Warning! This article contains spoilers for Black Mirror season 7.

Black Mirror season 7 continues the tradition of intertwining its narratives with numerous subtle and overt nods to previous episodes, highlighting the show’s persistent themes and its intricate universe. This acclaimed sci-fi anthology series has carved out a unique niche within the genre by boldly showcasing unconventional technologies in each episode, thereby illuminating humanity’s fraught relationship with innovation and its deep-seated obsession with control. As a result, each episode of the Netflix original often stands alone in its storytelling while still feeling connected to the broader narrative tapestry.

The notable exception to this standalone format is “USS Callister,” which marks the first episode of Black Mirror to receive a sequel in season 7. While no other episodes have spawned direct sequels or spin-offs, they frequently reference each other in various ways. Season 7 amplifies this trend, artfully embedding numerous intentional callbacks and Easter eggs that link its new narratives to those from earlier seasons.

18

Amanda References Autonomous Bees from “Hated In The Nation” Episode

Episode 1, “Common People”

In the inaugural episode of season 7, “Common People,” Rashida Jones portrays Amanda, a dedicated school teacher. During a pivotal lesson, she makes a fleeting mention of autonomous bees, a clear nod to the final episode of season 3, “Hated In The Nation.” In that earlier episode, Autonomous Drone Insects (ADIs) are deployed in response to an environmental crisis that nearly wipes out bee populations. This clever reference has sparked theories among viewers, suggesting that Amanda’s brain tumor may be linked to a bee becoming lodged in her brain, showcasing the interconnectedness of the show’s storylines and its deep thematic explorations.

The sophisticated synthetic brain technology introduced in “Common People” is exclusively available to individuals with significant brain injuries. The logistics of identifying such individuals and convincing them to adopt this expensive technology raises questions about its viability. It leads to speculation that the autonomous bees from “Hated in the Nation” might have been used to inflict brain damage on several people, coercing them into subscribing to the synthetic brain service.

17

Amanda and Mike Dine at The Juniper Restaurant

Episode 1, “Common People”

In “Common People,” Amanda and Mike’s preferred dining spot is The Juniper. While this could simply be coincidental, the name of the restaurant is strikingly similar to that of one of Black Mirror‘s most celebrated episodes, “San Junipero,” suggesting a deliberate connection between the two.

16

A Theater Showcases “Hotel Reverie”

Episode 1, “Common People”

“Hotel Reverie” appears as the third episode in Black Mirror season 7, centering around an actor who participates in a remake of a beloved romance film set in an AI-generated reality. Observant viewers may notice that Amanda and Mike pass a theater displaying “Hotel Reverie,” directly linking episode 1 with episode 3.

15

“Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)” Featured in Multiple Episodes

Episode 1, “Common People”

During their visit to The Juniper, Amanda and Mike encounter a couple performing Irma Thomas’s classic song, “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is.” This track is not new to Black Mirror, having previously appeared in episodes such as “Joan is Awful,” “Men Against Fire,” and “White Christmas,” each time enhancing the emotional landscape of the narrative.

14

“Ditta” Serves as a Recurrent Brand Name in the Series

Episode 1, “Common People”

Amanda promotes honey candies produced by a company named Ditta in episode 1. This name resurfaces in season 7’s episode 2, “Bête Noire,” where it is revealed that Maria works for the same company. Additionally, a vending machine in the hospital where Amanda is later admitted bears the Ditta brand name, creating a strong narrative connection between episodes 1 and 2.

13

The Tuckersoft Building is Visible Near Ditta

Episode 2, “Bête Noire”

The company Tuckersoft, featured in the interactive film Bandersnatch, has been mentioned multiple times throughout Black Mirror. In season 7’s episode 2, the presence of the Tuckersoft building is evident, reinforcing the idea that both Tuckersoft and Ditta operate within the same narrative universe, connecting various plotlines.

12

WayHaven Travel Hotel is Featured Briefly

Episode 2, “Bête Noire”

In Black Mirror season 7’s second episode, viewers get a brief look at Verity’s work experience through a LinkedIn profile snapshot. This profile indicates her prior employment at WayHaven Travel hotel, which was originally mentioned in season 3’s episode 3, “Shut Up and Dance,” further enhancing the interconnectedness of the series’ narrative threads.

11

Bernie’s Chicken Undergoes a Mandela Effect Name Change

Episode 2, “Bête Noire”

The fast-food chain Bernie’s Chicken has been referenced in multiple Black Mirror episodes, including “Joan is Awful,” “Shut Up and Dance,” “White Christmas,” and “Metal Head.” In season 7’s episode 2, Verity intentionally alters the restaurant’s name to “Barnies” for a humorous debate about its spelling, showcasing the series’ clever use of cultural references.

10

Joan Is Awful’s Quantum Computing Device is Referenced

Episode 2, “Bête Noire”

In the climactic moments of “Bête Noire,” Verity mentions the use of a “quantum compiler” to shift realities. This device mirrors the quantum computing technology employed by Streamberry in “Joan is Awful,” showcasing the continuity in the show’s technological themes.

9

A Character Wears a Space Fleet T-Shirt

Episode 3, “Hotel Reverie”

A character in the control room of the central movie in “Hotel Reverie” is seen wearing a Space Fleet t-shirt. This fictional TV series within the Black Mirror universe inspired Jesse Plemons’ character, Robert Daly, to create the central video game in “USS Callister.” Notably, Robert also sports a Space Fleet t-shirt during his encounter with Nanette in Black Mirror season 7’s “USS Callister: Into Infinity.”

8

Hotel Reverie Reborn Premieres on Streamberry

Episode 3, “Hotel Reverie”

The eponymous film from Black Mirror season 7’s episode 3, Hotel Reverie Reborn, is released on the fictional streaming service, Streamberry. This platform was first introduced in season 6’s episode 1, “Joan Is Awful,” and made a subsequent appearance in “Loch Henry,” where a documentary created by the protagonist is featured, further expanding the fictional media landscape of the series.

7

Pia from Loch Henry is Referenced

Episode 3, “Hotel Reverie”

The character Pia, who meets a tragic end in season 6’s “Loch Henry,” is subtly referenced in “Hotel Reverie.” A scene shows Brandy watching a video uploaded to Pia’s official YouTube channel, creating a poignant link between the two narratives.

6

Tuckersoft Plays a Pivotal Role in the Black Mirror Universe

Episode 3, “Hotel Reverie”

Tuckersoft, often abbreviated as “TCKR,” has established itself as a prominent electronics manufacturer within the Black Mirror universe, appearing in episodes like “Bandersnatch,” “Playtest,” and “San Junipero.” In season 7’s episode 3, Tuckersoft is identified as the creator of the advanced computers utilized to develop the titular film, underscoring its influence in the overarching narrative.

5

Brandy Receives a Package Addressed “Junipero”

Episode 3, “Hotel Reverie”

In a noteworthy moment, Kimmy sends a package to Brandy’s residence in Black Mirror season 7’s episode 3. The package explicitly labels Brandy’s address as “Junipero Drive,” serving as a significant callback to the beloved “San Junipero” episode, reinforcing the series’ enduring themes of nostalgia and memory.

4

Posters of Various In-Universe Games Are Visible

Episode 4, “Plaything”

As “Plaything” functions as a loose sequel to Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, it incorporates numerous elements from the interactive film, including the character Colin Ritman, portrayed by Will Poulter, alongside the overarching Tuckersoft company. The episode prominently displays a poster for Bandersnatch II, implying that a sequel to the dark interactive game is in development at Tuckersoft. In addition, a brief appearance of a poster for Striking Vipers II hints at the continuation of the game featured in season 5’s episode 1, further deepening the interconnected lore.

3

The Company Behind the Playtest Game is Referenced

Episode 6, “USS Callister: Into Infinity”

When Nanette encounters Jesse Plemons’ character, Daly, in the Heart of Infinity, he is surrounded by an array of Space Fleet merchandise, which fuels his ambition to advance his game development. However, a closer inspection of one of the shelves reveals a box labeled “SaitoGemu,” which is the same company known for testing its perilous immersive gaming technology on the character Cooper in Black Mirror season 3’s episode 2, “Playtest,” illustrating the series’ intricate connections.

2

Nanette Finds Herself in St. Juniper Hospital

Episode 6, “USS Callister: Into Infinity”

After tracking down the human version of Nanette, Daly discovers that she ended up in St. Juniper Hospital following an accident. This detail continues the show’s tradition of referencing the “San Junipero” episode through various fictionalized location names, further enriching the narrative tapestry of Black Mirror.

1

A News Ticker References Numerous In-Universe Events

Episode 6, “USS Callister: Into Infinity”

The climactic conclusion of “USS Callister: Into Infinity” features a news broadcast detailing the criminal charges against Walton’s human counterpart. The news ticker at the bottom of the screen provides a plethora of references to earlier Black Mirror episodes, including:

• The official announcement of Hotel Reverie’s release on Streamberry.
• The discovery of the talisman from “Demon 79.”
• PM Michael Callow’s enrollment in Celebrity Vet School, stemming from “The National Anthem.”
• The resignation of RiverMind’s CTO from “Common People.”