Black Mirror Season 7: “Common People” Overview
As a hallmark of dark storytelling, Black Mirror captivates audiences with unsettling narratives, masterfully brought to life by an impressive cast. The much-anticipated seventh season premiered on Netflix in April 2025, and the inaugural episode, “Common People,” remains faithful to the show’s signature blend of science fiction, horror, and suspense. Creator Charlie Brooker’s vision continues to explore the uneasy relationship between humanity and rapidly advancing technology, illustrating scenarios that blur the lines between reality and dystopia.
Episode Synopsis: A Life-Altering Decision
The episode centers on Amanda and Mike, a married couple facing a profound crisis when Amanda is diagnosed with a brain tumor. In a bid to save her life, Mike opts for RiverMind, an experimental medical treatment. Initially a beacon of hope, the treatment soon escalates into a financial burden that exacerbates tensions in their marriage and disrupts their personal lives. “Common People” features a cast of notable actors, most famous for their comedic performances, which provides an intriguing contrast to the episode’s grim themes.
Cast and Characters
Actor |
Character |
---|---|
Rashida Jones |
Amanda |
Chris O’Dowd |
Mike |
Tracee Ellis Ross |
Gaynor |
Rashida Jones as Amanda
Date of Birth: February 25, 1976

Biography: Born in Los Angeles, Rashida Jones launched her career in 1997 through the miniseries The Last Don. She gained prominence playing Louisa Fenn on Boston Public and is well-recognized for her comedic roles as Karen Filippelli in The Office and Ann Perkins in Parks and Recreation. Her filmography includes popular titles like The Social Network and Klaus.
In addition to her acting career, Jones showcased her writing skills by co-authoring the critically acclaimed episode “Nosedive” from Black Mirror Season 3.
Notable Movies & TV Shows
Movie/TV Show |
Year |
---|---|
Boston Public |
2000 |
The Office |
2006 |
Parks and Recreation |
2009 |
I Love You, Man |
2009 |
The Social Network |
2010 |
The Muppets |
2011 |
Klaus |
2019 |
BlackAF |
2020 |
Silo |
2023 |
Chris O’Dowd as Mike
Date of Birth: October 9, 1979

Biography: Irish actor Chris O’Dowd launched his career in 2003 with the drama Red Cap. He gained notoriety for his role as Roy Trenneman in The IT Crowd, leading to numerous comedic roles across both film and television. His impressive roster includes appearances in Your Highness, Bridesmaids, and Thor: The Dark World.
Notable Movies & TV Shows
Movie/TV Show |
Year |
---|---|
The IT Crowd |
2006 |
Bridesmaids |
2011 |
This Is 40 |
2012 |
Girls |
2012 |
Moone Boy |
2012 |
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children |
2016 |
Loving Vincent |
2017 |
The Cloverfield Paradox |
2018 |
State of the Union |
2019 |
Big Mouth |
2022 |
Tracee Ellis Ross as Gaynor
Date of Birth: October 29, 1972

Biography: Tracee Ellis Ross began her acting career in 1996 with the film Far Harbor, but truly gained recognition as Joan Clayton in the hit series Girlfriends. She is widely acclaimed for her role as Dr. Rainbow Johnson in Black-ish, Grown-ish, and Mixed-ish, with notable film roles in The High Note and American Fiction.
Notable Movies & TV Shows
Movie/TV Show |
Year |
---|---|
Girlfriends |
2000 |
Labor Pains |
2009 |
Black-ish |
2014 |
Grown-ish |
2018 |
Mixed-ish |
2019 |
The High Note |
2020 |
American Fiction |
2023 |
Character: In this episode, Gaynor serves as a representative of RiverMind, actively pursuing Mike as a patient. She plays a pivotal role, offering not only treatment updates but also navigating the emotional complexities linked to Amanda’s health.