Netflix has finally released the first teaser trailer for Black Mirror Season 6, indicating the return of the acclaimed dystopian anthology series after a four-year hiatus.

Fans are eager to see another set of dark societal issues unfold under the guidance of Charlie Brooker. However, the question remains: what caused the lengthy break between seasons?

Black Mirror's fifth season premiered in June 2019, with no news about the series' future until May 2022. The global pandemic began the following year, causing numerous TV series and film productions to halt. Brooker found it challenging to create stories about collapsing societies amidst the devastating impact of COVID-19.

"I don't know what stomach there would be for stories about societies falling apart," Brooker told Radio Times.

Apart from the pandemic, Screen Rant highlighted that intellectual property (IP) rights were the primary reason for Black Mirror Season 6's delay. The Endemol Shine Group initially owned the rights to the series. Brooker and Annabel Jones worked for the production company but later left to establish their own. They were unable to take the series' rights with them, and negotiations between Netflix and Endemol were unsuccessful.

Banijay acquired Endemol and, in turn, the rights to Black Mirror. Netflix made another attempt to negotiate with Banijay, and rumors of a USS Callister spinoff began circulating in 2021, but no agreement was reached. Despite occasional updates, deals for Black Mirror Season 6 remained stagnant.

According to Variety, Netflix finally renewed the series for a sixth season in May 2022 after securing a deal with Banijay. Brooker and Jones, despite founding their own company, remained involved in the new season's development.

Production for Season 6 commenced the same month, with filming under the code name "Red Book" to maintain secrecy, as reported by What's on Netflix.

After a four-year wait, fans can anticipate Black Mirror Season 6's arrival on Netflix in June.