Science fiction series Dark Matter returns to Apple TV on August 28, 2026, starring Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly as Jason and Daniela Dessen as they face the multiverse once again.
The second season of the show consists of 10 episodes, with the first chapter debuting on Friday, August 28, followed by a new episode every Friday until October 30.
Created by Blake Crouch and based on his sci-fi novel of the same name, Dark Matter originally introduced Jason Dessen, a physicist, professor, and family man whose life transformed when he was kidnapped and taken to an alternate reality. There, he discovered infinite versions of his own existence, where different decisions led to radically different lives. His wife and son were gone, and former acquaintances did not recognize him, forcing him to fight to return to his original reality and stop an alternate version of himself, the man behind the white mask, from harming his family.
New threats and multiversal struggles
The new season picks up directly from the aftermath of that journey as the Dessen family attempts to settle into a life of restored normality. However, that peace is quickly shattered as Jason remains deeply marked by the experience, becoming increasingly obsessed with the Box, the device that enables travel between realities, while Daniela experiences growing paranoia that threatens their fragile stability.
Edgerton and Connelly recently explained that the second season presents a completely new story while retaining the core concept of the Box and reality travel. Edgerton highlighted the importance of trusting viewers to follow the subtle nuances between the different versions of Jason without constant explanations.
Returning cast and creative team
Along with the lead actors, Alice Braga returns as Amanda and Jimmi Simpson reprises his role as Ryan, with both characters embarking on their own mission to find a way back home. Meanwhile, Amanda Brugel plays Blair, who is determined to stop Jason, while Dayo Okeniyi portrays Leighton, a man pursuing his own vision of creating a perfect world. The cast also features Oakes Fegley.
Edgerton and Connelly also serve as executive producers on the series alongside Crouch, who continues as creator and showrunner. The writing and executive producing team includes Jacquelyn Ben-Zekry, Megan McDonnell, and Ihuoma Ofordire. The premiere coincides with the tenth anniversary of the publication of Crouch's original novel, with Apple TV building on the book's foundation while developing a distinct path for the television adaptation.
