Dark Matter was cancelled too soon by Syfy, but with the support of its creator and the fans it could be revived.
[Updated]
What Is It?
This series follows six people who wake up in stasis pods on the starship Raza with no memory of who they are or why they are on that ship. They take up the names of One through Six based on the order in which they left their pods while also discovering that an android is onboard who understands the functioning of the ship (but does not know why these six humans are there). As they seek answers to their situation, they start to discover that each has lived a troubled past, and that quickly catches up with them as they find themselves on the run in a hostile galaxy.
Aired: Syfy, 2015-17, 3 Seasons Totaling 39 Episodes
Starring: Marc Bendavid, Melissa O’Neil, Anthony Lemke, Alex Mallari Jr., Jodelle Ferland, Roger Cross
Created By: Joseph Mallozzi, Paul Mullie
Why Was It Cancelled?
Dark Matter debuted on Syfy with decent but not spectacular ratings, but the fact that this was a co-production with the Space channel helped to keep the show going its first few years. Its numbers slipped each season, though, and after its third year Syfy decided to pull the plug on the show. Co-creator Joseph Mallozzi elaborated on the situation in a blog post claiming that the cancellation came due to the declining numbers and the fact that the series was an acquisition. Since it was not owned by Syfy, the network would see little or nothing on future gains. The only money Syfy made on the show was based on advertising during the live broadcasts (as well as the digital viewing, though to a lesser extent) and the ratings did not bring in high enough ad revenue. Mallozzi offered to pitch the fourth season of the show to the network executives, but they were not interested. He had an overall five-season arc planned but indicated that he could do a wrap-up of the show with a six-episode mini-series.
How Did Fans Respond?
Despite the low Nielsen viewership numbers–which did not necessarily represent the full audience–Dark Matter had developed a notable and vocal fanbase. They immediately responded to the cancellation by taking to the social networks and staging multiple “tweetstorms” to get the show trending. They also put up an online petition which eventually reached over 77K signatures. The hope was that if Syfy would not reverse its cancellation then Netflix or one of the other streaming services would pick the show up. But despite a raucous campaign and plenty of publicity, the show remained cancelled at the three-season mark. Netflix did acquire the show for encore runs and it allegedly performed quite well on that service while it was available, but the story arc remains unfinished.
Can It Be Revived?
Dark Matter was cancelled in 2017, but there is still hope for a revival, especially since Joseph Mallozzi has remained closely involved with the property. In a blog post from August 2021, he indicated that he has worked out a six-part mini-series that could wrap up the show’s storylines and that he would pitch that to various venues. He gives the following description of how it would proceed:
Set three years after the events of Episode 313, a missing player returns with the key to thwarting a massive alien invasion. In order to defeat this formidable enemy, unlikely alliances will be forged, long-held secrets will be revealed, and the seeds of an even greater threat will be sown.
Nothing has come of that yet, but in a recent post on this site, I indicated that a revival of Dark Matter could draw some interest in the current television landscape as the networks look for safer properties to add to their scripted programming lineups. The show had a relatively moderate budget, especially compared to some of the big-dollar productions put out by the streaming services these days. And it brings a built-in audience that would certainly tune in for a new season that could wrap up the storylines and/or continue the adventures of the Raza.
That post sparked some interest among the fanbase, and it suggests that perhaps now is the time to get Dark Matter trending on the social networks again. In addition, the fans could stage watch parties (it is streaming for free on The CW’s website and app) to prove that this show does indeed have a notable audience that would tune in for new seasons. If those efforts were to get some traction, Mallozzi could use that to help with a pitch to one of the streaming services or maybe one of the linear networks (FX is still in the scripted game and may have an interest).
I believe this show has a decent chance of getting revived because of the involvement from its creator, the fan support, and the fact that it should count as an affordable scripted entry. It does not require a huge commitment money-wise and it should draw enough viewership that it could prove a good fit for a more cautious entertainment industry. If fans were to come together once again to help bring the show some attention, perhaps the story of the crew of the Raza could continue for another season or more.
Did you watch Dark Matter and would you support fan efforts to bring it back? Chime in below in the comments.
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Dark matter is One of the best television shows I ever watched period not just sci. Fi. But television shows. I think the secret is the quality of the character and the character interactions. Well thought-out plot. I’m not a action nut and detest unnecessary violence in movies/shows but the fight scenes are the best I ever seen in any venue and any violence
seems Obvious and well
placed and necessary. A+ All the way around period
Bring it back. Why do they always cancel the good sifi tv shows? At least add an end to it. Bring it back
Yes bring it back.
As so many others I say by all means bring back dark
matter.
Would love for Dark Matter to come back I missed out when it was Airing but I love this show already currently on Season 2 and would totally support the raza adventures return.
Pleeeease bring back Dark Matter for more adventures of the Raza and its crew. I can’t live without it 😞
This cancellation was what made me fully and completely thrown in the towel on the Sci-Fi Channel. That the goofy and far inferior Killjoys was renewed at the same time was just adding insult to injury. Never again Sci-Fi channel.
Showrunner Joe Mallozzi is right there with you. See the ultimate item on the list here: https://josephmallozzi.com/2018/06/26/june-26-2018-13-of-the-most-insidiously-evil-organizations/
I think it’s fsir to say, that with the support of a majorservice like Netflix or even Prime Video (which is where I watched it), this show could continue on and keep getting better and better with time as it has done for me and many other passionate viewers. I think with a little more advertising it could do so great!
I would say it could be up there even with some great shows like Star Trek and Firefly if given a proper chance..
Binge watched the show. So disappointing to end on such a high cliffhanger
Please make it happen. I love Dark Matter. Watched it a gazillion times. Need closer. Bring back the Android. For me, it was so much about the story lines but the chemistry among actors that made the series addictive and entertaining.
I agree ! I just discovered it and I that cliffhanger had no business being that big ToT
I pray it gets the recognition it deserves for it to get another season !
YES !! definitely worth completing the story arc – and, I happen to like the series. I’ve Binge watched it twice since it was discontinued. A worthy ending would be appreciated. The Six part mini-series sounds do-able and a good way to complete a more than decent program.
One of the best I have seen in this genre considering the multi directional story and threats, continuous tensions rising in every episode, brilliantly executed missions and the past present future, mutliverse, parallel uneverse. Everything in one series.
I would love to see it back
Also a fan of Dark Matter.
I got into Dark Matter late but found the character likeable and the storyline very good. Like Firefly, it wasn’t given the time it deserved, I would definitely watch any continuation of this series.
Very upset that Dark Matter did not have a true ending! What the hell is wrong with TV production people. Soon we won’t even watch series because you shut things down without the thought of viewers! Please bring it back with a closing story!
The show was passed over by the Los Angeles branch of Syfy but given the greenlight by the New York branch. And it was licensed from Prodigy Pictures in Canada, not a Syfy Original, so Syfy couldn’t make a profit on merchandising or on international distribution. After watching it outperform much of the LA branch’s original programming, once the person in New York who had kept greenlighting Dark Matter left for another job, the show was unceremoniously tossed out. So in fact, it was screwed over for being too well-liked by the audience, and thus taking attention away from the Syfy Originals that could make the network more money.
Look where are the go big or stay at home greenlight decision makers? Nothing ventured Nothing gain! Bring back the crew of the Raza. 2 has a daughter out there somewhere? Porsha and 3 where did they go? Will 4 regain his Thorne? Did 6 somehow survive? Does 5 sister hate her for not meeting as planned? The Black ships just how does that play out? Six episode mini series of Dark Matter isn’t good enough! Someone needs to step up and bring the crew of Raza back where they belong. on our TV Screens yes, I watched and enjoy Dark Matter the TV series. Can’t you tell and I I’m not alone!
Bring it back, it is awesome.
Someone has to revive this show! We can’t be left with such a HUGE cliffhanger!! I binged watched the show. Finished it in 3 days. I’m very disappointed that I may never know what happened after the black ships arrived!
To find out what happened after the Black Ships arrived, see “What Could Have Been” here: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Trivia/DarkMatter2015
Dark Matter is one of the most realistic and captivating science fiction series ever created. Characters and stories this genuine are hard to come by. It definitely left and psychological imbalance getting to the last episode of Season 3 and having no where to go but my imagination. Bring this back to a fitting conclusion whether mini series or 1 to 2 more seasons, I and other fans will flock to watch and support.
For “What Could Have Been”, look here: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Trivia/DarkMatter2015
I agree with what you said about the realism as it doesn’t exactly have any kind of tech that seems too out of place when compared with current tech and the fact it 600 years in our future which is further than Star Trek and the Mass Effect game series which has a similar level of tech makes it unique among Sci-Fi shows.
Sad that this show was cancelled,would like to see a lot more.where do I sign up to help revive the series
See my February 20, 2022 comment below for the link to petition Netflix.
Literally just finished this on Netflix and saw this post. I fell hard for the show and pretty well benge watched a lot of it! Netflix definitely needs to bring this show back to life! As one who read the comics, I loved this shows adaptation of it. I think it followed closer to the story than The Walking Dead did! Please bring this back and how can I help??
See my February 20, 2022 comment below for the link to petition Netflix.
I think this show was great. The story line and the cast were captivating. I would love to see this show continue. Please revive
Soooo good we want more!!!
Loved the show on Netflix but angry and disappointed with the cliffhanger ending. I used B’s link to request Netflix to pick it up for 2 more seasons.
Too right…please Netflix bring it back we want more!!
Entertaining and enthralling. I have a new respect for Melissa O’Neil (who is already fantastic on The Rookie!). I LOVE this show and am happy it got 2 more seasons than Firefly. If the series cannot be revived, I do hope there will be a feature film to finish the storyline. Characters & fans deserve that!
Dark Matter is one of my favorite “rewatch” shows.. in fact i am now lol
as many others have said, the current ending point is less than acceptable. At least give the fanbase some closure but if it can be revived in any way shape or form i say do it.
Bring back dark matter for a 6 part min-series or 13 episodes – you will get all the old fans watching it, and a bunch of new fans watching as the word gets out about a revived series. It happened for Veronica Mars, and Dark Matter has as strong critique and support base.
Dark matter was a great show I cannot believe It was cancelled especially on a cliffhanger.
Don’t understand why it was cancelled but I think you should bring it back..
It would be a great pity to see yet another good show be shot down due to executive suits part of the Corporation. Good acting, thrilling story and nice to see how rebels become a family. Here’s hoping Netflix picks it up for that final mini stream. Already binge-watching.
It is a good show would like to see it renewed till season 5…vot me vack to watching series
Just discovered Dark Matter and have steamed all 3 seasons. Should Netflix pick up a final 4th seasonI would definitely retain my account.
If you want to encourage Netflix to pick it up, the link is in my comment below. Also a link to the “What Could Have Been” on the Trivia page if you want to know where it was going.
This is a great franchise. Canceling it defies all logic. please, netflix, pick it back up!!
If you want to encourage Netflix to pick it up, the link is in my comment below. Also a link to the “What Could Have Been” on the Trivia page if you want to know where it was going.
I loved Dark Matter.
Agreed, that it was a tiny bit slow at first, but as the show progressed it got better and better. Along with the special effects. They kept getting better as well. Interesting story, very likeable characters. I just ordered Blueray Box Sets of seasons 1 – 3 on Amazon just to make sure I’ll always have it. I really hate when the networks kill off shows after a massive cliffhanger like that. Space: Above & Beyond was another one to suffer this cruel fate.
I agree, Space: Above & Beyond was a great show and cancelled way too soon. Dark Skies, too.
I hate when you get into a Great Syfi show and then end on a cliffhanger with nothing after what a disappointment. This gives Netflix a terrible name because they do this a lot. Hopefully they will start renewing some of these series and maybe people won’t mind the up charge each year.
Syfy is actually the network that cancelled the show. But many fans are lobbying Netflix to pick it up for a fourth season.
I am with you on both Dark Matter & Space Above & Beyond. Both are awesome shows.
At least Dark Matter might have a chance if we all keep pushing!
Cant wait for it to come ba k on.. I’ve watched it five times now and keep hoping for a continuation of the series.. PLLEASEEEEE!!!!
Dave
Man I miss this show. Any chance they can finish up the arc? Gettin’ kinda tired of tv series disappearing after 3 seasons when you’re just getting super invested in the characters.
If you want to encourage Netflix to pick it up, the link is in my comment below. Also a link to the “What Could Have Been” on the Trivia page if you want to know where it was going.
OMG! Please bring the series back or at the very least, bring closure to the fans with the mini series. I truly believe that this show can be revived, it’s a good time to do so because people are still staying home and not going out much due to the the current climate. It’s a good time to bring it back!
If you want to help, look at my comment below.
Yes I watched the series.
Loved it.
Really want thick show wrap up arc.
I recently compiled all the various “What Could Have Been” that’s been revealed for the show on this page here while fleshing out the pages for Dark Matter: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Trivia/DarkMatter2015
Also, Syfy is now #1 on Stargate/Dark Matter showrunner Joe Mallozzi’s list of insidiously evil organizations: https://josephmallozzi.com/2018/06/26/june-26-2018-13-of-the-most-insidiously-evil-organizations/
He recently pitched Netflix for a 6-episode revival miniseries condensing Season 4 (with a hook for a second miniseries condensing Season 5), but it hasn’t been successful yet. The pitch is in parts on his daily blog and the Dark Matter subreddit. Here’s a link to the first part and you can look for the others: https://josephmallozzi.com/2021/09/14/dark-matter-miniseries-pitch-the-intro/
You can request Dark Matter Seasons 4 and 5 at the Netflix title request form. You can ask for full 13-episode seasons, specifically. Joe has confirmed that it wouldn’t screw things up if Netflix asked him for more than 6-episode miniseries; he’d just go back to his original plans: https://help.netflix.com/en/titlerequest
.
Netflix, Amazon, etc. should take note of how many people have commented positively about this show and how many people are annoyed about series’ like this being cancelled without a conclusion to the story that they have been faithfully watching and enjoying. Alas, it’s all about the bottom line apparently ($$$) and nothing else..
Can’t agree more, never binge watched any other show like Dark Matter, with so much action and suspense I found it hard to turn it off. Extremely aggravated when I fell off the last cliff hanger of episode 3. Praying Netflix picks it up and finishes it to rub it in Sifi’s nose!!!!
First Dark Matter and Expanse were quality shows and truly great entertainment. At least Expanse was allowed to come back and have its third season to pretty much wrap up. If only Netflix would pick it up for a final Season 4 to resolve the story arcs, I’d be happy.
Yes, I’m tired, really tired of having quality shows greenlit for two seasons and just die. If the shows premise has enough quality to invest in it at first, should be good enough to invest for at least a 2 to 3 good Show arc.
Otherwise, just don’t even put them on the air.
The Expanse continued on through a sixth season on Amazon’s Prime Video.
Please bring the show back at least for a conclusion
This is this first time i literally yelled this is bulls@#! It should be against the law to end series like this , no wonder people have so much anxiety and are depressed they have to wonder what ever happened to 3 and 6
Just finished Season 3 on Netflix. It was tough watching the last episodes knowing it would end in a cliffhanger with no Season 4. C’mon Netflix – pick up the 6 episode conclusion!
I should call the cops in you guys for leaving us with no season 4. It should be illegal
I have watched this show MANY times through, it may be one of my all-time favourite scifi series. With such an amazing story and cast I will NEVER understand why it got cancelled. PLEASE PLEASE finish the story!!!
Yes Carson! I agree 100%. My hubs and I started this series…committed, not knowing it was going to end (never to return???)on a cliff hanger. I feel cheated 😕 😔 Come back Dark Matter!
If you didn’t like Dark Matter, perhaps scifi isn’t your thing…
I liked Kill Joys is was kind of fun and a bit quirky. I loved Dark Matter! Season three was odd for me as things seemed to be drifting off the mark. Or perhaps it was a case of too much happening across the board for the amount of time that was available. That does seem to be a flaw in the quarterly season shows. Way too much story is left out or the viewer has to try and imagine what happened to get to a specific point.
Characters development can suffer with the short season shows, but it doesn’t take 22 to 26 episodes to really develop a character.
If they are going to bring Dark Matter back, then they should do it the right way. Nothing worse than a half-hearted reboot to ruin a really good show.
I had not seen all the last episodes. I was watching it until a few weeks ago. Tried to find it tonight and it’s GONE !! Why ?
It’s on Prime
It is available to purchase VOD on Prime Video, but it looks like it is streaming for free (with ads) on CWSeed.
Because it moved from Netflix to CW Seed. Here is a direct link to the page for the show: https://www.cwtv.com/shows/dark-matter/watch-in-app/?play=5e480588-ab10-429b-ab23-eb4408df7493
As johnnyjay said, CW Seed is free to use if you’re in the US; its revenue comes from ads, no subscription necessary.
Sci could care less what any of its viewers want. The only thing to do is have you service provider remove the channel from your package.
The only thing networks listen to is $.
SO SICK!! of good/great shows being canceled before there’s a….reasonable/wrap it up ending. seriously! so i’m waiting for the last or good ending of dark matter.
Agree! This was a surprisingly good three season show which left absolutely everything hanging 😡
I have watched Dark Matter series several times because the storyline and characters are so rich. Me and plenty of other fans are so disappointed with being left with such a huge cliff hanger only to find find it was canceled. Would love to see Netflix give the fans the closing that this series so deserves!
This was one of the best sci-fi series ever made! (Firefly was the BEST, canceled too soon also but at least they had a movie). What made it great was how the characters evolved and jelled really as a family and crew. I was crushed when it ended right before a big story plot!
Im really hoping this series can be reborn and finished up. As Lost in Space finally was brought back and given a great satisfying ending.
I didnt know about this petition and it is closed now, but I would be glad to sign one.
I’m really glad to see more episodes of lost and space but I’ve watched dark matter several time and I need and ending I e also been watching this show called the 100 since 2015 and they ended the last season but atleast they ended it without a cliffhanger
I know right? They were like a family. That’s what made it so special.
bring back new episodes of dark matter. love the show on netflix. did not realize the show would leave watchers “hanging” when i started watching it. FINISH IT OUT and make it a relatively happy ending. solve the past problems of alll of the crew. save the universe. REALLY DISAPPOINTING TO ENJOY A SHOW THROUGHLY ONLY TO FIND THERE IS NO ENDING . HAVE SEEN TOO MANY OTHER SHOWS AND EPISODES GO THAT WAY!
when your have episodic show that people are obviously enjoying you have an obligation to finish well not show that the universe is being invaded by another speices and then what end the episodes like dark matter??????? i guess they all die?????? left to our imagination?????? dont we have enough to be concerned about in real life without this desperate unfinished ending.
The series is closed by all the most interesting ones, why apparently someone doesn’t like it, the same thing with the series Visitors season 1 and 2, which was allegedly closed because of a small rating, but in fact the rating was very large, the backgrounds are still waiting for a continuation, interesting and exciting series with a closed meaning are all closed, leave people only chewed-up snot of everyday insanity, unfortunately this is so.
I just finished season 3 and to see it has been cancelled makes me an unhappy camper. I’m sick of networks canceling shows in the middle of a story arc. Please Netflix, give Dark Matter fans closure.
My husband and I love this show. We just finished season 3. Please bring this show back. Maybe Netflix would be interested in picking it up as it has other shows that networks dropped. Netflix has had huge hits with shows like Lucifer and You, both great shows too that were originally under appreciated.
I just finished watching the series for the 3rd time and the hair on my arms STILL stand up when the black ships come through. At least a mini‐series would be fantastic but even a final movie like one done with Firefly would be great. Something!!
I’ve watched it twice so far and I felt the same way each time at the end of that last episode. I wholeheartedly agree!
BRING IT BACK! Finish!! One of the best shows.
Great series! Netflix should really get this production up and flying again. As a huge Firefly fan I feel the pain of gone too soon! Great chemistry with all the players, keep it rolling please!
I’d love to see the conclusion to Dark Matter! It was left at such a cliff hanger. I’m not sure how I’d feel about it if they couldn’t get the original cast though…
One of the best sci-fi shows out there and needs an ending. Please revive!
I loved it and it’s not finished , getting tried of watching great show’s and not seeing a descent end ,
Viewer size doesn’t warrant quality. Dark Matter is an extraordinary show , way ahead of lousy space fictions.
By all means it must be revived.
Please please bring back DM!! I love this show!!
I agree with the previous comments the SyFy channel is absolute trash. They cancel good shows but make stupid cheap movies and shows. It’s a joke. And a far cry from what it once was in the early 2000’s. Dark matter is an excellent show. I truly hope it is picked up again. Maybe they can do something like Serenity with Firefly. A movie to tie it up.
I loved “Dark Matter” while it aired on SyFy, and I just rewatched all 3 seasons of the series via Netflix this month again. But since the SyFy channel can’t seem to commit to ANY of its programs beyond 2-3 years, I stopped watching and supporting the SyFy channel by simply watching their content once they become available on streaming services. I’d rather not live with the disappointment of cancellation mid-run of a beloved series, as this seems to be modus operandi for SyFy anymore. I’m fed up with the SyFy channel and their constant canceling of superior programming in support of crap like Sharknado…parts 1,2,3 & 4!!
This is a good reason to not get started watching any series on SciFi.
This was a very good series that just left us hanging. SciFi should have finished this. I am offended that the viewers get so little respect.
I didn’t see much advertisement on tv about this show in 2015, but then again, I wasn’t watching much tv at the time either. After watching it on Netflix though, I wished there was another season- or at least some type of an end to it. Only thing is, this series was very interesting to watch & I’d hate to see a rushed ending.
I’m getting getting tired of watching series with no endings. The time has come to cancel Netfilix and all other streaming services. I going back to thaters & Blue Ray disks. Goodbye
Excellent show
Never understood why they keep cancelling good and interesting shows
Netflix is a good opportunity to revive it, at least to get a decent conclusion
I would love to see more Dark Matter. The cast really jelled with their roles after a few episodes. I would love to see the same cast reprise their roles
Watched couple episodes of this and gave up. Not surprised many people did the same & this got cancelled. Poor story, mediocre characters.
So basically, you missed the story and only caught part of the introduction.
It starts with character archetypes because they are essentially blank slates. As they learn about their pasts, they have to decide who they want to become. The story becomes richer as they engage with the powers-that-be in their galaxy. Having a five-year-plan in place allowed the writers to continually set up elements that actually have satisfying pay-offs.
Seasons 2 and 3 have 100% on Rotten Tomatoes for a reason. You come to actually care about these characters and their journey.
Fully agreed with you. SyFy only wants to have instant hits like Sharknado and then they milked it dry to absolute crap. Dark Matter was superb but started slow. The last 2 seasons are easily on par with Expanse. Factor in the storyline wasn’t pre-written in books and way longer per season than Expanse, I think it was a better series. I have fondness for that groundhog day episode.
I had more fun with Killjoys, but I liked Dark Matter a lot… a pretty solid show with a great premise and an excellent ensemble cast… good production design & atmosphere too. I’d prefer two additional seasons, but I’d also be fine with a 6-episode mini finale. But it’s been so long… not seeing this happening.
I liked Killjoys more at first, but by its third season it was heading into some pretty weird territory and I lost interest. I ended up preferring Dark Matter by that point, but then it got cancelled.
Yes I watched and enjoyed Dark Matter and would love to see it brought back and continue the story. Is there a petition to sign?
Not yet, but stay tuned.
I would love to see this happen, DM was a great show and the end of the last episode left so many fans hanging.