Black Mirror Was a Channel 4 Cult Hit Before Netflix Made It a Global Success

Black Mirror is arguably one of Netflix's biggest hits, both in the realm of science fiction and the streamer's slate of original programming. Most episodes tackle everything from the pitfalls of artificial intelligence to how social media is becoming entwined with our lives, and they have received critical praise and awards nominations.

Series creator Charlie Brooker recently confirmed that Black Mirror will be returning for Season 8. Long before it settled into Netflix queues, Black Mirror began on Channel 4. Brooker launched the anthology after working on comedy-based shows and cites The Twilight Zone as his biggest influence, aiming to show how each episode reflects the way we live now—and "the way we might be living in 10 minutes' time if we're clumsy." Channel 4 commissioned two seasons but warned Brooker and producing partner Annabel Jones that the series needed a co-producer due to budget restraints.

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