Charlie Brooker writes new satirical drama series
Channel 4 has announced the commissioning of a new comedy drama series from journalist and broadcaster Charlie Brooker. He previously penned the zombie-drama Dead Set for the channel.
Black Mirror, which Channel 4 has described as "a hybrid of The Twilight Zone and Tales Of The Unexpected", will consist of three separate hour long "what if" stories satirising modern life.
Shane Allen, the channel's Head of Comedy described the series as "a satirical drama for the social media generation all rooted in the world around us now. A thought-provoking and gripping reflection and extrapolation of current social, cultural and technology-inspired trends and fears."
Brooker said: "Growing up, I always loved The Twilight Zone and shows of that ilk. Black Mirror won't be anything like those, but on the other hand, it's closer to them than, say, Downton Abbey. It combines satire, technology, absurdity, a pinch of surprise, and it all takes place in a world you almost - almost - totally recognise. It changes each week - like the weather, but hopefully about 2,000 times more entertaining. If you don't like it, you will be beaten about the face and neck by Channel 4 executives."
Black Mirror will be produced by Brooker's company, Zeppotron, and he will act as executive producer on the project. It will be filmed in the summer and broadcast later in the year.
Shane Allen adds: "Charlie's writing is imbued with a beautiful blend of emotion and intelligence that pulls you in to a thrilling projection of themes which surround our everyday. In a world where bloggers can communicate from beyond the grave and a world leader can watch an assassination in real time on the other side of the planet there is much to say about how we live and what values we share. Now, if I can just convince Charlie to introduce it all from a fireside chair we're quids in."
Charlie Brooker also presents TV-themed panel/quiz show You Have Been Watching for Channel 4, and has just completed the first series of 10 O'Clock Live as co-presenter.