All the times Black Mirror spookily ‘predicted’ real-life future events

When Black Mirror first came on the scene, no one dared to think the events that took place in the episodes would somehow happen in real life. Known for its dark and alarming commentary on the modern world, Black Mirror was a series like no other and looking back – it has actually been correct about our reality.

But what exactly has it got correct? Here’s a rundown of every time Black Mirror has “predicted the future” or got close enough.

The National Anthem

via Netflix

If you can cast your mind way back to the very first season of Black Mirror, you’ll remember The National Anthem. In a nutshell, the episode focused on the British Prime Minister who was blackmailed into having sex with a pig in order for the royal princess to be released from captivity.

Right. Even thought this probably didn’t happen, it’s still wild. Former Tory donor Lord Ashcroft claimed former Prime Minister David Cameron put his “private parts” in the mouth of a deceased pig. Cameron vehemently denied and eventually no one spoke of it again.

At the time, Cameron said: “I can see why the book was written and I think everyone can see straight through it. As for the specific issue raised, a very specific denial was made a week ago.”

Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker went on to comment on the episode and the claims, saying he “never heard anything about Cameron and a pig when coming up with that story”. Yikes!

Hated in the Nation

via Netflix

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In 2016, Hated in the Nation was released which followed two detectives who investigated a number of deaths who had been victims of social media hatred. The episode takes aim at online harassment and internet cancel culture, which happens day in and day out.

Metalhead

via Netflix

Metalhead follows Bella, played by Maxine Peake, who is attempting to flee from robotic dogs after a collapse of human society. You’d hope this would never happen but according to Level, robots have been used to hunt people. In 2016, a bomb-carrying robot was used to kill a sniper.

At the time, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings applauded the police chief for making “the right call” and said he would be happy to use the same strategy in the future. “When there’s no other way, I think this is a good example,” he said. “The key thing is to keep our police out of harm’s way.”

Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too

via Netflix

In the latest season before season six, Miley Cyrus featured in the truly wild Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too. In the episode Miley’s character, Ashley O, has her soul trapped into a doll and later one a holographic replacement of Ashley is projected on stage.

While the soul trapping isn’t a thing, ABBA currently have their own arena with holograms of themselves singing their classic songs. At ABBA Voyage, the concert features virtual avatars of the band back in 1979.

While it’s quite spooky, it isn’t as sinister as Ashley O.

Striking Vipers

In the 2019 episode, Striking Vipers, two best friends develop a sexual relationship through a game. Even though it might not be as advance as the episode, virtual reality sex is a thing. According to Daily Dot, all you need is a VR headset and be able to touch or manipulate onscreen content, and you’re on your way!

VR sex toys also exist including Vstroker and Kiiroo Onyx.

The Waldo Moment

via Netflix

The Waldo Moment might be one of the lowest rated Black Mirror episodes on Letterboxd but it tells the story of a cartoon bear attempting to become an MP.

A lot of people have compared Waldo to Trump’s rise to power in the US and Boris Johnson in the UK.

One user on Twitter wrote: “To date the most terrifying episode is still the Waldo Moment. When it came on in 2013 I remember saying, ‘That’s Boris Johnson’. Not sure if [Charlie] Brooker meant it but it’s increasingly looking that way.”

Season six of Black Mirror is available on Netflix now. For all the latest Netflix news, drops, quizzes and memes like The Holy Church of Netflix on Facebook. 

Related stories recommended by this writer:

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• I’ve finally found my dream job: You can now get paid £1,000 to binge watch Black Mirror

Featured image credit via Netflix.