Black Mirror has hidden a QR code in one of their season 7 promo posters. But what happens when you scan it?
Black Mirror has hidden a QR code in one of their season 7 promo posters. But what happens when you scan it? It might just reveal a new mystery project...
A Hidden Message
Black Mirror season 7 is on its way and already being heavily promoted by Netflix. In a promotional poster for one of the new episodes, Plaything, fans have found a hidden QR code.
Having trouble finding the code? Look closely under the Netflix logo. If your phone's camera has trouble scanning the code (like mine), don't worry. u/LoricGarde in the Black Mirror subreddit was nice enough to trace the code, facilitating the scanning:
What Happens Upon Scanning?
If you scan the code, it will open an app store and take you to an app called "TCK96". However, apart from reading the app description, there's not a lot you can do with it right now because the release date is set to April 12 - 2 days after the release of season 7.
The app description is pretty long, but here is a relevant excerpt:
Recovered from a recently rediscovered internal backup disc leaked in the 2000s. Seems this was a higher up's own personal 'high pri' backup disc? Cancellation memos etc. included though redacted. Must have been juicy if you redact documentation on your own backup?? Need to get the emulator/software stable before all features can be listed. Shocking they didn't release it though, extremely advanced AI for its era. - TCK96 app description
And further:
I have an old VHS of the TV doc and it's degraded to the point I could only pull a few clips. From the interview, it seems pretty revealing?? Pls post clips on reddit if you have any. I have an alert set up. Pre-order to be the first to see this piece of British digital history! - TCK96 app description
It also says the app lets you "Experience 'experimental software' from 1996" – of course, this is most likely made up by the show, but it acts like old, secret data is about to be revealed. The description is signed by "GR0NTH" – could this be the name of a character in the episode?
What Is TCK96?
So what does TCK96 stand for? Unfortunately, nothing has been revealed/confirmed by Black Mirror, but u/Opening_Education718 on Reddit pointed out that it might stand for "Tucker Industries", a fictional company mentioned in the episodes San Junipero and Archangel.
Since the app description does indeed mention company documents, this theory might be on the right track! While every episode (so far) has an independent story and new characters, there are regular references to previous episodes, insinuating that at least some Black Mirror stories take place in the same universe.
An Unexpected Return
Speaking of episodes taking place in the same universe, Plaything might be one of those: It stars Will Poulter, who will reprise his role as Colin Ritman from the interactive film Bandersnatch, at least according to the episode's IMDb page.
Considering that Bandersnatch revolved around video game developers, the title Plaything would fit thematically. Bandersnatch's main character Stefan isn't mentioned, so it might be a different story overall, but with at least one character connecting the two and confirming a shared universe.
Together with USS Callister: Into Infinity, this would be the first time Black Mirror connects episodes story-wise since every other implication was limited to certain symbols or names.
don't freak out pic.twitter.com/aOD3sACRZo
— Black Mirror (@blackmirror) March 31, 2025
Are you looking forward to the new season? Do you prefer connected or independent episodes? What do you think the TCK96 app will be about?