Can't Wait for 'Black Mirror' Season 7? This Dark Comedy Anthology Show Is Even Better

Black Mirror is quite extraordinary in the way it creates insular stories that, despite different themes and concepts, all feel spiritually connected. However, the British dark comedy series Inside No. 9 is an even more innovative and versatile iteration. Black Mirror works because it leans into different genres and each episode stands on its own, yet they all have this unexpectedness that raises an internal dialogue within the viewer, usually surrounding the growth of technology. Each episode is hugely rewatchable, and it appeals to different types of viewers; because of its diversity, everyone will have a different favorite installment.

Inside No. 9 is not confined to a throughline thesis, as Black Mirror is with technology, so the episodes are even more experimental and distinct. The way the show flirts between genres makes it one of the most impressive anthology shows ever. Every single episode stands on its own, yet they can all easily be distinguished as part of Inside No. 9. If you are looking for something that is as expansive and original as Black Mirror, Inside No. 9 fulfills the brief tenfold.

What Is ‘Inside No. 9’ About?

Inside No. 9 is one of the most beloved British shows of the 21st century, garnering a cult following and achieving critical success. It is written by long-time collaborators Steve Pemberton (seen recently as the villain in Harlan Coben’s Missing You and Robbie Williams’ dad in Better Man) and Reece Shearsmith, with the pair also starring in every episode. There is a clear intrinsic understanding of each other, which gives Inside No. 9 this creative stability that allows the show to ensure consistency whilst having the flexibility to try unorthodox concepts. The duo is part of the recognizability of each episode of the show, and it is their friendship that makes it such a triumph.

Inside No. 9 isn’t tied to one singular theme; the only caveat is that each episode takes place in a singular location that is labeled number 9, such as a train carriage, a dressing room, or a restaurant table. Part of the show’s intrigue is seeing where the next location will be and how a story can be told within one space. Some episodes give the audience access to all the information within the story, but sometimes the limited space means parts of the plot occur beyond the bounds of the camera.

Pemberton and Shearsmith’s scripts are airtight, so even if something isn’t overtly shown, by the climax of the episode the audience can piece everything together. This is part of the show’s allure — they treat the viewer with a level of respect that means there are layers to unpack after the credits. Yet, sometimes this is thrown back at the viewer, where everything is surface-level and the big reveal becomes that you are almost ridiculed for thinking too much into it. The effortless flow between this juxtaposition makes Inside No. 9 unpredictable and consumable.

‘Inside No. 9’ Proves We Need More Anthology Shows

The breadth of stories on Inside No. 9 is staggering, with the writers able to inject humor and shock into every script. The creativity shows no bounds, from an episode told entirely in Iambic pentameter to an episode shot entirely on a doorbell camera. Since the episodes are only 30 minutes and all take place in a singular location, the show doesn’t indulge in extensive world-building and prioritizes a pinpoint focus on the morality of each story. This allows it to create these complex characters which play a part in creating hugely unexpected plot twists, something the show has become known for.

Inside No. 9 is held together by the gallant performances of its leads, who have this rare ability to play any role required. From episode to episode, they switch between scary and charming, being all-consumed by their character to the point that they are unrecognizable. This is heightened by a new supporting cast every episode, which includes Natalie Dormer, Jason Isaacs and Jenna Coleman. Inside No. 9 takes beloved TV tropes that seem to be fading, with each episode feeling like a bottle episode as well as following the monster of the week format (but with a different location). The anthology format means no character is protected by plot which allows the show to go down dark and twisted avenues, often leaning into horror. It has the thematic uncomfortability that Black Mirror has become so renowned for and is the perfect watch whilst waiting for season 7.

Inside No. 9 is available to stream on BritBox.

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