Black Mirror released its seventh season on Netflix in April 2025, and it stays true to the show’s style. Black Mirror has 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 ed for comedic roles.

Rashida Jones as Amanda

Date of Birth: February 25, 1976

• Active Since: 1997

Actor: Rashida Jones was born in Los Angeles, California. Jones’ acting career began in 1997 on TV with the miniseries The Last Don, and her big break arrived in 2000 when she was cast as Louisa Fenn in the drama series Boston Public. However, Jones is now best known for her comedic roles, most notably Karen Filippelli in The Office, Ann Perkins in Parks and Recreation, and Joya Barris in BlackAF. On the big screen, Jones’ credits include I Love You, Man, The Social Network, The Muppets, and Klaus.

Rashida Jones co-wrote Black Mirror season 3’s episode “Nosedive”, alongside Michael Schur.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

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.

Chris O’Dowd as Mike

Date of Birth: October 9, 1979

• Active Since: 2003

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 series Red Cap and the drama movie Conspiracy of Silence. O’Dowd broke big when he was cast as Roy Trenneman in The 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 are Girls, Moone Boy, State of the Union, and Big Mouth, while on the big screen, some of his biggest movies are Gulliver’s Travels, Bridesmaids, This is 40, Thor: The Dark World, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, Loving Vincent, and The Cloverfield Paradox.

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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: October 29, 1972

• Active Since: 1996

Actor: Tracee Ellis Ross was born in Los Angeles, California. Ross’ career started in 1996 with the drama movie Far Harbor, but her big break arrived in 2000 when she was cast as Joan Clayton in the sitcom Girlfriends. In addition to that, Ross is best known for playing Dr. Rainbow Johnson in the sitcoms Black-ish, Grown-ish, and Mixed-ish. On the big screen, Ross played Kristin in Labor Pains, Grace in The High Note, and Lisa in American Fiction.

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Character: Gaynor is a representative and patient of RiverMind. She’s the one who sells the treatment to Mike and follows up Amanda’s case, offering upgrades, boosters, and more that require not just money but also effort.