Black Mirror has built a reputation for its thought-provoking and often dystopian tales of technology’s impact on society. However, some of its episodes have been unfairly overshadowed by fan favorites like “San Junipero” or “USS Callister.” While these standout episodes undoubtedly deserve recognition, several others also delve into deep, uncomfortable themes that challenge societal norms and expectations. These underrated gems explore the complexities of human nature, technology’s moral dilemmas, and the consequences of digital addiction, often pushing boundaries in ways that are just as impactful, if not more.
Release Date
December 4, 2011
Network
Channel 4, Netflix
It’s time to properly explore some of the most underrated Black Mirror episodes that deserve more attention. From the quiet psychological tension in “Arkangel” to the emotionally charged themes of identity in “Striking Vipers,” each of these episodes offers a unique perspective on technology’s intersection with human life. While these entries may not have reached the same popularity as the series’ most iconic episodes, they remain essential for anyone seeking to understand the full spectrum of Black Mirror’s eerie, often unsettling storytelling.
10
“Striking Vipers”
Season 5, Episode 1
“Striking Vipers” should definitely be considered one of the most underrated Black Mirror episodes, and it deserves a second look for several reasons. Starring Anthony Mackie and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, the episode explores the complex dynamics of masculinity, sexuality, and friendship through a futuristic virtual reality fighting game. What begins as a nostalgic reconnection between two estranged friends quickly unravels into an emotionally charged exploration of identity, longing, and the blurry lines between physical and digital intimacy.
Despite being one of the Black Mirror seasons with mixed reviews, “Striking Vipers” stands out for its bold storytelling and thought-provoking themes. It challenges traditional narratives around love, marriage, and desire in timely and relevant ways, especially in an age of digital escapism. “Striking Vipers” is a compelling and often overlooked gem if someone is looking for a Black Mirror episode that pushes boundaries while offering emotional depth.
9
“Arkangel”
Season 4, Episode 2
Directed by Jodie Foster, “Arkangel” is a chilling yet overlooked Black Mirror episode that dives deep into the ethical boundaries of parental control and surveillance. When a mother nearly loses her young daughter, she turns to experimental technology that allows her to monitor and censor everything her child sees and experiences. This darkly compelling episode explores timely themes like helicopter parenting, digital overreach, and the inevitable rebellion when autonomy is stripped away, all wrapped in a believable near-future scenario.
While it may not receive the same acclaim as episodes like “Nosedive,” “Arkangel” deserves more attention for its emotionally resonant narrative and grounded execution. The episode doesn’t rely on flashy visuals or elaborate dystopias – instead, it uses a quiet, domestic setting to deliver one of the series’ most disturbing and human stories. For those interested in Black Mirror episodes that tackle real-world fears with raw emotional weight, “Arkangel” is a must-watch.
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8
“Mazey Day”
Season 6, Episode 4
Despite being one of the lowest-rated Black Mirror episodes, “Mazey Day” deserves more credit than it gets. Set against the backdrop of early 2000s paparazzi culture, this thriller follows a tabloid photographer – played by Zazie Beets, who gives one of her best performances – who uncovers a shocking truth about a reclusive starlet. While the twist leans into supernatural horror rather than the show’s signature tech-based dystopias, the episode still offers sharp commentary on exploitation, celebrity obsession, and the media’s invasive hunger for hunger – all of which remain relevant in today’s fame-driven society.
Although “Mazey Day” may feel like a departure from traditional Black Mirror themes, its creative risk should be recognized rather than dismissed. Much like “Demon 79,” it expands the show’s boundaries by experimenting with genre and format. Its concise runtime and shocking twist make it a fast-paced, eerie ride – one that, while divisive, proves that Black Mirror can still surprise viewers by breaking its own rules.
7
“Crocodile”
Season 4, Episode 3
Though often overlooked by heavy hitters like “Hang the DJ” and “Black Museum,” “Crocodile” is one of Black Mirror’s most visually striking and thematically chilling episodes. Set in a snowy, Icelandic-inspired landscape, the story follows an insurance investigator who uses memory-recall technology to solve a minor traffic incident, only to uncover disturbing events. The real tension comes from Andrea Riseborough’s character, whose attempts to cover up her past spiral into a bleak descent marked by paranoia and desperation.
While “Crocodile” might not boost the same level of narrative complexity as other season four entries, its minimalism works in its favor. The episode taps into the dark heart of the series’ core themes – guilt, privacy, and the ethical dangers of surveillance tech – with a sharp, noir edge. For fans of tales that will make them question their own morality and slow-burning thrillers, “Crocodile” is an underrated Black Mirror gem worth revisiting.
6
“Loch Henry”
Season 6, Episode 2
Among the most underrated Black Mirror episodes, “Loch Henry” stands out for its quietly devastating commentary on the ethics of true crime storytelling. While more high-profile episodes like “Joan is Awful” and “Beyond the Sea” dominated the conversation, “Loch Henry” delivers one of the season’s strongest narratives. The episode follows a young couple visiting a remote Scottish town to film a nature documentary, only to uncover a horrific local story that changes their lives forever. Its slow-burning pacing and escalating tension culminate in a haunting twist that stays with viewers long after the credits roll.
What makes “Loch Henry” essential viewing is how it flips the lens back on content creators and consumers alike, challenging audiences to question the entertainment value society assigns to real-life tragedy. It’s a chilling, well-crafted thriller with one of the most thematically grounded endings in “Black Mirror” history – a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and ethical dilemmas in the media.
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5
“The Waldo Moment”
Season 2, Episode 3
Often dismissed as one of Black Mirror’s weaker episodes, “The Waldo Moment” has only grown more relevant with time. The episode follows a disillusioned comedian whose foul-mouthed cartoon character, Waldo, is thrust into a political campaign as a joke, only to gain serious momentum with an angry electorate. While its satire may have felt exaggerated upon release, its prescient commentary on populism, political disillusionment, and media manipulation now feels eerily spot-on.
“The Waldo Moment” deserves more credit for redefining the political thriller genre by showcasing how entertainment and politics can dangerously blur, particularly when voters are more driven by emotion than policy. Although it lacks the emotional and thought-provoking depth of Black Mirror episodes, like “White Bear,” it delivers a timely and sobering warning about anti-establishment sentiment and the performative nature of modern democracy. For viewers interested in political commentary within sci-fi, this underrated Black Mirror entry is a must-watch.
4
“Smithereens”
Season 5, Episode 2
“Smithereens” is often overlooked in discussions about the best Black Mirror episodes, yet it stands out as the strongest entry in season 5. Centered around a cab driver who kidnaps an intern from a tech company, the episode unfolds into a high-stakes hostage situation that critiques society’s addiction to social media. While some dismiss it as “off-brand” for not leaning heavily into futuristic technology, “Smithereens” proves that Black Mirror’s power also lies in exploring present-day human behavior and emotional breakdowns driven by digital dependence.
This underrated Black Mirror installment is a gripping, slow-burning thriller that feels terrifyingly plausible. Andrew Scott delivers a powerhouse performance, grounding the narrative in raw emotion and moral ambiguity. Its themes of grief, guilt, and the consequences of constant connectivity feel especially relevant in today’s social media-saturated culture. For audiences seeking a character-driven story with a chillingly realistic premise, “Smithereens” is an essential watch.
3
“The National Anthem”
Season 1, Episode 1
As the very first Black Mirror episode, “The National Anthem” set the tone for the series’ bold and unsettling storytelling, but it often gets dismissed due to its lack of overt sci-fi elements. One of the best pilot episodes in TV history, it follows Prime Minister Michael Callow as he’s faced with a grotesque demand in exchange for the safe return of a kidnapped royal. While it may not feature futuristic technology, the storyline digs deep into the terrifying power of viral media and public manipulation, topics that remain more relevant than ever in today’s digital society.
What makes “The National Anthem” such an underrated gem is how it challenges viewers without relying on advanced tech to create a dystopia. Instead, it critiques the modern media landscape, voyeurism, and herd mentality with uncomfortable precision. Though it may not be the flashiest Black Mirror episode, it’s a hauntingly realistic one, and that makes it all the more chilling. Its impact lingers far beyond the final, unforgettable scene.
2
“Hated in the Nation”
Season 3, Episode 6
Often overshadowed by more popular entries, “Hated in the Nation” stands out as one of the most ambitious and socially relevant Black Mirror episodes to date. The season 3 finale follows Detective Karin Parke and her tech-savvy partner Blue as they investigate a disturbing string of deaths linked to an online hate campaign. With its hybrid structure – a gritty crime procedural meets tech dystopia – this episode delves into cancel culture, online harassment, and the terrifying consequences of collective digital outrage.
What makes “Hated in the Nation” so underrated is how scarily plausible its premise feels. The weaponization of social media, government surveillance, and AI-driven justice is all on display in this chilling cautionary tale. The Autonomous Drone Insects (ADIs) add a sharp sci-fi edge in a dark dystopia, while the social critique remains uncomfortably close to home. It’s a slow-burning thriller with an explosive, thought-provoking payoff – one that absolutely deserves more recognition.
1
“Be Right Back”
Season 2, Episode 1
While Black Mirror fans often praise other emotional episodes like “San Junipero” and “White Christmas,” “Be Right Back” is an underrated emotional powerhouse that explores grief, memory, and the unsettling limits of artificial intelligence. Starring Haley Atwell and Domhnall Gleeson, the episode follows a young widow who uses an AI service to communicate with a chatbot version of her deceased husband, which eventually leads to the creation of a full-body android replica. The result is a quietly haunting story that questions whether clinging to a digital shadow of a person helps or hinders the grieving process.
Season 2’s premiere is a standout for its subtle horror and deeply personal stakes, making it one of the most emotionally resonant Black Mirror episodes. With themes that align with newer episodes like “Common People” in season 7, “Be Right Back” feels especially relevant in today’s AI-obsessed world. It may not be flashy, but its emotional weight and psychological depth make it a must-watch.
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