Black Mirrorhas stood out for its bleak stories told with the help of talented and well-known actors, and season 7’s first episode, “Common People”, isn’t the exception. Created by Charlie Brooker, the British anthology TV seriesBlack Mirrorreleased its seventh seasonon Netflix in April 2025, and it stays true to the show’s style.Black Mirrorhas stood out for its combination of sci-fi, horror, and suspense, presenting scenarios in perhaps not-so-distant futures where technology has advanced to sometimes extremes – and season 7’s first episode, “Common People”, stays true to the essence of the show.
“Common People” follows married couple Amanda and Mike. When Amanda has a medical emergency due to a brain tumor, Mike is offered an experimental treatment called RiverMind, which will save her life but for a price. Although they struggle to afford it at first, RiverMind’s constant updates force them to pay more and more, which has disturbing effects not just on their marriage but on their personal lives, too. “Common People” stars some well-known actors, who, surprisingly, are best remembered for comedic roles.
Rashida Jones as Amanda
Date of Birth: June 15, 2025
Actor:Rashida Jones was born in Los Angeles, California. Jones’ acting career began in 1997 on TV with the miniseriesThe Last Don, and her big break arrived in 2000 when she was cast as Louisa Fenn in the drama seriesBoston Public. However,Jones is now best known for her comedic roles, most notably Karen Filippelli inThe Office, Ann Perkins inParks and Recreation, and Joya Barris inBlackAF. On the big screen, Jones’ credits includeI Love You, Man,The Social Network,The Muppets, andKlaus.
2000
2006
Parks and Recreation
2009
2010
2011
2019
2020
Silo
2023
Character:Amanda has a brain tumor, and the prognosis isn’t good. However, Mike accepts an experimental treatment for her that allows her to live, but at a great cost – and not just financially.
Common People Ending Explained: What Happens To Amanda & Mike?
Black Mirror season 7 starts strong with “Common People”, which introduces a streaming service that keeps people alive, but at a very high price.
Chris O’Dowd as Mike
Date of Birth: Jun 30, 2025
Actor:Chris O’Dowd was born in Boyle, County Roscommon, Ireland. O’Dowd’s career began in 2003 in an episode of the British drama seriesRed Capand the drama movieConspiracy of Silence.O’Dowd broke big when he was cast as Roy Trenneman inThe IT Crowd, and he has since stood out for his comedic roles in movies and TV.
On TV, some of O’Dowd’s most notable projects areGirls,Moone Boy,State of the Union, andBig Mouth, while on the big screen, some of his biggest movies areGulliver’s Travels,Bridesmaids,This is 40,Thor: The Dark World,Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,Loving Vincent, andThe Cloverfield Paradox.
2012
2016
2017
2018
State of the Union
Big Mouth
2022
Character:Mike is Amanda’s husband, who agrees to the RiverMind treatment and goes to extreme lengths to pay for the upgrades needed to improve her quality of life.
Tracee Ellis Ross as Gaynor
Date of Birth: June 04, 2025
Actor:Tracee Ellis Ross was born in Los Angeles, California. Ross’ career started in 1996 with the drama movieFar Harbor, but her big break arrived in 2000 whenshe was cast as Joan Clayton in the sitcomGirlfriends. In addition to that, Ross is best known for playing Dr. Rainbow Johnson in the sitcomsBlack-ish,Grown-ish, andMixed-ish. On the big screen, Ross played Kristin inLabor Pains, Grace inThe High Note, and Lisa inAmerican Fiction.
2014
American Fiction
Character:Gaynor is a representative and patient of RiverMind.She’s the one who sells the treatment to Mikeand follows up Amanda’s case, offering upgrades, boosters, and more that require not just money but also effort.
