Netflix *finally* explains if it’s Barnies or Bernies during Black Mirror’s Bête Noire

Ever since Black Mirror season seven dropped, the whole world has been discussing if it’s Barnies or Bernies. Of course, I mean the conversation around episode two, Bête Noire. And just when we thought we were done losing our minds, Netflix has spoken out about it.

In the episode, main character Maria’s life is completely spiralled when school acquaintance Verity shows up. By the end of the episode, it’s clear Verity has made a device and pendant that can alter reality. One of the ways she used it was to convince Maria she didn’t know the name of a fast-food chain, that she thought was called Bernies. When Maria Googled it, she found her colleagues were right and it was always Barnies.

But, it turns out Netflix was doing the same to us at home, too. Everyone was pretty shook to find out there were two versions of the episode going around – the other being where Maria thought it was called Barnies, but the chain was actually called Bernies.

So my friend and I were watching the new Black Mirror episode “Bête Noire” and we noticed that there was a stark difference between our episodes… even the viewers are getting gaslit at 16:40! #BlackMirrorS7 pic.twitter.com/G2Ne1SuvJV

— Vastolorde | AKIO 🫡💖🇺🇸 (@actualakio) April 10, 2025

“So my friend and I were watching the new Black Mirror episode ‘Bête Noire’ and we noticed that there was a stark difference between our episodes… even the viewers are getting gaslit at 16:40,” one person said. Someone else added: “Had to check and mine was Barnies. Black Mirror is also playing with its viewers by showing one episode with two different scenes. Diabolical.”

Bernies Barnies Bernies Barnies Bernies Barnies Bernies Barnies Bernies Barnies Bernies Barnies Bernies Barnies Bernies Barnies Bernies Barnies Bernies Barnies Bernies Barnies Bernies Barnies Bernies Barnies Bernies Barnies Bernies Barnies Bernies Barnies Bernies Barnies Bernies… pic.twitter.com/ySHNVZ03fB

— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) April 17, 2025

In a video, Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker has addressed the ongoing Barnies or Bernies speculation. Clutching a cap, he said: “If you’ve seen the Black Mirror episode Bête Noire you’ll recognise this. It’s a Barnies cap. Or is a Bernies cap? That’s actually a key plot point in the episode.

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“Depending on which version of the episode you saw, you might have a different take on it. Did we change anything? Well I couldn’t possibly comment. You’re going to have to go back and watch it again for yourselves, and argue about it.”

As the video went on, the cap in his hands changed from saying “Barnies” to “Bernies”. Over and over again. They’re playing with us!

via Netflix

Why did some people see Barnies and others see Bernies?

So, whilst Netflix won’t 100 per cent confirm what’s happening, Reddit has a few ideas. We’ve seen the two versions side by side, so we don’t need Netflix to tell us it’s happening, but why?

Speaking about how people were selected for which episode they saw, one person speculated: “Netflix didn’t choose who saw which episode. It seems like it’s random. You either got one or the other.” Another agreed, saying it felt like a “coin flip” for which version of the episode you were served.

via Netflix

Others speculated even further, and suggested its linked to Rivermind – the company in Common People. “Is it possible you saw a different version depending on which tier of Netflix you have?,” someone asked. “Riverminding us!”.

Some people thought it might have been based on your region, but this was quickly debunked by someone who said they got a different version to their partner, watching in exactly the same household.

I fear this will stay with me for weeks.

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