Black Mirror Season 7: Creators Gaslight Netflix Viewers with Alternate Cut

Season 7 of Black Mirror has taken an intriguing turn, blending its notorious gaslighting themes with a unique experience for Netflix viewers. In a remarkable twist, the series appears to present distinct versions of a pivotal scene to different households, thus leaving audiences questioning their realities.

While the shock value associated with Black Mirror and its thought-provoking commentary on future technology may have slightly diminished over the years, Season 7 remains intense. Each episode brings its own shade of melancholy, and one in particular is redefining the viewing experience due to a curious phenomenon.

Maria investigates online during Black Mirror Season 7. — Netflix

What variations are you spotting on your screen during Black Mirror Season 7?

The Gaslighting Effect of Bête Noire in Black Mirror Season 7

Have you ever heard of the Mandela Effect? It describes that peculiar moment when you are completely convinced of a memory, only to discover it differs from reality. This very notion drives the narrative of Episode 2, titled Bête Noire.

The story follows Maria, a researcher who begins to experience a subtle yet disorienting gaslighting effect. This starts during a heated exchange with her colleagues when a debate arises regarding the name of a local fast-food restaurant. Maria firmly believes it is named Bernies, whereas her team insists it has always been referred to as Barnies.

Even when Maria recalls her boyfriend wearing a hat adorned with the Bernies logo, the tensions rise. Ultimately, her colleagues check online and confirm Barnies as the correct name—an outcome that is not universal among all viewers.

Interestingly, it seems that Netflix has modified the scene for different audiences. Viewers are reporting seeing varying names on the screen—some see Barnies, while others see Bernies, creating a divide among fans.

So my friend and I were watching the new Black Mirror episode “Bête Noire” and we noticed that there was a stark difference between our episodes… even the viewers are getting gaslit at 16:40! #BlackMirrorS7 pic.twitter.com/G2Ne1SuvJV

— Vastolorde | AKIO 🫡💖🇺🇸 (@actualakio) April 10, 2025

barnies https://t.co/TaS4MzrXam

— Black Mirror (@blackmirror) April 11, 2025

To add to the mystery, after Netflix tweeted about Bernies, the official Black Mirror account responded with a nod to Barnies, further blurring the lines between reality and fiction. Viewers are left wondering what is authentic and what is deceptive. While we won’t reveal more about the episode’s climax, it’s clear that Netflix is playing whimsically with audience expectations, elevating the gaslighting theme of Season 7 to a new and compelling level.

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