The dark, moody sci-fi drama Black Mirror is now streaming on Netflix. You should probably be watching it right now. Every episode of the show stands alone, each presenting a new mind-bending scenario revolving around possible uses of technology in the not-so-distant-future. Robert Downey Jr. and his production company have even acquired the rights to turn one of the show's episodes into a feature length film. Sound good? Great, but there is a downside: the show currently only has six episodes.
So what are you to do once Black Mirror is over? Stream some of these other fantastic works of sci-fi television that will likely be up your alley if you enjoyed what Black Mirror has to offer.
The Twilight Zone
Let's start with the obvious -- The Twilight Zone. It is in many ways similar to Black Mirror. Each episode is a self-contained story, presenting strange scenarios set in the future, past and everywhere in between. Unlike Black Mirror, The Twilight Zone has a zillion episodes, meaning you will be enjoying this classic series for a long time to come. With so many episodes, some are sure to miss the mark, but the number of classics definitely makes this a must watch for fans of speculative fiction.
The X-Files
Chris Carter's now iconic series is a staple of sci-fi television. Part cop show, part horror, part sci-fi and all entertaining, the adventures of FBI Agents Mulder and Scully are not to be missed. The show went on for a whopping nine seasons as the two agents dealt with everything from aliens to mythical creatures, all while maintaining a captivating aura of mystery and suspense.
Dollhouse
If it comes from Joss Whedon, you know it's going to be good, and Dollhouse doesn't disappoint. A shadowy corporation with facilities all around the world makes a business of selling "Actives", or "Dolls," for clients in order to suit their specific needs. Upon their return, the Actives have their memories, personalities and skills wiped, only to adopt a new personality down the line more suited to the taste of their next client. The show follows one Active by the name of Echo, who retains small portions of her memories even after her deletion sessions.
Fringe
Mash The Twilight Zone and The X-Files together and you get Fringe, a show that begins as a procedural sci-fi drama with members of a fictional "Fringe" division of the FBI investigating strange, unsolved mysteries, but it slowly turns into something else entirely. Turns out all those unsolved mysteries have to do with a parallel universe, and things only get crazier from there as characters hop timelines and the show begins to follow characters based in alternate realities. It sounds confusing (and it kind of is), but that is also part of what makes the show so much fun.
The 4400
In a flash of light, exactly 4,400 people believed to be missing appear from seemingly nowhere after having been abducted, with no memory of what transpired. It's soon discovered that some possess paranormal abilities like telekinesis and precognition, and a special division of the Department of Homeland Security is tasked with figuring out how to deal with them. Though the series ultimately ends on a cliffhanger (it was cancelled after four seasons), it's still worth a watch, especially as more details about where the 4,400 went, and why they returned, come to light.
