By the time Dark Matter comes back to Apple TV+, it will do so with an additional burden of expectation beyond what is normally expected of any sci-fi sequel. For its showrunner, Blake Crouch, this will prove an unusual second opportunity—a chance to correct a problem of structural failure that has haunted his TV career for close to a decade.
Season 1 of Dark Matter mirrored the 2016 novel by Crouch, offering a carefully calibrated and earthed investigation into the themes of identity, choice, and matrimony via the concept of the multiverse, and the adherence to the source material was broadly cited as one of the key advantages of the series overall. It also begs the question, however, of what then transpires in the aftermath of the conclusion of the novel.
Instead of launching directly into another tightly packed series or delegating the solution, Season 2 is taking a much riskier—and possibly more rewarding—approach. It is going completely off-book, blowing the series beyond anything Crouch has yet published, with the man himself at the helm.
Things that can be learned from Wayward Pines
The looming shadow over Dark Matter Season 2 is that of Wayward Pines. Fox’s 2015 adaptation of Crouch’s trilogy saw the network go through all three books in the first season. The fast-paced first installment was thrilling at first, though it left the show with very little to work with for the second installment. The limited role that Crouch took in the second season did not help matters either.
Dark Matter avoids this problem on purpose. There is one overall showrunner: Crouch. All scripts have to get by him. Rather than under-adapting, there’s been no rushing to develop concepts based on one new story. Instead, there’s been a focus on developing relationships, such as Jason’s marriage to Daniela. Both of these become important to this high-concept premise.
Production on season 2 was finished in mid-2025, and the show is currently well into post-production work on its intricate visual effects. There is as yet no release date announced by Apple TV+, although rumors peg the launch in late spring 2026.
The upcoming season will see returns from Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly as the Dessens, who will again center on the dynamic of their relationship. The expected further focus on Alice Braga’s Amanda would specifically include her choice to stay within the future version of Chicago from Season 1’s close. Additional characters that will likely flesh out further concepts will include series additions such as Chris Diamantopoulos in a recurring capacity and series addition Amanda Brugel as a series regular.
If Season 2 delivers, Dark Matter could become one of the few examples of a science fiction television series that is a sequel driven by the vision of its authors and that can develop its mythos without undermining its sense of continuity. It could become a defining example of what happens if given the chance to complete its series. For Blake Crouch, it’s not just another season. It’s the chance to finally get the long game right.
