3 essential Black Mirror episodes you need to watch before the new series

EntertainmentStreaming3 essential Black Mirror episodes you need to watch before the new seriesSeason 6 is here, but don’t forget the classicsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Season 6 is here, but don’t forget the classics

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Netflix)

USS Callister

(Image credit: Netflix)

Can you believeBlack Mirroris over a decade old already? It feels like just yesterday we were introduced to the anthology series with the Prime Minister and a pig. NowNetflixhas just added season 6, with a host of big names once again on board.

If you’re thinking about getting intoBlack Mirror, or need a refresher, it can be a bit intimidating. Each episode is not short (and of course, there’s the feature-length Bandersnatch) and you don’t want to get the wrong impression with one of the less memorable episodes.

A series as creatively ambitious asBlack Mirroris never going to hit every time, but when it does… oh boy. These are three absolutely essential episodes that you should watch before starting season 6.

1. San Junipero (Season 3 Episode 4)

(Image credit: Netflix)

San Junipero

(Image credit: Netflix)

You knew this was going to make this list. The fan favouriteSan Juniperois proof thatBlack Mirrorisn’t always doom and gloom.

What may seem like your classic girl meets girl story (complete with the series' always excellent use of music) soon turns into a touching mix of sci-fi, tragedy and romcom. Saying much more would spoil it but Mackenzie Davis and Gugu Mbatha-Raw are the stars of what is undoubtedly the most heartwarming episode in the series.

If you’re on a first date, a bit of a scaredy cat, or simply want a palette cleanser to the sense of existential dread that other episodes can fill you with,San Juniperois perfect. If you want another dose of happiness, check out Season 4’sHang the DJ.

2. 15 Million Merits (Season 1 Episode 2)

(Image credit: Channel 4)

15 Million Merits

(Image credit: Channel 4)

Although shorter seasons, it could be argued that the pre-Netflixdays ofBlack Mirrorwere the most consistent. From the traumaticWhite BearandBe Right Backin season 2 to the very first episode of the first season, the standard is exceptional.

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Arguably the best of them all however is15 Million Merits. The second-ever episode was the first time that the series deviated into a look at the future of technology, a now well-trodden theme for the show.

This is a brilliant satire of the fame obsession of the modern age, and although written in a time before social media was the beast it is today, it says a lot about that too.

3. USS Callister (Season 4 Episode 1)

(Image credit: Netflix)

USS Callister

(Image credit: Netflix)

This is an episode where Black Mirror really showcases its ability to blend the silly with the spooky.USS Callisteris a camp delight that simultaneously ticks all of the creepy boxes. Trapped in a video game that resembles classic Star Trek, Nanette (Christina Miloti) soon realises that heroic Captain Daly isn’t quite who he seems.

I won’t spoil too much but this episode highlights just how out of control men in positions of power can get. At once hilarious and harrowing,USS Callisteris essential viewing.

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1. San Junipero (Season 3 Episode 4)#

2. 15 Million Merits (Season 1 Episode 2)#

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3. USS Callister (Season 4 Episode 1)#

1. San Junipero (Season 3 Episode 4)

2. 15 Million Merits (Season 1 Episode 2)

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox

3. USS Callister (Season 4 Episode 1)