But there's a question mark over UK availability

Charlie Brooker is to create 12 more episodes of Black Mirror for Netflix – but they won’t initially be available in the UK and Ireland.

The order confirms reports that the on-demand broadcaster had secured rights, after airing the previous series and Christmas special in the States.

Brooker has started writing the new episodes, which are scheduled to begin production in late 2015 in the UK.

He said: ‘It’s all very exciting - a whole new bunch of Black Mirror episodes on the most fitting platform imaginable. Netflix connects us with a global audience so that we can create bigger, stranger, more international and diverse stories than before, whilst maintaining that Black Mirror feel. I just hope none of these new story ideas come true.’

The comment can be seen as a reference to the 2011 episode in which the Prime Minister was forced to have sex with a pig in order to free a kidnapped princess. When reports of David Cameron putting his private parts in a pig’s mouth as part of an Oxford University initiation ceremony emerged this week, Brooker tweeted: ‘ Turns out Black Mirror is a documentary series.’

Brooker and Annabel Jones will continue to serve as executive producers and show runners for the new episodes though their production company House of Tomorrow.

Cindy Holland, vice president of original content for Netflix. said: ‘Charlie has created a one-of-a-kind series with an uncanny voice and prescient, darkly comedic vision. We’re tremendously proud to bring Black Mirror to our members as a Netflix original series.’

The premiere date and episode rollout will be announced at a later date. But Netflix say: ‘The series will premiere internationally in all Netflix territories outside the UK and Ireland, where plans are still being determined.’

It is possible there are rights issues in the UK since Channel 4 aired the first seven episodes. It has previously been reported that the broadcaster has a ‘first look’ deal with Netflix.

Black Mirror has won an international Emmy Award, a Peabody Award, a Rose D’Or and been nominated for a Bafta.

Published: 25 Sep 2015