I am considering binge watching this - sounds like an updated version of the Twilight Zone.
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Yes it is.
😎
No
It would be classified in the same genre as Twilight Zone and is definitely inspired by Twilight Zone, but it is not the same thing
What makes Black Mirror most like The Twilight Zone is that they both have quality writing and production. You look at other anthology sci-fi shows like The Outer Limits (modern incarnation), Perversions of Science, Dimension 404, etc. and they are definitely not in the same league, if you look at the writing, production value, or acting quality
But what makes Black Mirror different from The Twilight Zone is that it is more specific or limited in its scope. Yes, it's still science fiction, but it sticks mainly to humans dealing with technology on Earth in the near future. The Twilight Zone is far more inspired by pulp serials and deals with the full gamut of science fiction tropes, including aliens, time travel, AI, space travel, alternate dimensions, etc. TW also veers into the Fantasy and Horror genres on occasion, whereas BM hasn't really touched Fantasy yet.
TW is also more soap opera-ish. The moral lessons it teaches are often simplistic and reminiscent of those found in old literature such as Aesop's Fables, whereas BM usually tries to be more timely and is more specifically about the relationship between people and technology. Also, a big feature about TW is the melodramatic plot twists and dark endings. BM often has dark endings but the plot twists aren't nearly as dramatic. In this sense BM goes for a more prestigious "Golden Age of TV" vibe
So overall, I would say that despite their many similarities they are very different shows. It's definitely possible to enjoy one but not the other. TTW is one of the greatest TV shows of all time, but if you watch it now it might seem quaint and old-fashioned. if you're a die hard TTW fan then Black Mirror might seem like a watered down pretender lacking in the charm of the black and white classic
Black Mirror episodes basically present some form of technology (realistic for the present/near future, or maybe way down the road), intended to help humanity in some way, then usually dives into some very negative consequences.
A couple exceptions, San Junipero and Hang the DJ, more positive than negative. You know going in there is a form of technology at play, but the true nature is not fully understood until the end of the episode.
You're better off watching The Twilight Zone.
shareBlack mirror reminds me more of ''the hitchhiker'' T.V series. That was another anthology series with an often bitter or surprise ending.
share"TZ" has a more nostalgic streak -- though episodes of "BM" like "San Junipero," which is reminiscent of "TZ"'s "A Stop at Willoughby," certainly have nostalgia as one of their major themes.
shareMore like The Ray Bradbury Theater.
Bradbury said once: "People ask me to predict the Future, when all I want to do is prevent it". And as you probably know most of his stories are dealing with the problematic versions of the future, loneliness in a technologically advanced societies etc.