like “Black Mirror” to watch.
1. Brave New World (2020)
“Brave New World” explores themes of individuality, autonomy, and the effects of technology on our lives. It is definitely worth watching for fans of the dystopian genre.
The show was created by David Wiener and starred Alden Ehrenreich, Jessica Brown Findlay, and Harry Lloyd. It takes place in a futuristic society called “New London,” where citizens are genetically engineered and conditioned from birth to be happy and content through the use of drugs and technology. This utopian world is challenged when two outsiders, John the Savage (Ehrenreich) and Lenina Crowne (Findlay), begin to question the society’s rules and restrictions.
2. Made for Love (2021-2022)
“Made For Love,” the 2021 HBO MAX television series, is definitely worth a watch. It based on the novel of the same name by Alissa Nutting and stars Cristin Milioti as Hazel Green, a woman who escapes from her suffocating and controlling marriage to a tech billionaire named Byron Gogol, played by Billy Magnussen.
It explores themes of love, technology, and control as Hazel navigates life on the run while being pursued by Byron’s seemingly omnipresent technological surveillance. The storyline is both intriguing and unpredictable, keeping viewers on edge with its mix of dark humor and suspense.
Milioti delivers an impeccable performance as Hazel, showcasing her range as an actress as she brings the character to life with both vulnerability and strength. Magnussen also shines in his portrayal of Byron, capturing the creepy and unnerving nature of his character, making him an excellent villain without relying on over-the-top theatrics.
3. Love, Death, and Robots (2019- )
“Love, Death & Robots” is an excellent show for fans of animation and science fiction. Each episode is visually stunning, with top-notch animation and highly-detailed world-building. The stories are also engaging, with plenty of twists, turns, and unexpected endings.
One of the highlights of “Love, Death & Robots” is its bold approach to storytelling. The show is unafraid to tackle taboo subjects or explore controversial themes. Some episodes deal with sex, violence, and other mature content in a frank and unapologetic way. This approach might not be for everyone, but it adds a level of depth and complexity to the show that is rare in animation.
4. Upload (2020- )
“Upload” is a 2020 science fiction comedy series that premiered on Amazon Prime and was created by Greg Daniels. The show follows the story of Nathan Brown (Robbie Amell), a young man who dies in a car accident and is uploaded into a luxurious virtual afterlife called Lakeview. It offers a unique take on the afterlife and our relationship with technology. Its blend of humor and drama makes it an enjoyable watch, and its exploration of ethical issues gives it depth and substance.
5. Dead Set (2008)
“Dead Set” follows a group of contestants in the reality TV show “Big Brother” as they are thrown into a horrifying situation when an unknown virus sweeps through the country, turning people into flesh-eating zombies. The contestants find themselves trapped inside the “Big Brother” house, surrounded by hordes of the undead and with limited resources to survive.
What unfolds is a gruesome and terrifying tale of survival as the contestants must band together to fight off the zombie horde and navigate their way out of the house. Along the way, they encounter other survivors, both friendly and hostile, and must make difficult choices to stay alive.
“Dead Set” brings a fresh take on the zombie genre, blending dark humor with gruesome horror and suspenseful drama. The show is well-paced, with a strong narrative that keeps the audience engaged from beginning to end.
6. Humans (2015 – 2018)
“Humans” ran for three seasons, with the first season consisting of eight episodes. The show is set in a parallel present, where the latest must-have gadget for any busy family is a “Synth” – a highly developed robotic servant that is so similar to a real human it’s transforming the way we live.
It explores the emotional complexities of living with machines that are designed to be human-like and addresses the fear of artificial intelligence replacing humanity. It cleverly presents the idea of how technology affect social relationships, particularly within families by exploring the human relationships formed between Synths and their owners.
Created by Sam Vincent and Jonathan Brackley, the show has been lauded for its intriguing premise and compelling performances from its cast members. The show stars Gemma Chan, William Hurt, Katherine Parkinson and Tom Goodman-Hill amongst others.
7. The Twilight Zone (2019-2020)
“The Twilight Zone” is a revival of the classic 1959 television series created by Rod Serling, which captivated audiences with its eerie, mind-bending stories.
The 2019 version of “The Twilight Zone” has been praised for its ability to capture the essence of the original series while bringing fresh, new elements to the table. The show features a mix of reimagined classic episodes and original stories, all with the trademark twists and turns that “The Twilight Zone” is known for. The cast of “The Twilight Zone” includes accomplished actors such as Jordan Peele, Kumail Nanjiani, Steven Yeun, and Adam Scott. The performances are excellent and help bring each story to life.
8. Electric Dreams (2017-2018)
“Electric Dreams” is a sci-fi anthology series that premiered in 2017. The show, based on the works of renowned author Philip K. Dick, explores the impact of advanced technology on human life.
Each episode tells a self-contained story, featuring a different cast of characters and tackling a unique set of themes. From exploring the limits of artificial intelligence to depicting dystopian futures, the show never shies away from bold ideas. While the show features plenty of futuristic technology and mind-bending concepts, it also explores relatable human emotions and relationships.
9. Inside No. 9 (2014- )
“Inside No. 9” is a British black comedy anthology series, It features a variety of self-contained episodes, each with its own unique story and cast of characters. The episodes range from darkly comedic to chillingly suspenseful, often with a twist ending. Many of the episodes start out lighthearted and humorous, only to take a turn into darker territory. This tonal shift keeps viewers on their toes and makes for an exciting viewing experience.
10. The Leftovers (2014- 2017)
“The Leftovers,” the 2014 television series, is a drama that explores the aftermath of a mysterious event in which 2% of the world’s population abruptly disappears without explanation. The show has been praised for its compelling storytelling, strong performances, and thought-provoking themes.
It set in the fictional town of Mapleton, New York, three years after the “Sudden Departure” has occurred. The main protagonist, police chief Kevin Garvey (played by Justin Theroux), struggles to maintain order in a town plagued by grief, skepticism, and religious fanaticism. Meanwhile, his wife Laurie (played by Amy Brenneman) has joined a cult called the Guilty Remnant, who wear white and take a vow of silence to symbolize their rejection of the pre-departure world.
The show’s unique premise provides a fresh perspective on the apocalypse genre, with its emphasis on character development and nuanced storytelling. Its exploration of human psychology and how people cope with trauma makes it a must-watch for fans of mature, character-driven dramas.