Dark Matter

:

Season 1
  • Network: SyFy
  • Series Premiere Date: Jun 12, 2015
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 219 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 182 out of 219
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 219
  3. Negative: 17 out of 219
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  1. truerock
    Mar 12, 2022
    8
    Dark Matter is a science fixation series.

    This is very good entertainment - primarily of the strength of its excellent casting. The actors have intriguing personalities.
  2. shag00
    Jan 11, 2022
    2
    The most interesting fact about this series was that it survived for 3 seasons. The standout word for this series is puerile, best encapsulated by the Asian guy twirling sticks and swords in the early episodes closely followed by some meathead with a passion for extraordinarily large guns. Political correctness is not ignored either with the now de rigueur appearance of a roughly 50kgThe most interesting fact about this series was that it survived for 3 seasons. The standout word for this series is puerile, best encapsulated by the Asian guy twirling sticks and swords in the early episodes closely followed by some meathead with a passion for extraordinarily large guns. Political correctness is not ignored either with the now de rigueur appearance of a roughly 50kg chick regularly throwing around multiple guys at least twice her size. Oh god, will the **** never stop.

    The show is primarily set on board a space ship which is just breath taking in it's size. The crew of 6 seem to be onboard a ship the size of the Enterprise which has a crew of over 1,000 people. Important maintenance areas of the engine are only accessible from outside the ship, which is very odd to say the least. We have a band of galactic criminals (mercenaries) who behave to situations like ordinary mum & dads who prefer to run, hide and cry than resolve a threat.

    This is a really bad show with very little in the way of redeeming qualities.    … Expand
  3. dk150968
    Mar 25, 2019
    9
    Dark Matter loved it, cant understand why it was cancelled????
    The story was good, the characters interesting, A good strong decent syfy show, better then other rubbish out there, that for some miracle gets renewed!?( aka ST Discovery?)
    Own all three seasons will be re watching them again.
  4. Satanski
    Sep 9, 2018
    2
    Everything about this movie is cheap, but the worst of it all is terrible acting. I mean TERRIBLE. I saw better performance in comercials.
  5. Split_Decay
    Jan 8, 2018
    10
    Dark Matter something of wonderful narrative and intense Sci-Fi battling is what creates a thrilling TV show, over the 3 seasons it had it was more engaging to watch and the inclusion of new plots and stories with each passing episode makes it all the more entertaining, It just a shame we may never see any more of it, why Syfy why.
  6. AReedy
    Sep 22, 2017
    9
    I am now watching Season 3 and this show just gets better and better. I would say it is equivalent to shows such as Star Trek Voyager etc.
    Now I am starting to binge watch the rest of the season and my wife is probably gonna kill me and tell me to go mow the lawns instead of watching all these episodes..But the plot line is pretty good so I just wanna find out what is gonna happen.
  7. MattSane
    Sep 5, 2017
    8
    Although the show has obviously only a little budget compared to others - they get best out of it. Character design and development are really strong. There is plenty of open philosophic and politic questions in that show, that get there spotlight: the android fighting with emotions, 4 getting into political power and the need of doing decisions, 6 fight with the question of what isAlthough the show has obviously only a little budget compared to others - they get best out of it. Character design and development are really strong. There is plenty of open philosophic and politic questions in that show, that get there spotlight: the android fighting with emotions, 4 getting into political power and the need of doing decisions, 6 fight with the question of what is justice and how to fight for etc. All combined with enough action/fight sciences. The show only lacks budget to inclued nicer scienerie, like planet surface and settlements to give it a 9 or 10.… Expand
  8. zorgzag
    Sep 3, 2017
    10
    this is the best sci-fi movie ever!!! We all want to see it and the fans won't give up. @netflix , we're counting on you! Such a shame that was a fascinating storyline!!
  9. CinemaSearch
    Sep 1, 2017
    3
    I can see what some may enjoy with this predictable and uninspiring show. It's filled with standard sci-fi and TV tropes we can't help but love. But, are we seriously not bored enough yet? Dark Matter would be well served (as well as the viewing public) with a subtitle along the lines of Cliche' ex Machina. No that's terrible.

    Point stands. The ham-handed stories, all-over-the-place    I can see what some may enjoy with this predictable and uninspiring show. It's filled with standard sci-fi and TV tropes we can't help but love. But, are we seriously not bored enough yet? Dark Matter would be well served (as well as the viewing public) with a subtitle along the lines of Cliche' ex Machina. No that's terrible.

    Point stands.

    The ham-handed stories, all-over-the-place (and yet predictable...how?) character development, worn out themes and bland acting (except for Android, she's fantastic).

    It's almost like some screenwriters and directors said, "Hey, I really hate these 7 actors. Let's see if we can get them in a show and ruin their careers with it."    … Expand
  10. Tss5078
    May 20, 2017
    10
    Once in a generation, a show comes along that insists you pay attention to it. Nearly fifty years after the debut of Star Trek, Dark Matter is the latest show turning heads in the world of science fiction and it is like nothing you have ever seen before. Blending elements of Star Trek, Lost, and Knight Rider, this new show from the producers of Stargate SG1, will have you talking about itOnce in a generation, a show comes along that insists you pay attention to it. Nearly fifty years after the debut of Star Trek, Dark Matter is the latest show turning heads in the world of science fiction and it is like nothing you have ever seen before. Blending elements of Star Trek, Lost, and Knight Rider, this new show from the producers of Stargate SG1, will have you talking about it and pining for the next episode.

    Orbiting a planet out in deep space on the edges of civilization, six people wake up on a spaceship, with no memory of who they are or how they got there. After pairing up and searching the ship, they discover it's full of weapons. With the help of an android they find on board, the crew discovers they are orbiting a disputed planet and the weapons are likely for the colonists below. The crew quickly becomes attached to the colonists, that is until they learn the horrible truth, that they are mercenaries at the top of the galactic authorities most wanted list. They know they must be there to remove the colonist for one of the big corporations that now run the galaxy, but with the lose of their memories, came something no one could have expected, a conscience. Eventually, the crew of the ship called, The Raza, decide they have to stick together and find out who they are, where they're from, and what happened to them, so begins Dark Matter.

    Each episode is another adventure, dealing with the authority, their old enemies, and their old employers. They don't know their friends from their enemies, but after each adventure they get another piece of the puzzle and we get a glimpse into their passed lives. Together with the crew, the audience has the pleasure of trying to figure out who these people were, what happened to them, and debate on where they may be going.

    Much like Star Trek, this show has a virtually unknown cast, and is slowly producing it's own stars. I only recognized a couple of name, but the different skills each cast member present is as incredible and unique as the characters themselves. The women on board have moves that would make Bruce Lee jealous, but not to be overlooked is the cast interactions with each other, which often times are hilarious. The cast is diverse and so are the characters and their backgrounds, in coming together they all play on each others strengths and weaknesses to make this one of the most enjoyable shows on television.

    I watch a lot of TV, probably a lot more than is healthy, but in all this time, there have only been a handful of shows that I can honestly say, I could not wait to see the next episode, Dark Matter is one of those shows. Honestly I get home early on the nights it on and put on SyFy fifteen minutes early so that I don't miss a second. The first two seasons are currently streaming, go and watch the pilot and I promise you, weather you love science fiction or not, Dark Matter will have you hooked.    … Expand
  11. Dzirdi
    Nov 23, 2016
    8
    pro:
    good dialog
    good characters (something for everyone) good actors kontra: the title lets you expect more than there actualy is to..because; -not much on the visual side... -im not realy sure if there is a deeper meaning to the plot and if i name something "dark matter" i expect something mindblowing despite that,i give it an 8/10 due to the low budget they are going    pro:
    good dialog
    good characters (something for everyone)
    good actors

    kontra:
    the title lets you expect more than there actualy is to..because;
    -not much on the visual side...
    -im not realy sure if there is a deeper meaning to the plot

    and if i name something "dark matter" i expect something mindblowing

    despite that,i give it an 8/10 due to the low budget they are going with...if they had the bucks,im sure they would deliver more on the visuals    … Expand
  12. YoloSwag4Doge
    Oct 21, 2016
    7
    I found the show starts off pretty weak. The characters are incredibly cliche' and the fighting is your standard cheesy, yet flashy action sequences. That being said, the show did start to grow on me as I watched on further. There is a lot of character development and dialogue, which I find to be where the show's strengths are at. Once I developed an attachment and understanding of theI found the show starts off pretty weak. The characters are incredibly cliche' and the fighting is your standard cheesy, yet flashy action sequences. That being said, the show did start to grow on me as I watched on further. There is a lot of character development and dialogue, which I find to be where the show's strengths are at. Once I developed an attachment and understanding of the characters I found the show a lot more entertaining. It always has it's cheese moments that have me thinking 'wow...really?', but for me it's worth it for the characters.… Expand
  13. mtc1954
    Sep 30, 2016
    10
    'Professional' critics need to nerd up. This is a great show. Small ship, scruffy crew, brainiac kid - yeah cliche to a fault BUT everyone wakes from cryo with total amnesia. Instant mystery. Well written with brutal scenes matching Firefly. Deep intrigue in every episode.
  14. Djtoodles
    Sep 20, 2016
    9
    Found the show by accident when researching the actual dark matter for a uni project. Read the premise gave it a go and im pleasantly surprised, characters are good, story is interesting. It has vibes of Farscape or Andromeda (you should also watch they are great) but modernised and with less one dimensional characters. Its also nice to see good guys who are flawed and selfish (for theFound the show by accident when researching the actual dark matter for a uni project. Read the premise gave it a go and im pleasantly surprised, characters are good, story is interesting. It has vibes of Farscape or Andromeda (you should also watch they are great) but modernised and with less one dimensional characters. Its also nice to see good guys who are flawed and selfish (for the most part), yet are also likeable, which I think is a sign of good character creation.

    The universe is pretty interesting and borrows ideas from Eve Online and Battletech. This isnt a bad thing as its inspiration is from great sources and has managed to create a rather deep universe which is different enough from others to be new and interesting.

    Casting was very good and all the cast deliver great performances for the most part. My personal favourite is 5 as we see go from random person to member of the crew and badass in her own right. But even the most unlikable of the characters Three (imo), has moments where his character is shown to have depth and likeability and its all acted out very well.

    CGI is good for the budget and although we dont get to see too much cgi action, i assume due to the budget, the bits we get are nice and crisp. I especially like the FTL travel style when they jump, its very cool.

    The story and pacing is excellent, it hands out revelations and backstory fast enough to keep you interested but not so fast as to blow its load all in one episode. Its has enough shocks and twists that they are fun and unexpected without being overused.

    A fun side note its always good seeing some of my old favourites returning as new characters, Drs Rodney McKay and Elizabeth Weir being as awesome as ever :P.

    I hope the show continues to be made after season two, I hope SyFy have faith in the show they have a bad habit of cancelling shows. Ive been telling everyone I know about the show and given how randomly I found out about it I suggest others to do the same. Its a good Sci-Fi TV Show and deserves more viewers than it gets. It has a story and characters which put some other well advertised shows to shame but sadly not the budget.    … Expand
  15. mjune10
    Aug 14, 2016
    10
    I recommend this show to anyone who likes sci-fi or action/adventure series. The characters are all generally likeable and the storyline is interesting. I really hope they renew the show for another season because I think there is much more that can be done with it.
  16. Optimalist
    Aug 14, 2016
    9
    It's easy to brush this off as shallow and unoriginal. Apparently, that's the first impression that the creators of this show wants to feed its soon-to-be loyal fanbase. As the mysteries unfold, we are given generous servings of atypical dialogue and convincing decision processes that real humans would make. The evolution of the characters start from 1-dimensional clichés intoIt's easy to brush this off as shallow and unoriginal. Apparently, that's the first impression that the creators of this show wants to feed its soon-to-be loyal fanbase. As the mysteries unfold, we are given generous servings of atypical dialogue and convincing decision processes that real humans would make. The evolution of the characters start from 1-dimensional clichés into multi-layered, multi-dimensional sci-fi goodness that is rarely seen on TV. I enjoy liking and disliking the characters and the acting and directing that goes into building the complex personalities of each person, including the "non-humans".

    I totally enjoyed the different references from different cultural artifacts like Charlotte's Web, Star Wars, and EVE Online. I'm pretty sure there are other easter eggs I have missed, but the fun part is figuring them out as we go along for the FTL ride. I also commend the writers for the balance of explaining stuff vs. allowing the audience to figure things out for themselves.

    Most of all, I enjoy getting answers to the most obvious questions that arise each episode. We also get more questions, but to be able to scratch the mystery itch is extremely satisfying.    … Expand
  17. Caedes
    Aug 12, 2016
    9
    Simply the best SyFy tv shows in over a decade. Special effects are cheap (it gets better in season 2) but it makes up for it with great character development and good stroy twist here and there.
  18. farmerfan
    Aug 5, 2016
    10
    What a brilliant , intelligent sci fi series. Don't listen to the bad reviews, these are people who lack the intelligence to appreciate good sci fi, and probably should be watching Bay Watch reruns or Charlies Angels or whatever. Anyway, this series was such a pleasant surprise, brilliant acting, very good casting, and great suspenseful plot and storyline. Do yourself a favour and watch this.
  19. Dejahm
    Jul 21, 2016
    8
    Really enjoy this show the interplay between the characters and their slowly creating of their own personalities.. Love the android just wish she played a bigger part in the show
  20. piskin
    Jul 18, 2016
    10
    This tv series is amazing i don't know why critics are skeptical about this series. I love the story and the mysteries behind the characters. It makes a very compelling story.
  21. weirdcryo
    Jul 2, 2016
    5
    some effects are pretty bad, there are some poor panels and doors that kills the immersion, some fight scenes are a huge miss, the dialogue and the writing gets corny and cliche but somehow the show manage to keep you watching.
  22. Charlemagne
    Jun 8, 2016
    10
    Thank God they renewed it and didn't leave us permanently hanging. More character action space opera than sci-fi, but enough sci-fi delivered every now and then to be interesting. It's possible I am too blinded by the glory of Two to be objective, but in that case the show still delivers.
  23. hamal
    May 16, 2016
    10
    A rather intriguing Firefly-like space adventure with plenty of mystery, diverse characters, and action to keep me interested. By far my favorite new show.
  24. deir
    Feb 19, 2016
    10
    all in the spirit of EVE Online I look forward to the second season
    i liked this serial with the first series
    all mysteriously extraordinary unusual staging of this scene the audience
  25. Sulriel
    Feb 18, 2016
    2
    Dark Matter, plenty of pizazz with none of the chutzpah.

    Why?! Why?! I really REALLY want to like this show, I tried, but you had to make it so hard! So hard! Why?! First of all, I don't think calling this show cliche quite fits the bill. Though it's obliviously trying to replicate Star Trek, Firefly, and maybe even Battlestar Galactica as a trendy epic. Nice try! Sucks, you    Dark Matter, plenty of pizazz with none of the chutzpah.

    Why?! Why?! I really REALLY want to like this show, I tried, but you had to make it so hard! So hard! Why?!

    First of all, I don't think calling this show cliche quite fits the bill. Though it's obliviously trying to replicate Star Trek, Firefly, and maybe even Battlestar Galactica as a trendy epic. Nice try! Sucks, you lose! Could have seen past all that but there's quite a few weaknesses sucking up all the... what's the word?

    Let me explain something to you writers and directors... NOBODY cares about a team of space adventurers in a space ship unless you FEEL like you're part of the crew. If it's not for the unsettling acting that goes with every scene, it's the direction that doesn't know how to film a bloody scene. How many opportunities can you miss to convey an emotion to the viewer? You let them walk in , hold a shot, deliver lines... what was that? obviously there's suspicion but you can still show the view, the story observer what else is being said. It's called body language. Something none of these characters have. I can't believe anybody, well, I could if they had some chutzpah!

    I really like the concept if they could have just taken into account a little more understanding of the story. I can watch Dark Matter and get so annoyed because I admit to myself "I could have done it better". It's that feeling like I see what was supposed to happen there and... flop, bad timing, no connection, and One is a total **** oh god I want to rip his head off and through into space! At times it felt as if things, the awkward stances and line belting, were about to lift and like a ship leaving the station things were gonna get better. Awwwwwww and then CRASH you just couldn't fly the sucker!

    Actors are actors and I believe a good director can use even the most mediocre one and make a good scene. But in this case, holy mother, there are two outstanding misplaced boys on this ship, and that's Six and One. I mean, they are ALL mediocre just because they don't know what else to do but be actors. Honestly I think half the crew are bad ass, or at least could have been. Even if Anthony Lemke's Three is a direct rip-off of Jayne, I wouldn't care. Every ship need's their muscle, whatever.

    Alex Mallari Jr. is a bad ass, I don't care what anyone says.

    Melissa O'Neil has nothing to do but give orders with a flair of the dramatic walkaway with (please stop the big dramatic speech, walk out of the room crap) waving her ass like the pirate ship ride at the fairgrounds, but I don't care, whatever.

    Jodelle Ferland is cool, though an obvious mod combination of both Kaylee and River of Serenity (gotta have the funky one), and I think she does a fine job with what she's got, I don't care, whatever.

    The Android. More robots learning emotion. I Don't CARE WHATEVER.

    All these things were in the "let it slide" zone but...

    Roger R. Cross. I like him, but unfortunately he hit's the **** list because although in a scene or two he eloquently shows his caring and nurturing side of himself with some tangible feeling, he is absolutely unable to carry on a sense that he was ever a bad-ass, and nothing more than a big soft teddy bear.

    And now for the bane of it all, One. Yes, Mr. Marc Bendavid. I mean that pubescent, tin-man, toddler trying to meander around in big people clothes. If I could stick him in an airlock for every line that comes out of his doe-like expressions of terrible execution he would need quite a lot of clones... Even his "original face" actor was way better! I could tell he should of gotten the role. LOL! I thought Three might actually kill him, but things took a turn for the worst, and now they seem like they're getting along, which means more empty space for Anthony Lemke to fill with his rapscallion-like front on and on.

    The concept of this series is based on a Dark Horse comic. I think the story would pan out to be spectacular and it really could've been an amazing sci-fi show, but you just can't throw a bunch of people in space suits and call it Dark Macaroni. Too bad... The background of it all definitely had some coolness of the space trek genre.

    If you haven't seen this yet and you're a sci-fi fan, get ready to watch the entire thing cus you need it to fill the sci-fi void, while wishing to throw cans at the TV periodically, because the same people who brought it to you managed to take it away at the same time.    … Expand
  26. kwengca
    Jan 3, 2016
    9
    Started off slow, but ended up really enjoying it after the first few episodes. Binged the whole thing on netflix within 2 days. As others have said, it has a firefly kind of vibe, but the basic premise and the setting of the show are totally different. The characters are what make it interesting so far. In particular 4, 5, and the android are my favorites so far. It's been a great startStarted off slow, but ended up really enjoying it after the first few episodes. Binged the whole thing on netflix within 2 days. As others have said, it has a firefly kind of vibe, but the basic premise and the setting of the show are totally different. The characters are what make it interesting so far. In particular 4, 5, and the android are my favorites so far. It's been a great start to a show that I see a lot of potential for. I haven't been so for a sci fi show for a long time, and I have seen quite a few.… Expand
  27. Combustive
    Dec 22, 2015
    10
    Really enjoying this show. Haven't been drawn in to a TV series for a while (being more of a Mass Effect person rather than Battlestar or Star Trek) and I feel like the show really hit the mark with the characters and story. Perhaps having a smaller budget helped keep these things in focus. Easy to get in to. I really hope it keeps running.
  28. Folstar
    Dec 16, 2015
    6
    This show is totally not Firefly. It also isn't any other show, okay?
    The quirky young woman who has something wrong with her brain is learning to fight instead of a master fighter - totally not Firefly.
    The former rebel fighter who cares deeply about the well being of his crew mates isn't the captain - totally not Firefly. The greedy idiot character who names his gun isn't named Jane-    This show is totally not Firefly. It also isn't any other show, okay?
    The quirky young woman who has something wrong with her brain is learning to fight instead of a master fighter - totally not Firefly.
    The former rebel fighter who cares deeply about the well being of his crew mates isn't the captain - totally not Firefly.
    The greedy idiot character who names his gun isn't named Jane- totally not Firefly.
    The strong female character who is probably the most dangerous person on the ship is the one who had weird experiments done on here, not the quirky girl - totally not Firefly.
    The intelligent and thoughtful character who avoids violence and serves as the crews conscious isn't a doctor - totally not Firefly. Bonus, totally not Daniel Jackson.
    The super warrior who doesn't speak much and is an exiled leader to his people- totally not Firely, because that is SG1 again.
    The ship they explore filled with space zombies is the FAR Horizon, but the space zombies even though being made as a science experiment gone bad don't mutilate themselves - totally not Firefly or Event Horizon.
    The black guy has some secret ties to the powerful central government...
    They have an untrustworthy contact with a British accent...
    Constantly worried about running out of fuel (for half the season)...
    Deciding during the middle of a job to help the miners instead...
    The ship looks kind of like an animal...

    At least the idea of an android who is struggling with emotion from something wrong in her DATAbanks is a new idea- right, right?

    Everything is a copy of a copy in Dark Matter, but it still manages to be a decent show overall. Would probably be a good to great show for anyone who hasn't seen Firefly, TNG, SG1, etc...    … Expand
  29. DonMega
    Dec 2, 2015
    10
    I grew up being a huge fan of shows like Babylon 5, Star trek tng, voyager, ds9, firefly and my all time favorite show is farscape. I have been waiting years for a similar type of sci-fi show to come out but was disappointed until I watched dark matter 2015. This has everything from an engaging story, the cast is excellent and acting is good. The backgrounds are excellent and well made,I grew up being a huge fan of shows like Babylon 5, Star trek tng, voyager, ds9, firefly and my all time favorite show is farscape. I have been waiting years for a similar type of sci-fi show to come out but was disappointed until I watched dark matter 2015. This has everything from an engaging story, the cast is excellent and acting is good. The backgrounds are excellent and well made, like the ship interior or interiors of different locations. I also enjoyed the dialog and small comedic moments.

    Although I was never a huge fan of stargate sg1 I was a big fan of stargate atlantis so seeing the same writers and creators of the stargate francise wasn't a huge shock because you can just feel the vibe in this show that past sci-fi shows had. The writers have done an amazing job on the show and I really hope this gets renewed because I would be extremely disappointed. If you grew up watching space opera's like I have mentioned above you should enjoy this. This is the only good space sci-fi in the last couple years.    … Expand
  30. HiDef-Jules
    Nov 9, 2015
    10
    I'm so glad to have an awesome scifi show to watch again. Great cast, great writing and fantastically produced. If you like Firefly and great space opera then you'll love this. Cant wait for season 2.
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Keith Uhlich
    Jun 15, 2015
    40
    Dark Matter is a dud, and likely to make as much of a dent in the pop-cultural consciousness as the invisible substance it’s named after.
    Read full review
  2. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Jun 15, 2015
    50
    A lethal robot (Zoie Palmer), who tries to kill one of the six before they wipe her memory. She then sets about reconstructing the ship’s data, eventually learning the ship’s destination and their possible purpose that throws everything the audience has learned in the show’s first hour into question. It’s a good twist. What Dark Matter makes of it in future episodes remains to be seen.
    Read full review
  3. Newark Star-Ledger
    Reviewed by: Vicki Hyman
    Jun 12, 2015
    50
    A workmanlike space opera.
    Read full review
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