Every streaming platform eventually carves out its own identity. Netflix revolutionized binge-watching, while Prime Video, Disney+, and Paramount+ lean heavily into genre and franchise territory. For Apple TV, science fiction has become its crown jewel, with hits like Severance and Silo dominating conversations. Yet one of its most compelling offerings often flies under the radar: Dark Matter.
Based on Blake Crouch's novel, Dark Matter stars Joel Edgerton as Jason Dessen, a physics professor whose life seems perfect—a loving wife (Jennifer Connelly), a brilliant best friend (Jimmi Simpson), and a fulfilling career. But that idyllic existence shatters when a masked stranger kidnaps him. The twist? The kidnapper is his doppelgänger from an alternate reality, intent on stealing his life. Stranded in a parallel world, Jason must navigate a labyrinth of realities to find his way home, aided by Amanda (Alice Braga), his counterpart's girlfriend.
A Character-Driven Multiverse
Multiverse stories are nothing new—from Sliders to the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday—but Dark Matter distinguishes itself by prioritizing emotional depth over spectacle. The series explores how both Jasons respond to their circumstances: Jason 1 fights desperately to return to his family, while Jason 2 makes selfish choices that harm the family he usurped. Edgerton masterfully differentiates the two versions, making each feel like a distinct person. Crouch told Space.com that he wanted a grounded, character-driven approach to help audiences embrace the wilder concepts. "Sometimes the multiverse can be fun shock and awe," he said, "but for our characters, everyone is just shades of the same core character."
Season 2 Shifts Focus
The second season flips the narrative to Daniela, who grapples with the trauma of relocating her family to another dimension and accidentally killing an alternate Jason. Connelly delivers a powerhouse performance, especially in the episode "What The Universe Is Made Of," where she shares a poignant reunion with an alternate version of her stepfather (Gil Birmingham). That scene alone showcases why Dark Matter resonates—it's not just about parallel worlds but about the choices we make and the connections we forge.
Will There Be a Season 3?
Despite critical acclaim—Silo author Hugh Howey called it "the best show airing right now"—Apple TV has yet to announce a third season. The Season 2 finale leaves the door wide open, with Daniela searching alternate realities for her son Charlie. It would be a shame if Dark Matter doesn't continue, as it represents Apple TV at its finest: a stellar cast, a thought-provoking premise, and performances that linger long after the credits roll. Whether you're a die-hard sci-fi fan or just love a good thriller, this is a must-watch.
If you're hungry for more mind-bending thrillers, check out our list of underrated gems that deserve more attention. And for those who enjoy a good mystery, Harlan Coben's Safe remains a top pick on Netflix. For a different kind of sci-fi binge, Alexander Skarsgård's Murderbot is another excellent choice.
