From 2011 onwards, “Black Mirror” has been leaving viewers spellbound. This Netflix anthology series created by Charlie Brooker has earned 9 Emmys and is now one of the platform’s most cherished shows. Each season seems to mirror our real-life experiences more and more. If you’ve finished watching it all and are still in a state of wonder, with your heart pounding and questioning your own relationship with technology, you’re not alone. With its thought-provoking themes, tension-inducing stories, and unexpected turns, the show leaves a void that can be hard to fill after finishing the last episode – but it’s not an impossible task.
If you’re still reeling from the conclusion of Black Mirror and seeking more thought-provoking series that delve into dystopian societies, dark human nature, and mind-bending narratives, here are seven shows worth giving a try.
The Twilight Zone
When Brooker developed Black Mirror, he drew inspiration from the timeless TV series, The Twilight Zone (1959). Similar to the original, this show offers an immersive experience of thought-provoking narratives that push the boundaries of your beliefs and reality itself. As one of the pioneers in the anthology style, it delivers stories spanning science fiction, suspense, and even fantasy. Each episode presents a standalone tale with unexpected twists, much like Black Mirror, inviting viewers to ponder deeply about human nature. The primary distinction lies in the themes; while The Twilight Zone is heavily rooted in the paranormal and supernatural, it explores a very different cultural landscape given its setting in a bygone era.
2019’s revival of “The Twilight Zone” has sparked a noticeable influence on certain episodes of Netflix’s “Black Mirror.” A keen eye will spot the similarities between them, and for those familiar with episodes like “USS Callister” and “Fifteen Million Merits,” it won’t take long to recognize their counterparts in “The Twilight Zone.” It makes a perfect choice for fans seeking a viewing experience that closely resembles what they enjoyed on Netflix.
The Twilight Zone (1959) is available to stream on Paramount+.
Dark
Many people are likely to recall the series “Dark” (2017) due to its rapid global acclaim for its utterly perplexing, thought-provoking, and captivating storyline. This gripping tale unfolds in the German town of Winden, where the disappearance of two children exposes secrets linking four families: Kahnwald, Nielsen, Doppler, and Tiedemann. As the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that these disappearances are intertwined with events from 33 years ago, unveiling a complex time loop. This revelation starts to question our comprehension of time, connections, and human existence – a topic also delved into in “Black Mirror”.
In terms of story structure, the series is meticulously crafted with plot points that intertwine flawlessly, although it may initially appear complex. The atmosphere of “Dark” mirrors many episodes from Brooker’s work, encouraging viewers to think and ponder. However, unlike his other works, this show requires a greater level of close observation to fully understand its intricate layers. For those seeking a deep dive into the narrative, it’s an outstanding selection.
Dark is available to stream on Netflix.
Love, Death + Robots
Are you fond of the work by David Fincher or Tim Miller? These two gentlemen are responsible for a show that shares many similarities with “Black Mirror.” Titled “Love, Death + Robots,” its name hints at the anthological format it follows. Delving into themes such as love, death, technology, and the absurd, this series stands out by employing diverse animation styles ranging from stylized 2D to hyper-realistic 3D. Blending elements of sci-fi, horror, fantasy, and black comedy in its narratives, “Love, Death + Robots” could be seen as a more graphic and surreal experimental take on “Black Mirror.
Furthermore, “Love, Death + Robots” is unique in its brief episode length, not exceeding 20 minutes per installment. Ideal for those seeking thought-provoking content on life’s profound questions without becoming overly immersed in a complex narrative, it’s similar to “Black Mirror“. It delves deeply into themes such as artificial intelligence, technological nightmares, and the moral quandaries they spawn. Brace yourself for a thought-provoking experience.
Love, Death + Robots is available to stream on Netflix.
Severance
Among the highly acclaimed series currently available is one that Black Mirror enthusiasts will find particularly captivating, as it delves into psychological suspense and science fiction. The 2022 series, Severance, revolves around Mark Scout (played by Adam Scott), a worker at the enigmatic Lumon Industries who undergoes a surgical procedure that separates his memories between his job and personal life. At work, he has no memory of his life outside; conversely, outside of work, he doesn’t remember anything about his company duties – effectively creating two separate personas for him. Such a premise is reminiscent of the thought-provoking stories often presented in Black Mirror.
The series delves into various aspects such as the psychological and moral implications of this division, as well as themes like identity, autonomy, and predominantly, power. “Severance” has garnered numerous Emmy nominations and kept viewers on edge with its perpetual sense of unease. The plot is intricately designed, filled with symbolism, visual hints, and subtle surprises, making it perfect for those who enjoy delving into theories. Moreover, it was partially influenced by the “Black Mirror” episode “White Christmas,” so if you’re seeking a new addiction with the same intelligent and thought-provoking vibe, it is absolutely essential viewing.
Severance is available to stream on Apple TV+.
Years and Years
The show “Years and Years” embodies a similar atmosphere as “Black Mirror,” and if the latter were to adopt a serialized format, it might resemble this series. This mini-series combines elements of science fiction and drama, focusing on the lives of the Lyons family from Manchester, starting in 2019 and running through 2034. The family encounters various political, technological, and social changes over this timeframe, one of which is the emergence of a contentious celebrity who ultimately becomes a divisive political figure. You grow fond of the characters as you see their experiences unfold, yet you also contemplate significant matters such as climate change, economic crises, and technological advancements – it’s a depiction of real-life challenges.
Instead of dwelling primarily on the repercussions of contemporary innovations like “Black Mirror”, the series “Years and Years” delves deeper into various aspects with a more intricate approach. It presents a unique viewpoint that’s just as unsettling because it’s so close to our current reality. If you’re seeking an emotionally gripping experience that encourages introspection about the influence of present-day choices on the immediate future, this is undoubtedly a series worth exploring.
Years and Years is available to stream on Max.
Maniac
Certain episodes of Black Mirror, including “Playtest,” “White Bear,” and “Men Against Fire,” delve into the concept of psychological studies and the blend of technology and psychology. Similarly, the 2018 sci-fi drama miniseries Maniac tackles these ideas. This series focuses on Annie Landsberg (played by Emma Stone) and Owen Milgrim (portrayed by Jonah Hill), two individuals who participate in a pharmaceutical experiment in New York City. The trial claims to resolve all participants’ mental issues via a sequence of pills that induce hallucinatory experiences within alternate realities. As the study unfolds, we uncover the characters’ personal struggles and encounter various manifestations of themselves in extremely surreal and thought-provoking environments.
The show “Maniac” explores the boundaries of human intellect by employing an unconventional storyline and a distinctive visual style to create a captivating, engaging, and introspective environment. Similar in spirit to “Black Mirror,” it delves into specific topics such as the pursuit of artificial joy and the potential risks associated with over-reliance on technology. It’s a more daring approach compared to Brooker’s series, but if you’re seeking something challenging and thought-provoking, it’s definitely worth checking out.
Maniac is available to stream on Netflix.
Humans
In the popular series Black Mirror, one consistent topic is how artificial intelligence and robots influence our society – a trend we’re already witnessing today. However, what might this look like in our daily lives? The science fiction show Humans (2015) offers an intriguing glimpse by depicting a parallel present where humanoid robots known as Synths have become common household and workplace fixtures. Following the Hawkins family, who purchase a Synth named Anita (played by Gemma Chan), the story unfolds with events that subtly probe questions about whether Synths can attain self-awareness, thus challenging the line between humans and machines.
In this show, titled “Humans,” there’s no enigma or intricacy in the conventional sense. Instead, it explores the everyday life and connections between humans and technology personified as a living being. This kind of series invites you to ponder about your own actions in similar situations. The central theme is coexistence, while Black Mirror offers a platform for examining various technologies across different scenarios. Essentially, “Humans” presents two sides of the same coin and occasionally makes you feel for the robots, prompting you to reconsider the essence of humanity.
Humans is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
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2025-04-17 06:13