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?
I thoroughly enjoyed Dark Matter and was very disappointed when it was cancelled. Syfy really wouldn’t know a quality program if it bit them in the butt. Like Felicia, I haven’t watched the station since either. I just can’t find anything on the station worth the time.
I would most certainly watch Dark Matter for as many years that they could be on the air. Maybe some other network will pick it up.
Yes, most definitely would have watched a season four and five. Sorry to see it go. Dark Matter deserved better.
Yes, I thought that the show was just starting to find it’s groove, same thing with Stargate, it seems Syfy does things to make people not watch,
I loved this show why don’t netflix take it over. and wynonna earp
that was one of syfy top shows and to dope it like that, it really hurt.
I loved Dark Matter! I watched it every week. Loved the characters and the storyline. Couldn’t stand the other show it was paired with, but of course that show didn’t get cancelled for some reason. Interesting about the conflict between SYFY LA vs NYC offices. Since the syfy person that liked the show went to Netflix why couldn’t it get picked up over there?
I would definitely watch a 4th season! The series was great, should not have been cancelled
Networks do not care about what’s highly rated. You have to hit those demographics and make that advertising money. When AOL bought Turner broadcasting they axed WCW, despite it being the network’s highest rated show. They didn’t want a buffoon wrestling program being their flagship show. Sounds like Syfy was jealous because this show was outdoing something the network wanted to be on top.
SYFY You Stink!!!!
One of the best shows on TV.
Please bring dark matter back I loved it you have no right to scrapped it we all love it please please please bring it back,thank you .
Such a great show! Was definitely on-board for season 4! But, the peevish preschoolers at SyFy prevailed. No worries. Haven’t watched the channel since.
Neither have I
How incredibly unprofessional, childish, rude and stupid. SyFy; you could’ve, should’ve done better. Very disappointed that the show ended like that. Shame on all of you.
Yes, I loved the show, the characters were very convincing and the script always had a touch of humour in it. I would have also liked a movie to finish it off.