Charlie Brooker, the author of E4's BAFTA nominated Dead Set, returns with a new three-part 60 minute mini-series. Charlie has written two of the three films with the third written by Jesse Armstrong (Peep Show, The Thick of It, Four Lions).

Over the last ten years, technology has transformed almost every aspect of our lives before we've had time to stop and question it.

In every home; on every desk; in every palm - a plasma screen; a monitor; a Smartphone - a black mirror of our 21st Century existence. Our grip on reality is shifting. We worship at the altars of Google and Apple. Facebook algorithms know us more intimately than our own parents. We have access to all the information in the world, but no brain space left to absorb anything longer than a 140-character tweet.

Black Mirror is a contemporary British re-working of The Twilight Zone with stories that tap into the collective unease about our modern world. The three stand alone dramas are sharp, suspenseful, satirical tales with a techno-paranoia bent.

Episode 1

National Anthem

The first episode is a political thriller in which fictional Prime Minister Michael Callow faces a huge and shocking dilemma when Princess Susannah, a much-loved member of the Royal Family, is kidnapped.

Jane Callow played by Anna Wilson-Jones, Julian Hereford played by Donald Sumpter, Alex Cairns played by Lindsay Duncan, Princess Susannah played by Lydia Wilson, PM Michael Callow played by Rory Kinnear and Tom Blice played by Tom Goodman-Hill.

Episode 2

15 Million Merits

Set in a sarcastic version of a future reality, 15 Million Merits is a satire on entertainment shows and our insatiable thirst for distraction.

In this world, everyone is confined to a life of strange physical drudgery. The only way to escape this life is to enter the Hot Shot talent show and just pray you can impress the judges.

Bing is played by Daniel Kaluuya, Abi by Jessica Brown-Findlay, Judge Hope by Rupert Everett, Judge Charity by Julia Davis and Judge Wraith by Ashley Tomas.

Episode 3

The Entire History of You

The Entire History of You is set in an alternate reality where everyone has access to a system which records everything they do, see or hear. You need never forget a face, a holiday or a night out again... but is that always good thing?

Liam is played by Tom Cullen, Ffion by Jodie Whittaker and Jonas by Toby Kebbell.

Channel 4 drama series Black Mirror

Three standalone stories about the effects of technology on our society

Starring Lindsay Duncan, Rory Kinnear, Rupert Everett, Julia Davis, Tom Cullen, Jodie Whittaker and Toby Kebbell.

Cast of National Anthem including Rory Kinnear

The DVD will be issued after the series has aired.