Following the release of the first image of Cristin Milioti in the USS Callister sequel for the forthcoming Black Mirror Season 7, fans of the show are giddy. Since Netflix took over, the anthology series—which began as a British cultural critique—has gained international acclaim, partly due to its American viewership.
Although Black Mirror is well-known for examining the negative aspects of technology and human nature, some viewers contend that the program has lost its appeal, particularly in the wake of the U.S. takeover. When the sequel was announced, one admirer even said,
"I'll never forgive Americans for what they did to Black Mirror." (via @BodegaaCat / X)
One of the most recognizable episodes of the series, the USS Callister universe, will be revisited in Season 7. USS Callister explores themes of power, escapism, and digital ethics inside a Star Trek-inspired simulation. Fans are excited yet wary about Milioti's comeback because the program has been criticized for deviating from its original tone. Will the show's early charm be restored in its sequel, or will it become yet another victim of "Americanization"?
Fans question Black Mirror's direction as Cristin Milioti returns in USS Callister sequel for Season 7
As the first look at Cristin Milioti in the USS Callister sequel dropped, Twitter, as expected, erupted with opinions. Fans were quick to voice their mixed feelings, blending humor with a hint of skepticism about the show's direction.
One fan cleverly noted,
“Black Mirror is slowly turning into the thing it was warning us about,” (via @HoneyGoldxx /X)
poking fun at how the series, once a critique of technology’s dark side, now feels like a part of the entertainment machine it once criticized.
(Via @beammeuplucas / X)
Another fan took a nostalgic jab at Season 5’s Miley Cyrus-starring episode:
“We actually had a Hannah Montana episode uno,” comparing it to the earlier seasons’ grittier tone. (via @omozay / X)
Of course, British humor made its appearance too:
“Oi m8 wot if ya computer made ya shag a pig,” a callback to the show's first episode. (via @LonghornSloth / X)
Fans haven’t forgotten where the series came from.
(Via @valtnt01 / X)
Some fans admitted they’ve never even dived into the series yet, with one saying,
“7 seasons and I haven't seen a single episode 😭,” perfectly capturing the overwhelming nature of catching up. (via @ashleim1chelle / X)
(Via @Asian_sunny / X)
Not all reactions were positive.
“‘Sequel’ right there 😭 no original ideas left,” a user (@kuuroishi / X) quipped,
echoing concerns about the show's creativity. One American fan hilariously joined in,
“I’m American and me neither 😭. ” (via @ThePettiestLA / X)
“This show used to make me question reality, now it just makes me question my subscription 😩,” (via @uwuimatofu / X)
This was perhaps the most biting critique, summing up fans' shifting attitudes toward the series.
(Via @imeanitsxtine / X)
The Evolution of Black Mirror
When the British television series Black Mirror debuted on Channel 4 in 2011, it immediately became well-known for its spooky, dystopian stories that reflected how society today interacts with technology. Viewers throughout the world were moved by its scathing remarks on topics ranging from social media to spying. Netflix purchased the show's rights in 2015, which increased its viewership but also altered its tone.
Many fans believe that the series lost part of its original appeal, even if it still produced several ground-breaking episodes like San Junipero and USS Callister. The American influence, which is characterized by larger budgets and a more global focus, has frequently been accused of weakening the show's formerly incisive social commentary.
The return aboard USS Callister is a reference to one of the most cherished narratives as we prepare for Season 7. But the question still stands: Will the sequel fall victim to the same problems that have beset the series in recent seasons, or will it be able to replicate the eerie genius of the original?