10 Most Controversial Black Mirror Episodes, According to Reddit

Since Black Mirror premiered in 2011, the anthology series has garnered a huge fan community and sparked numerous discussions on social media and in the public sphere. Of course, some episodes are more loved and critically acclaimed than others, and if you think that the hype surrounding them is overblown — don't worry, you're not alone.

Here are 10 episodes of Black Mirror that everyone seems to love, but many fans feel aren't worth all the fuss.

San Junipero (E4S3)

The romantic story of two women in an idyllic simulated reality town is at the top of many fans' lists. At the same time, there are lots of viewers who find it unworthy of the beloved show, either because it's too mushy or because of a happy ending that was one of the first for the anthology. As a result, reviews range from 'snooze fest' to 'the best queer story ever.'

Arkangel (E2S4)

The Jodie Foster-directed episode centers on an implant that allows parents to track their children, get reports on their physical condition, and even control what they see and hear. While some viewers loved 'Arkangel' for raising the age-old issues of parenting, control, and censorship, others thought it didn't take those issues to the extremes that made Black Mirror an iconic show.

Metalhead (E5S4)

By making a black-and-white 'Metalhead' with little to no dialogue, creator Charlie Brooker took a risk, and sure enough, opinions on the episode are polarized. For those who hate it, the episode is a shallow 'what if those Boston Dynamics robots just went crazy and killed us all' story. For those who like it, it has an important message about what's really important to us as a society.

Nosedive (E1S3)

'Nosedive' marked Black Mirror's transition to Netflix, and for many, it was a transition that worked. Set in a society where everyone has a personal score based on how others rate them on a five-star scale, this episode is lighthearted and funny, but also thought-provoking. However, many fans didn't like the main character and found her story stressful and irritating.

Shut Up and Dance (E3S3)

Telling the story of a teenager who does bizarre and despicable things after being blackmailed by a hacker, 'Shut Up and Dance' is hands down the most confusing episode of Black Mirror. It tricks the viewer into liking a character who doesn't deserve it, and that's why it is unequivocally hated by fans who just don't like being tricked.

White Bear (E2S2)

Similar to 'Shut Up and Dance,' 'White Bear' raises the issue of crime and punishment. Watching the protagonist go through a truly torturous experience as punishment for her past crime, only to forget about it at the end of the day and start all over again the next morning, seems overly sadistic. On the other hand, the plot makes for a perfect discussion topic that touches on deep social issues.

The Entire History of You (E3S1)

The Season 1 finale often lands at the top of personal charts for the show. Focusing on the technology that allows one to replay memories through the eyes of a host, the episode tells a compelling story of jealousy, offering insight into other people's lives that no one would want to share. Nevertheless, there are many viewers who found the episode predictable and kind of boring, claiming that the final twist ruined the whole concept.

USS Callister (E1S4)

A true sci-fi, Star Trek-like episode with a dark Black Mirror twist, 'USS Callister' is beloved by many. The story of a programmer playing with his colleagues' sentient digital clones is certainly entertaining, but some viewers believe it lacks that big gut punch that makes one think about society today and the direction we're heading.

Smithereens (E2S5)

'Smithereens' is a one-man show that feels like an experiment for Black Mirror. Andrew Scott plays a man driven over the edge by his grief over the loss of a loved one, which reminded fans of other similar episodes. Still, many found the episode to be a worthy commentary on social media and the content epidemic we are experiencing today.

Mazey Day (E4S6)

The most controversial episode of the new season is, without a doubt, 'Mazey Day.' The story of a paparazzi's pursuit of a major Hollywood star, ending with a supernatural twist, has been slammed by some fans for standing out from other Black Mirror episodes. However, there are still many viewers who see it as a profound metaphor for the dehumanization of people in modern pop culture.

Source: Reddit.