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. OscarTheGrouch
    Aug 30, 2015
    8
    I normally don't bother with the official 'critics' review, and only look at the user created ones when looking for new series to try. And oh boy, the reason for this could not be more evident than it is for Dark Matter.

    This is a great new sci-fi series. I've just watched the season finale and can not wait for season 2 to come to see how the story continues with that cliffhanger. The    I normally don't bother with the official 'critics' review, and only look at the user created ones when looking for new series to try. And oh boy, the reason for this could not be more evident than it is for Dark Matter.

    This is a great new sci-fi series. I've just watched the season finale and can not wait for season 2 to come to see how the story continues with that cliffhanger. The fx are actually pretty good considering this is for tv, the action scenes even better, I personally had no problem with the acting. To be honest I thought the casting was pretty spot on, for the main cast and the people they go up against during the season.

    The biggest positive for Dark Matter is the writing though. You want to get to know who the characters are, as they themselves are trying to do the same after losing their memory. The 'mystery' of who they are, what actually happened to them, and who the possible traitor might be had me hooked throughout the 13 episodes. I was actually hoping that none of them were the traitor, because I was starting to like this group of characters....

    If you like sci-fi, this series is definitely worth a try. As it's actually pretty darn good, far better than the average score the 'critics' are trying to make it appear. After watching the full season, I'm left wondering if they actually watched the same series I did.    … Expand
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. sysphus
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    The show is low budget, so no cool effects. But it has excellent story develop and characters. It will take a few episode to get to know them. Best to binge watch the whole season at one sitting.
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. tigerskin84
    Nov 1, 2015
    8
    Very good show even with a low budget, the cast is right , the history and pace is good , good performances i hope to see a season 2 with more revelations about the characters and more battles and better cgi but for its 1st season they have done really well.
  8. 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
  9. SkirusKronos
    Jul 4, 2015
    8
    First episode review MY VOTE 8.5/9 out of 10

    Right so this is my first ever review and i'm writing this as it justly deserves it based on the first episode and the first episode only, to start off with this series has been overly /harshly criticised mostly for having cliche type casts and the lack of possible character development and plot. I'll start off with the these "cliche"    First episode review MY VOTE 8.5/9 out of 10

    Right so this is my first ever review and i'm writing this as it justly deserves it based on the first episode and the first episode only, to start off with this series has been overly /harshly criticised mostly for having cliche type casts and the lack of possible character development and plot. I'll start off with the these "cliche" characters which i found to be of no concern at all unless you're an over opinionated **** who has to poke holes in anything that isn't as good as firefly.

    The characters
    Right so you have the Asian guy with the sword who doesn't talk much (RACISM EVERYONE!!!) you have your token black guy because of course if there is only one hes gotta be token (MOAR RACISM EVERYONE!!!) you have the lovable gun mad **** the pretty plain good guy main character, feisty hot badass boss lady and the cool mysterious weird chick. so that's all the characters and sure some of them can be compared to firefly as well as many other series, but seriously guys when was the last **** time you watched a TV series with 100% original characters THAT'S RIGHT **** never, because in this day and age every character type has pretty much been done already so you could call any type of character in any TV/Movie a cliche. Dark matter gives you fairly diverse characters that are in no way boring sure they aint 100% original but they are well acted, funny and interact well with each other AND THAT'S WHAT MATTERS PEOPLE.

    The plot
    the plot i would say is definitely the most unique and cool thing about this show because it has the ability to go anywhere it wants, it pulls you in straight away with mystery and then just piles up mystery after mystery and if you don't like your mysteries then you probably don't like SciFi so Gtfo yo. Six people wake up on a ship without knowing anything about who or where they are 15minutes before life support goes down and they all choke and die, now maybe i haven't watched as much TV as some people but i'm pretty sure this hasn't been done yet, as for the plot not leading anywhere its episode 1 give it a damn chance guys you didn't give firefly a chance back in 2002 and look how that **** turned out you destroyed a **** masterpiece with your criticism, but yeah firefly aside like i said with a plot such as this it has the ability to go anywhere it wants.

    The verdict
    I would rate this a show a solid 8.5 maybe a 9/10 but I'll decide on that after i watch a few more episodes, either way guys don't let all the criticism stop you trying out the show as it almost made me,
    i went into the first episode thinking it would be awful and i was blown away at how wrong all the criticism is.    … Expand
  10. sugarBaby
    Jul 5, 2015
    10
    Wow. This is scary good, dark and fun sci-fi spaceship-based show. The crew make trips to planets and space stations/other ships and are trying to keep out of trouble after awakening from their stasis pods and realizing that they are criminals. Multiple story lines during an episode, interesting twists, and a savvy hit and run space ship for this derelict crew of interesting characters.Wow. This is scary good, dark and fun sci-fi spaceship-based show. The crew make trips to planets and space stations/other ships and are trying to keep out of trouble after awakening from their stasis pods and realizing that they are criminals. Multiple story lines during an episode, interesting twists, and a savvy hit and run space ship for this derelict crew of interesting characters. Funny scenes get mixed in with more intense, "yo, look out..." scenes. Similar to Stargate Universe/Stargate, battlestar galactica reboot, firefly and star wars. No aliens, just us folk battling each other out there in space. Cheers.

    P.S. Forget the haters, it's up to episode 4 now, and the show is evolving nicely. Judge for yourself.    … Expand
  11. Fbot
    Jul 5, 2015
    10
    This is a very fun show. It has a diverse cast of characters with mystery and intriguing plots. There's no particular high octane fancy-shmancy hard-to-believe sci-fi weirdness or crazy looking aliens. Just a lot of down to earth problems with good and bad people out there in space and from different parts of society with high and low tech. The start was a little slow, but it takes timeThis is a very fun show. It has a diverse cast of characters with mystery and intriguing plots. There's no particular high octane fancy-shmancy hard-to-believe sci-fi weirdness or crazy looking aliens. Just a lot of down to earth problems with good and bad people out there in space and from different parts of society with high and low tech. The start was a little slow, but it takes time to build these complex worlds, so patience will pay off for the internet savvy person who needs information instantaneously. Kind of a mixture between blade runner, firefly, the Star Trek reboot and the Star Wars haves and have-nots, except without the aliens and instead with just us humans trying to get by in another part of the galaxy. enjoy… Expand
  12. Galactic_Squid
    Aug 3, 2015
    8
    This is one of the better scifi shows to come along in a while. It pays tribute to just about everything out there scifi. There was even an episode that paid homage to Event Horizon.

    Pretty decent casting. For some reason it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I'm not sure what they are comparing it to, since most everything in the last few years has been garbage. It's good to see SyFy    This is one of the better scifi shows to come along in a while. It pays tribute to just about everything out there scifi. There was even an episode that paid homage to Event Horizon.

    Pretty decent casting. For some reason it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I'm not sure what they are comparing it to, since most everything in the last few years has been garbage.

    It's good to see SyFy coming out with a decent show since their latest efforts (Sharknado?) have been laughable.

    Definitely watch the first three episodes, then I think you'll be hooked. Like most shows, you can't really just go by the first episode.    … Expand
  13. Colwolf77
    Aug 15, 2015
    10
    After watching the pilot episode and admit I wasn't too impressed. The characters were a little cliche and it felt a little flat. I've now watched 10 episodes and my opinion has totally changed around, the premise of the story builds as you get to know a little more about each of the characters. I know this is turning into a great series because I find myself rooting for the crew when theyAfter watching the pilot episode and admit I wasn't too impressed. The characters were a little cliche and it felt a little flat. I've now watched 10 episodes and my opinion has totally changed around, the premise of the story builds as you get to know a little more about each of the characters. I know this is turning into a great series because I find myself rooting for the crew when they get into any predicament. Each actor is starting to really embrace their roles and you can really see it in each episode that goes by. I love this series and can't wait to see how it develops in the future.… Expand
  14. Wynne
    Jul 11, 2015
    10
    Critics should be required to watch more than one episode before rating--if they were, every tomato on this page would be fresh. By episode 5, I have to say that this is by FAR the best show on television. It is PHENOMENAL. It is everything you loved about Mass Effect and a bold new future for science fiction--one that reduces some of the pain from losing Firefly (though it's not asCritics should be required to watch more than one episode before rating--if they were, every tomato on this page would be fresh. By episode 5, I have to say that this is by FAR the best show on television. It is PHENOMENAL. It is everything you loved about Mass Effect and a bold new future for science fiction--one that reduces some of the pain from losing Firefly (though it's not as frequently funny and it's way more dramatic, you can see the parallels.)

    The acting, direction, environments, and plots are all fresh. The music is very Mass Effect-like. The initial cliches of the pilot, obliterated by the twist and its following episodes, become a mysterious and fascinating backdrop which allows us to get to know the characters and their universe as they get to know themselves. This show likes to take your expectations, present them to you, and blithely proceed to beat them to a pulp.

    Melissa O'Neil is AMAZING. She portrays the kind of character one either wants to be or to be with. She is the glue that holds together a brilliant cast which has amazing chemistry, one where every character is important, distinct, and interesting, even the one who seems like an Expy of Jayne (Three). Each has their secrets, their flaws, and their mysteries. Each is sympathetic enough to make you curious about their past, their hidden sides, and their fate. You wonder, who is the traitor and why? The questions are pervasive and increasingly fascinating as enough hints are dropped to keep theories branching out in your brain. It's a lazy interest with a lot of staying power--you're not irritated by an excess of curiosity; it builds slowly and delights the mind.

    I am eagerly drinking up every new episode, and I hope you will join me. I don't want this show to become another Firefly. Don't take the critics' reviews for granted--watch this show (MORE than one episode--the first episode always has to establish the setting, so it's never quite as smooth as the following endeavors!) and judge for yourself.    … Expand
  15. krikaoli
    Aug 2, 2015
    10
    This is a very unique show, without clichés. At each episode I like more and more the show. The actors and the script are fantastic and this is the best present-day science fiction series.
  16. mosconstein
    Jul 7, 2015
    9
    The show it still in its early episodes but, right now, il looks promising. There's everything you'd like to see in a sci-fi opera (spaceships, psychotic androids,laser guns...) and the plot seams to develop one episode after another.
  17. fallendemon
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    The premise of the show is simple enough. Everyone wakes up in a stasis with amnesia. The show is low budget so no cool effects etc.. The earlier episodes we get to find out who they are fairly quickly. By episode 8 or the show takes off.

    I hope they get a bigger budget for season two the stories in season one is fun to watch!!

    Best is to binge watch the whole thing in a sitting.
  18. Nachojones
    Aug 10, 2015
    10
    Currently binge watching episode 7 of the first season and I really like it. It reminds me of early STNG and Firefly. It's going to be a long wait for the next season. The characters are interesting and familiar without being cliche. I think they've done a great job. I don't know what people expect from a first season. Big thumbs up here. The only thing I have a slight problem is theCurrently binge watching episode 7 of the first season and I really like it. It reminds me of early STNG and Firefly. It's going to be a long wait for the next season. The characters are interesting and familiar without being cliche. I think they've done a great job. I don't know what people expect from a first season. Big thumbs up here. The only thing I have a slight problem is the ships android. The eye closing, when she processes something, is silly. But that is just a minor complaint. I love this show.… Expand
  19. Armchairwarrior
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    A show with a very good story. Must binge watch the whole thing. It is low budget. But story gets better after a few background episodes of who they are. The show gets its legs by episode 8.
  20. Nazzeth
    Aug 14, 2015
    8
    So far the first season has been really enjoyable. It's no Firefly, but it has aspects of all our favourite Scifi/Space Shows like Firefly & Farscape, plus a handful of great appearances from stars of our other favourite Scifi shows like SG1/SGA

    At first glance it did seem to be trying a little to hard to imitate other shows, but as its progressed characters have developed in their own    So far the first season has been really enjoyable. It's no Firefly, but it has aspects of all our favourite Scifi/Space Shows like Firefly & Farscape, plus a handful of great appearances from stars of our other favourite Scifi shows like SG1/SGA

    At first glance it did seem to be trying a little to hard to imitate other shows, but as its progressed characters have developed in their own right, and now we begin to see their on screen chemistry finally click.

    This show is good, at the moment, better than good. But it has the potential to be amazing. I Hope it gets there before someone cuts it off too short, as seems to be the pattern with great scifi.    … Expand
  21. ifor
    Jun 22, 2015
    10
    Best science fiction show i've been watching in quite a while, the first 2 episodes where kick-ass.

    The acting is good, the story so deep and the general appearance of the universe is just amazing.
  22. mrmonster
    Jun 17, 2015
    8
    The best original show Syfy has aired in years. Normally Syfy is synonymous with bad, but this pilot was actually really good. It had good action and a really intriguing mystery.
  23. PrismLover
    Jun 13, 2015
    8
    I think everybody is judging this show too soon, based only on the first episode. The effects are quite interesting and the characters have personality. It's a good choice for a weekday night.
  24. Nadrac
    Jun 30, 2015
    9
    Good character focused scifi adventure with a lot of potential, and character driven shows always take some time to really get started. It's a budget show, and uses that budget on what matters, and the acting is good, sometimes even great. Anthony Lemke is amazing.
  25. Sicily
    Jul 3, 2015
    10
    I love the show so far. Granted, the acting is a little off but new actors need to find their place and the character they portray. You always need to give it a few episodes for the actor to define the character. Take a look at Firefly, Stargate, or Farscape. All of those shows weren't really good till a few episodes in. Im really glad we have another space show out worth watching. TOI love the show so far. Granted, the acting is a little off but new actors need to find their place and the character they portray. You always need to give it a few episodes for the actor to define the character. Take a look at Firefly, Stargate, or Farscape. All of those shows weren't really good till a few episodes in. Im really glad we have another space show out worth watching. TO THE TROLLS OUT THERE: What else is there?… Expand
  26. Prophatsee
    Jul 20, 2015
    8
    It's Firefly meets Mass Effect the video game. Minus the aliens which I wonder if they'll introduce any. Either way this show has alot of potential and had me by the end of episode 1. Great action great characters and open world story with evil corporations and great back stories of the characters waiting to be uncovered
  27. EdmondH
    Jul 22, 2015
    10
    This is now my favorite show on TV. I find myself muddling through the week just to get to Friday. I do like killjoys but for me it just doesn't have the depth and and the characters that dark matter has. The acting is first rate, not a usual formula for SYFY. The premise is excellent and has many roads that can be traveled. The cast is movie quality. It is the closest thing to fireflyThis is now my favorite show on TV. I find myself muddling through the week just to get to Friday. I do like killjoys but for me it just doesn't have the depth and and the characters that dark matter has. The acting is first rate, not a usual formula for SYFY. The premise is excellent and has many roads that can be traveled. The cast is movie quality. It is the closest thing to firefly yet. And as we'll know firefly was the best show ever. I am already awaiting the blu ray set. Let's keep this ship flying.… Expand
  28. undercontrol
    Jul 23, 2015
    6
    I think mediocre is the right adjective for this one. But I must say I kinda like the story; Sci-Fi fans will like it for sure. The special effects could be better, but it's still enjoyable.
  29. raderx
    Aug 10, 2015
    9
    Dark Matter is good fun scifi. You'll immediately feel like you know the characters because they are put into their archetypes (one likes guns and is out for himself, another is a martial artist that keeps to himself), however as the show progresses and their stories are told and it is revealed how they are all intertwined, that's where the real magic of the show starts to take place. IDark Matter is good fun scifi. You'll immediately feel like you know the characters because they are put into their archetypes (one likes guns and is out for himself, another is a martial artist that keeps to himself), however as the show progresses and their stories are told and it is revealed how they are all intertwined, that's where the real magic of the show starts to take place. I rarely find myself watching a TV show as it's actually being aired (vs waiting for entire seasons on netflix) but this one has me waiting for the next show every time.… Expand
  30. QuirkyReviews
    Sep 21, 2015
    9
    Pros: Strong Female leads, Good Humor, awesome character development,and great aesthetic

    Cons: Starts slow,and the middle of the season needed a bit more action
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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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