Netflix’s 34-Episode Dystopian Series Is So Good, Even Its Worst Beats Most Sci-Fi Shows

Stories close to home

Dystopian television can unsettle viewers by making imagined dangers feel familiar. The Last of Us, Severance and The Handmaid’s Tale each explore a central story, while Black Mirror presents 34 separate ones.

Each episode is a self-contained account shaped by existing systems, including social media and artificial intelligence. Many end with an ominous scene or twist, though a handful conclude happily.

Fans disagree on episodes

Black Mirror episodes can divide audiences, but three titles often appear at the bottom of rankings: “Mazey Day,” “Rachel, Jack, and Ashley Too” and “The Waldo Moment.” The first leans toward supernatural horror; the second features a fictionalized Miley Cyrus whose ideas are stolen from inside her head. “The Waldo Moment,” with a 47% positive Rotten Tomatoes rating, ranks lowest on the site. It is the third episode of season two and runs for 44 minutes.

Waldo’s political echoes

The episode follows a comedian who enters his satirical cartoon avatar, Waldo, in an election. Waldo loses, and the story ends with its main character facing police violence.

The episode’s political parallels have appeared stronger over time. The article connects Waldo’s loss and ensuing riots with Donald Trump’s 2020 election loss, and compares the story with a 2026 British by-election where satirical candidate Count Binface received 26.9% of the vote while challenging Nigel Farage.

Room for more Black Mirror

Despite its low ranking, “The Waldo Moment” is described as an episode that has aged well, with strong worldbuilding and pacing. Its cliffhanger has also led to calls for a sequel.

The series’ anthology format and rapid technological change provide material for more stories. It has earned nine Emmy Awards from 29 nominations and holds an 83% positive Rotten Tomatoes rating; the article also suggests revisiting its feature-length “choose your own adventure” format.