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 would have watch Dark Matter as long as it was made. Would it be possible to get another network to take over and continue the show?
I would watch two more seasons if they were made.
I watched every episode ! Very disappointed Dark Matter was canceled, especially the way it was done. So many things left unresolved. So, the LA branch got their egos bruised. Waaaaa ! Not mature enough to say, “ratings are great, maybe we were wrong”. Big Babies !
Watched for 3 seasons and was greatly disappointed that it was cancelled even though it had high ratings. It would have been nice if audience had been told why it was cancelled. Would definitely watch season 4 and 5 if brought back. At least end it with a 2 hr movie if you won’t bring back the series, either on scfy channel or another channel.
I liked the show a lot… Ok nobody have same opinions and it’s normal… But, when you have a Serie that works and followed by millions, when it’s the third one followed… It is a nonsense to cut it up just because of a few guys that have different taste for series.
I really liked this show. I was very upset that SyFi won’t wouldn’t continue such a good show. At least a conclusion movie.
I loved this show! Highly displeased and offended by syfy right now. Will not be bothering with them any more! Netflix please pick this up!
Just binge watched Dark Matter and got to the end of season 3 and went “WTH?!?”. SYFY killed a great show over corporate politics rather than fan preference. Hopefully NETFLIX can pick it up and do the crew of the Raza (and series creators) credit for their artistic vision of a possible Earth future. This epic is reminiscent of Babylon 5 and Farscape in scope and of Firefly in its untimely ending. I’m a little sad and disappointed with SYFY, I thought that they were better than petty politicking.
I just discovered the show. Clearly some of Vancouver’s best talent went into the production of the show. The actors are not familiar names but they did their jobs well. I saw the birth of the SciFy Channel on satellite TV in the 1990’s. It has not lived up to its potential. Wrestling and paranormal junk soon filled the schedule. Now and then some good programs have been created. Warehouse 13 was remarkable. Dark Matter seems to be the victim of corporate pride. Sadly the folks in LA killed the show and prevented any resolution to the story. Perhaps fans… Read more »
I basically see Dark Matter as Lost meets Next Generation. Incredibly engaging plot and character development. In my all time top five for sure. Cancellation made no sense whatsoever. Would like to see Netflix pick it up and continue.
The first 2 seasons was good but the last season was not enjoyable plus they changed some of the main characters. At least I get to see fine Melissa Oneil on THE ROOKIE. Man that chick is hot and The Rookie is a great show.
I really liked the series and would have continued watching it.
Loved this show! They wrote both male and female characters that were interesting and had depth. Too smart for the hacks at LA Syfy:) I want a movie please!
Have you approached Netflix to sponsor/produce the show?
This was a great show. The fact that the pettiness of executive infighting got it cancelled shows the stupidity and small mindedness of the network.