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Black Mirror

What is black mirror?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

Type British anthology television series[2]
Creator Charlie Brooker[2]
First airing 2011[3]
Title meaning dark screen of a TV, monitor, or smartphone when switched off[4]
Format standalone episodes[3]
Genre science fiction / speculative fiction[2]

Black Mirror is a British anthology television series created by Charlie Brooker.

Context

Black Mirror is a British anthology television series created by Charlie Brooker. Its title refers to the dark reflective screen of a TV, monitor, or smartphone when it is off. The series presents stand-alone stories, often about technology and its effects on society. The series uses technology and media to comment on contemporary social issues and explores the social, ethical, and psychological consequences of emerging technologies. The title has also been explained as referring to a screen that reflects the viewer when the device is off, and some sources describe it as referring to 'black scrying mirrors' used in occult or divination practices. [2][3][4][1]

Documented claims

  • The series uses technology and media to comment on contemporary social issues. [2]
  • The series explores the social, ethical, and psychological consequences of emerging technologies. [3]
  • The title has also been explained as referring to a screen that reflects the viewer when the device is off. [4]
  • Some sources also describe the title as referring to 'black scrying mirrors' used in occult or divination practices. [1]

Questions and answers

What is Black Mirror about?

Black Mirror is about technology and its effects on society, often exploring contemporary social issues and the consequences of emerging technologies. [2]

Why is Black Mirror so famous?

Black Mirror is famous for its thought-provoking stories that use technology and media to comment on contemporary social issues and explore the ethical and psychological consequences of emerging technologies. [3]

Sources

  1. Black Mirror: What The Show's Ominous Title Really Means — screenrant.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. The Real Black Mirror - by Ian Leslie - The Ruffian — ian-leslie.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. "Black Mirror" – Grant Magazine — grantmagazine.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. Watch Black Mirror | Netflix Official Site — netflix.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Culture