This exciting multiverse thriller on Apple TV is finally back for season 2
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As the weeks and months go by, streaming services continue to build their first-party libraries of shows and movies. But while Netflix, Prime Video, and other major platforms spent their time dabbling in every possible genre with mixed results, Apple TV has become an originator of high-quality sci-fi entertainment. In fact, Apple TV has one of the best original sci-fi libraries around. The media giant is home to some of the most prominent series in the genre in recent years, including the mind-splitting Severance, the dystopian series Silo, an alt-history space race saga depicted in For All Mankind, and even a deep, lore-heavy dive into the world of King Kong and Godzilla with the series Monarch.
In 2024, Apple TV debuted another standout sci-fi original: Dark Matter. The series stars Joel Edgerton (The Green Knight, Warrior), Jennifer Connelly (Top Gun: Maverick, Alita: Battle Angel), and Alice Braga (Elysium, Hypnotic), and deals with the mind-bending prospect of an ever-expanding multiverse. The series is based on the novel of the same name authored by Blake Crouch. Critics and audiences both agreed that the first season is a thrill, with a tomatometer score of 81% and an average popcornmeter of 80% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Dark Matter Season 2 is primed and ready to go this month
Jason Dessen's interdimensional journey continues
Fans eager to see more of Dark Matter won't have to wait long. The next season lands on Apple TV on August 28th. The first season largely followed the arc of the novel and lasted 9 episodes. Season 2 is expected to top that slightly with a 10-episode season. Those who are not used to Apple TV's typical episode release system should be aware that binging the sophomore season won't be in the cards until after the final episode drops in October. That's right, Apple TV will release the first episode of the season on August 28th. From there, a new episode will be available to stream every Friday until the finale's release date of October 30th.
Dark Matter's debut season proved to be one of Apple TV's most riveting sci-fi series. It's a story that weaves themes of interdimensional travel with both mystery and a healthy dosage of social and familial drama. It'll appeal to audiences who enjoy a good mind-bending thriller as well as those who love a solid character-centric drama. The main series cast will return for season 2, which will continue the story where season 1 left off.
Season 2 promises an expanded look at the multiverse
The Dessen family's troubles are not over
The first season of Dark Matter introduced us to Jason Dessen (Edgerton), a quantum physicist who develops a box that uses superposition to enable interdimensional travel. On a meta level, it's a direct correlation to the concept of Erwin Schrödinger’s cat, a thought experiment wherein a cat placed in a box could be both alive and dead until the box is opened with a determined eventuality. Dessen's box allows travelers to walk inside while then leaving the possibility of what worlds exist on the outside of the box to be infinite variations until they finally emerge. The concept of alternate realities at play in Dark Matter doesn't just include world variations, but also people variations. There are many versions of the same person across each world that has lived different lives and experiences. It's a unique plot device that gives the actors in the series a chance to embody multiple versions of their characters with different motives or personalities.
Fans of the novel likely understand that season 1 encompassed the entirety of Crouch's novel. Since no sequel novel exists, season 2 is an entirely original continuation of the story. No need to fear, however. The author is heavily involved with season 2. In fact, Crouch takes on multiple key roles, including executive producer, showrunner and writer alongside other producers. With that in mind, season 2 is, essentially, the sequel fans have been wanting.
If the trailer is any indication, season 2 is going to be big. The Dessens' quest for peace and safety is top of mind as threats from the multiverse continually materialize. There is no doubt that we will see the return of several major characters alongside their multiverse variants. Not only that, but it seems that this season will dive deeper into the fabric of the multiverse and our understanding of its mechanics within the world of Dark Matter. It's a narrative where the devil is absolutely in the details. Therefore, you might consider rewatching the first season to refresh yourself on all those juicy tidbits before season 2 comes along. I know I will.