I watched three shows to find one 'better than Black Mirror' and there was a clear winner
As an avid Black Mirror fan, I've seen numerous series that have been likened to the
Netflix
sensation. However, among the various recommendations I found online, one stood out.
The much-anticipated seventh season of the hit show was finally unveiled last month. It brought six fresh episodes featuring new twisted narratives, including a sequel to one of the most beloved instalments.
Despite limiting myself to one episode per night, I managed to finish the latest season in less than a week. Craving more sci-fi inspired stories, I turned to Reddit for suggestions on what to watch next, specifically looking for shows that viewers deemed even better than Black Mirror. But before settling on any recommendations, it's crucial to first understand and define the series itself.
Recent episodes have led some viewers to label it as a show warning about the perils of technology, but that's not entirely accurate. When it first aired on British broadcaster Channel 4, it had a different vibe.
Inside No. 9 is a British series that many believe is better than Black Mirror
(Image: BBC)
The inaugural episode presents the UK Prime Minister with a shocking predicament when a member of the Royal Family is kidnapped. There's no significant technological element integral to the plot.
True, most episodes that followed embraced futuristic tech at their core, leading many sci-fi series to be dubbed as 'like Black Mirror'. The German Netflix offering Cassandra is a prime example. Having premiered earlier this year, it transcends the Black Mirror comparison.
Netflix's own description is best: The service brands it as "Charlie Brooker's dark, satirical anthology series." So, when perusing for similar content, I seek out an anthology series with a dark and satirical edge.
This criteria easily rules out recommendations for X-Files aficionados and fans of Fringe, Altered Carbon or Devs; none match the anthology format due to their continuous story arcs.
Many fans seek out the next Black Mirror
(Image: Robert Falconer/Netflix)
A standout recommendation is Love, Death + Robots. This not-so-shocking suggestion highlights an infinitely watchable animated anthology series on Netflix. Its fourth volume dropped recently, albeit with episodes varying widely in their appeal.
Add to the list Guillermo Del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities. This Netflix exclusive could be viewed as horror's answer to Black Mirror's science fiction genius. However, what caught me off guard was another recommendation, one not previously on my radar, with numerous viewers touting it as the superior series.
That is the series Inside Number 9, brought to life by creators, writers, and frequent stars Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton. The duo, known for their work with the comedy troupe The League of Gentlemen, have definitely left their mark with the show ending after its ninth series. For UK fans, it's still up for viewing on the BBC, while US audiences can find it on BritBox.
Inside Number 9 is a top pick for those hunting for their next binge-watch fix akin to Black Mirror. The main difference being that episodes are neatly packaged into tight 30-minute runtimes, avoiding drawn-out plotlines, with satisfying conclusions, and leaving viewers wanting more.
The latest Black Mirror season included its first episodic sequels
(Image: NETFLIX)
Every episode of this anthology series is linked by something pertaining to the number 9 – whether it be a location or even a shoe size. Impressively, it boasts a solid 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes throughout its run, outperforming Black Mirror in this metric.
The buzz around the show is reason enough to give it a chance. One enthusiast shared online: "One of the best series of the past ten years. Every episode has a Tales of the Unexpected vibe, leavened by humour. Netflix bought Black Mirror but they missed a trick by not getting their hands on this one. Couldn't recommend it more highly."
Other fans expressed similar sentiments, with one noting: "It is a very profound series with many messages. It is similar to Black Mirror but much more comedic."
Another confessed: "I did not think I would ever find anything that would top Black Mirror, but Inside number 9 definitely does. Absolutely love it and don't want it to ever end. Ever!"
Black Mirror is streaming on Netflix. Inside Number 9 is streaming on BritBox.
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