I Always Skip These Laughably Bad 8 ‘Black Mirror’ Episodes on a Rewatch

Black Mirror is one of the most popular anthology series of our time. The series is diverse. It comes across as satire, a warning, and even horror. However, not every episode hits the mark perfectly. Some simply just don't land. Whether due to a predictable story or too-on-the-nose message, these 8 episodes have been a real disappointment of the show.

1. “The Waldo Moment” (Season 2, Episode 3)

Director: Bryn Higgins. IMDb score: 6.5/10.

A failed comedian gets an unexpected opportunity by voicing Waldo, a bear who somehow becomes a political phenomenon when TV executives encourage him to run for office.

What's disappointing: within the Black Mirror universe, “The Waldo Moment” lacks the punch that sets the series apart. The characters feel two-dimensional and by the time it ends, you're probably left wondering if you missed something important. Trust me, you didn't.

2. “Metalhead” (Season 4, Episode 5)

Director: David Slade. IMDb score: 6.6/10.

Shot entirely in black and white, this episode certainly looks stunning. If only style could make up for substance.

“Metalhead” follows a woman desperately trying to survive in a world overrun by robotic creatures that hunt humans. It is essentially a 40-minute cat-and-mouse chase with minimal dialogue.

What's disappointing: the tension is here, but the novelty grows tired about halfway through. At its best, it's a slow-burning, stylish work of art. At its worst, it's the most boring 40 minutes of the show.

3. “Mazey Day” (Season 6, Episode 4)

Director: Uta Briesewitz. IMDb score: 5.3/10.

I was quite surprised (and disappointed) to see a werewolf in my technology-focused anthology series.

This episode follows a troubled celebrity and a paparazzi photographer who find themselves caught up in a bizarre supernatural situation. A typical stalker story takes a wild turn when our starlet unexpectedly turns into a werewolf.

What's disappointing: this episode feels like it wandered in from a completely different show. The werewolf twist comes out of nowhere in a series like Black Mirror.

4. “Arkangel” (Season 4, Episode 2)

Director: Jodie Foster. IMDb score: 7.3/10.

This one's about an overprotective mom who implants a tracking device in her daughter. Spoiler alert: it doesn't end well.

What's disappointing: slow pace and the predictable ending. The “helicopter parenting is bad” message is conveyed with zero subtlety. By the time the predictable conclusion is reached, you'll likely be scrolling through your phone looking for something more interesting to watch.

5. “Hotel Reverie” (Season 7, Episode 3)

Director: Haolu Wang. IMDb score: 6.7/10.

A Hollywood star gets stuck in a super-realistic remake of an old British film and has to follow the script if she wants to escape.

What's disappointing: this episode feels out of place in the Black Mirror universe. It's missing that classic dark social commentary we've come to expect. Some fans defend it as “misunderstood,” but I just found it confusing and pointless.

6. “Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too” (Season 5, Episode 3)

Director: Anne Sewitsky. IMDb score: 6.1/10.

Miley Cyrus plays a pop star whose consciousness gets downloaded into a toy doll. A teenage fan gets more than she bargained for when the doll reveals the dark truth behind her idol's perfect image.

What's disappointing: the tone is all over the place. The episode can't decide if it's a teen comedy or a Black Mirror episode. It hints at interesting themes about celebrity culture and exploitation but never dives deep enough to say anything meaningful.

7. “Smithereens” (Season 5, Episode 2)

Director: James Hawes. IMDb score: 7.5/10.

When a cab driver takes a tech company employee hostage, it causes a major crisis that quickly turns things upside down.

What's disappointing: this one's just too basic for Black Mirror standards. The social media message feels like something we've all heard a million times before. While the buildup of tension is good, the ending is such a letdown that you'll wonder why you bothered watching.

8. “Joan is Awful” (Season 6, Episode 1)

Director: Ally Pankiw. IMDb score: 7.4/10.

An ordinary woman is shocked to find out that a streaming platform has made a TV show about her life starring Salma Hayek.

What's disappointing: while not entirely bad, this episode relies too heavily on the “look how meta we are” schtick without offering anything deeper. It tries to be clever but ends up being too obvious and making no sense.