Black Mirror: Coming to America

Studio 360

Fans of Black Mirror rejoice: a US adaptation is in the works. But unlike House of Cards, the series may look nothing like its UK original.

The sci-fi-horror series premiered in 2011, but American audiences just caught up recently when six episodes arrived on Netflix(a seventh, starring Jon Hamm, is available on DirecTV). Each stand-alone episode explores how technology — some of it already in our pockets — could reshape our lives and our relationships, and expose the worst of human nature. Last week, the production company Endemol Shine North America confirmedplans for a US version.

When Kurt Andersen spoke with Black Mirror‘s Charlie Brooker last month, the series creator revealed “we’ve had conversations with people about continuing the show or doing a sort of reincarnation of the show,” possibly on AMC. “Having Jon [Hamm] in our Christmas special immediately makes it feel more transatlantic anyway.”

But he’s ruled out adapting and reshooting the stories in the original series. “We would want it feel more like a continuation than a rebirth,” he said. “We’re an anthology, we reinvent ourselves week to week.” That means more original, unsettling stories of our near future — for fans of the show, that’s the best news yet.

Hear more of Kurt’s conversation with Charlie Brooker on this weekend’s show.

Do you support journalism that strengthens our democracy?

At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.

Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!