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?
They cancel great shows for dumb reality shows that melt the brain… bring back entertainment please!!!!!! I miss Dark matters… Loved the show was very upset when I heard it was cancelled!!!
Between “reality” shows & prime time game show revivals I feel my brain is being tested. Do I want to become an idiot or do I want shows that make connections, have interesting story lines, good acting & require me to use my own brain circuits to follow along? Dark Matter & The Expanse were/are two of the most well written Syfy shows in ages. At least The Expanse has managed to stay alive on streaming services. Maybe they could get a two hour Dark Matter finale on one of those as this might garner them new happy customers. Just… Read more »
This is a real shame. The plot was clever, well thought out and was a real mystery within a SyFy series. Good development with good actors and very many plot twists and turns that kept you guessing. Perhaps it was too complicated for many to follow? I don’t think so. A very thought provoking show in the far future. I really missed seeing the rest of the series that was proposed. I wish I were rich enough or “in the know” to make a difference. Press on anyway!
You knew this network was done when they changed from Sci Fi to the sorry SyFy. It is shocking that with all the drek on TV….we aren’t allowed even one Sci Fi network. I no longer watch anything on this **** network. If by accident, they put anything of interest on the air…
I’ll wait for the series to have a satisfactory end and then…buy the series.
Once again ignorance rules
I would have watched this show forever, it is a great great show.
A 2 hour finale would have be better than no ending.
Dark Matter got totally **** on. **** syfy LA those execs are selfish ********. They canceled this show because they were butt hurt! **** YOU! That’s no reason to cancel an amazing show. Dark matter was better then Killjoys and I love Killjoys.
I was furious…this reminded me of when Firefly was canceled…total idiots…I spoke by unsubscribing and uninstalling everything from SYFY network.
Unfortunately Syfy has gone down hill after stopping the Stargate series then WH13 and finally Eureka. Dark matter was the only show we watched on the network And when it left we have not watched one hour on the network. It’s a shame because all through the 2000’s our family, friends heck everyone I knew went to Syfy and USA first. Now I don’t know anyone who does. Unfortunately I think the reality is cheap reality “fake” shows are cheap so thats their go to along with wrestling and only brain deads watch it. To bad sponsors have not picked… Read more »
Ditto Ed Mets, Dito!
SyFy just doesn’t know good science fiction.
Absolutely! I have re-watched the first 2 seasons numerous times. One of the few benefits of getting old – bad memory. Parts of episodes are still a surprise! And I still haven’t forgiven Syfy for cancelling Farscape!
I think I wasn’t heartbroken when they cancelled this show. It was the first show I was actually able to get into after a break from TV, and was extremely excited to watch it every night. I even told my boss I had to leave an hour early in the days it was on tv… I didn’t wanna miss out and have to watch it after everyone else got to.. Everything about this show was so superb, from the actors that played the characters, the amazing character stories, backgrounds, and emotions, to the fact that we had bada** women in… Read more »
Dark Matter is one of my all-time favorite TV shows. So disappointed it ended, especially without you being able to bring some sub-plots to a conclusion. If something could be worked out to continue it or at least conclude it, that would be great. Best of all would be to continue it and even have spinoffs from it.
Networks do what they want. Fans don’t matter, cash does. If what was said is true then they have contempt for the viewer over ego. What a shame nothing left on that channel anymore, won’t be watching or subscribing.
I was devastated that they canceled Dark Matter and to leave us fans no closure for the series. Shame on SYFY L.A. for acting like a child over a show that was clearly a hit.