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Last updated on the 26 March 2024 by Evandrus
Mini Biography
Born: 3 March 1971, Reading, Berkshire, England.Â
Charlie Brooker, born Charlton Brooker grew up in a relaxed Quaker household in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, Oxfordshire. His parents, who were fans of the sitcom ‘Bewitched,’ named him after a character from the show, and his sister Samantha after its main character. As a teenager, Brooker’s creative flair emerged when he worked as a writer and cartoonist for ‘Oink!’, a comic produced in the late 1980s.
Charlie Brooker attended Wallingford School before moving on to the Polytechnic of Central London, which became the University of Westminster during his final year. He pursued a BA in Media Studies but famously did not graduate because his dissertation on video games was not deemed an acceptable topic at the time. This unconventional approach to academia reflected his later career, where he often challenged societal norms.
Charlie Brooker’s career in television began with his work as a cartoonist, creating adverts for the second-hand video game retailer CeX. His transition to writing came after his cartoons caught the attention of PC Zone magazine. Brooker’s unique blend of satire and social criticism led him to write for comedy series such as ‘Brass Eye,’ ‘The 11 O’Clock Show,’ and ‘Nathan Barley.’ However, it is his creation and co-showrunning of the sci-fi drama anthology series ‘Black Mirror’ that stands as a highlight of his career. The series has received critical acclaim for its thought-provoking content and innovative storytelling.
Charlie Brooker has also presented several television shows, including ‘Screenwipe,’ ‘Gameswipe,’ ‘Newswipe,’ ‘Weekly Wipe,’ and ’10 O’Clock Live.’ His sharp wit and incisive commentary have made him a distinctive voice in British media. Additionally, he wrote the 2008 horror drama series ‘Dead Set,’ which combined his love for satire with the horror genre.
In his personal life, Brooker is married to Konnie Huq, a television presenter and writer, in 2010. The couple have two children. Brooker’s personal experiences often influence his work, as seen in his social criticism pieces for The Guardian and his role as one of the four creative directors of the production company Zeppotron.
Charlie Brooker’s journey from a comic writer to a respected satirist and television creator showcases his ability to critique and reflect on modern society through various media forms. His work continues to resonate with audiences, offering a mirror to the often dystopian realities of our world.
WINNER | Television: Comedy and Comedy Entertainment Programme for Cunk on Shakespeare (2017) Production team: Charlie Brooker, Annabel Jones, Sam Ward, Lorry Powles
Suggested viewing
Black Mirror (2011)
Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 8.7 Black Mirror is a science fiction anthology series that explores the dark side of our technological dependence. Each episode dives into a standalone story set in a bleak near-future where advanced technology has twisted society in unsettling ways. Themes like social media obsession, pervasive surveillance and artificial intelligence run amok are common threads. The series uses these scenarios to hold up a mirror to our own world, prompting viewers to question how our current relationship with technology could potentially lead us down a nightmarish path. |
Charlie Brooker’s Anti-Viral Wipe (2020)
Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 8.4 Charlie Brooker’s Anti-Viral Wipe was a one-off television special that used humour and social commentary to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hosted by Brooker, the program explored how the virus affected various aspects of life, from the media’s portrayal of the crisis to the public’s response and the resulting changes in everyday routines. Through a combination of sketches, interviews and monologues, the special aimed to spark reflection and discussion about the unique challenges and societal transformations brought on by the global pandemic. |
Screenwipe (2006)
Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 8.8 Screenwipe was a British television review program known for its sharp wit and critical commentary. Hosted by Charlie Brooker, the show took a satirical look at British television, analysing popular shows, genres and the broader culture of television production. Brooker used humour and insightful observations to explore various aspects of television, from its impact on society to the inner workings of the industry. He frequently delved into lesser-known corners of television, like shopping channels and reality shows, offering a unique perspective on the entire spectrum of televised entertainment. |
Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe (2013)
Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 8.6 Charlie Brooker’s Weekly Wipe was a British satirical news program that aired for three seasons, offering a critical and humorous look at current events, technology and society. Hosted by Charlie Brooker, the show used dark humour, irony and social commentary to dissect the week’s news. Each episode featured various segments, including Brooker’s monologues, satirical news reports, interviews with guests and recurring sections like “World of Bullshit” and “World of Shitverts,” which mocked the absurdity of everyday occurrences and commercials. Though the show ended in 2020, it remains a notable example of sharp wit and social commentary applied to the ever-changing landscape of news and media. |
Full filmography (@Wikipedia)
Charlie Brooker Gallery
