What happened with Dark Matter? Recently, co-creator Joseph Mallozzi explained why Syfy cancelled the TV show after three seasons.
The sci-fi drama follows the crew of a derelict spaceship who awake with no memory of who they are or how they got on board. Still, they must work together to survive a threatening voyage charged with vengeance, betrayal, and plenty of secrets. The cast includes Marc Bendavid, Melissa O’Neil, Anthony Lemke, Alex Mallari Jr, Jodelle Ferland, Roger Cross, and Zoie Palmer.
Recently, Mallozzi addressed Dark Matter‘s cancellation on Reddit, saying Syfy‘s LA division did not support the series from the beginning. Read the entire post below:
It irritates me too. Especially because I had a five season plan going in complete with character and story arcs (which is why we were always able to set-up and pay off so much as the show went along). But, since you asked, this is what went down…
When we were first pitching the show, the pilot script went to Syfy’s Acquisition division in New York. They picked up the show. But as it turns out, the script had also been sent to Syfy’s Originals division in L.A. – who hated it and passed. And when they found out that the Acquisitions department in NY had picked up a project they had passed on, I heard they were decidedly Unhappy.
Then the show premiered and outperformed most of their originals. Which, from what I heard, really didn’t sit well with Syfy L.A.
Fast-forward three years later and our point person in New York left to go to Netflix. As a result, we didn’t have a champion in our corner anymore. Even though we were the network’s third-most watched show, I heard that not one executive stepped up for us. And, well, Syfy L.A. were never really fans – so we were cancelled. Without so much as a press release or a thank you. We went back at them and asked for the opportunity to offer fans a conclusion, even simply in the form of a two hour movie. They never even answered the email.”
What do you think? Are you a fan of Dark Matter? Would you have watched a fourth season?
Not surprising that LA media companies wouldn’t like the show. LA biz’s only interests are in mindless shows and reality tv. Essentially, anything that isn’t warmed-over sh– isn’t liked by LA entertainment media companies.
Sad some people let self arrogance interfere with business. No way should that type of people be in a professional position. Speaking also on behalf of the series Dark Matter. It has so much potential. I am a huge fan of space science fiction for years, I am in my 60’s. Even before Star Trek, in which I am a proud TREKKI. Hope Dark Matter can reach the property hands in the possible future! Wondering if the people spent the profits on themselves poorly. That kills businesses too fast!
What a waste this was a great show I’d be sacking the people in la as they clearly have no idea what good tv is especially good scifi
I just read that this show is coming to CWTV and was curious what the show was. I guess they must have bought the rights to it or something. I wonder if it is popular enough they may want to bring it back for more seasons? I am not sure if that is even a thing or not…
Amazing show, I just watched it again and felt even more bummed that the season 3 ending as a cliffhanger. Understand they cant make the money they want, then just dont invest and let someone willing to spend the money have a crack at it. Syfi jacked Dark Matter, Defiance, and The Expanse. The list goes on and on.
Wondering if people went out spending the profits poorly on themselves! That kills businesses too fast!
I agree they always get rid of good shows,no thought about everyone that goes to making the show cast crew etc
This is why I stopped watching syfy. I hate falling in love with a show and having it cancelled for reasons resembling a toddler’s temper tantrum.
Bring back Dark Matter!!! Even if only to Firefly Serenity style the conclusion. This show deserves a conclusion.