The COVID-19 pandemic may have proven to be an opponent too powerful for the Netflix international hit horror/sf series Black Mirror to overcome.
The anthology’s creator, Charlie Brooker, went on record this week, saying he believes his series may be too dark for a world ravaged by this virus crisis, as reported by Entertainment Weekly.
The anthology–streaming on Netflix for five seasons–captured the imaginations of fans worldwide with its original scripts. But Brooker said his heart just isn’t into continuing the series at this point in time.
Brooker said the world is contending with enough darkness now without his show adding to the anxiety level.
“At this moment,” he said, “I don’t know what stomach there would be for stories about societies falling apart. So, I’m not working away on any of those (episodes).”
Brooker was evasive about his current activities. “I don’t know what I can say about what I’m doing and not doing.”
But he did say he’ll probably work on lighter material for this foreseeable future. “I’m sort of keen to revisit my comic skill set, so I’ve been writing scripts aimed at making myself laugh,” he said.
Not that every episode of the Emmy-winning show dealt with doom and gloom–some even accented pop culture and gaming–but enough of them did highlight something wrong with today’s world.
The show’s fifth season turned the spotlight on appearances by Miley Cyrus, Anthony Mackie, Topher Grace and Andrew Scott. And the previous season was remembered for a “Choose Your Own Adventure” experience that was rewarded with a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie. In addition, Nebula feted Brooker with its Best Game Writing honor.
The last time fans enjoyed new episodes of Black Mirror was June 2019, which is bad news for long-suffering viewers. But it could be good news for the series, as it is eligible for the upcoming Emmy Awards.
Keep reading Horror News Network for any updates on Brooker’s “lighter” scripts and the future of Black Mirror.
