Dark Matter season 2 review roundup: Apple TV's multiverse thriller takes a bold, divisive turn
Season 2 of Apple TV's Dark Matter continues Blake Crouch's multiverse thriller beyond his novel, as Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly's family tries to build a new life in another world. Most critics call it compelling and thoughtful, while some feel it has lost its spark.
The story (no spoilers)
Season 2 picks up straight after the first, with physicist Jason Dessen (Joel Edgerton), his wife Daniela (Jennifer Connelly) and their son Charlie (Oakes Fegley) forced to flee their own world through the mysterious Box.
After a few false starts in hostile realities, they find what seems the perfect hiding place, a version of Earth without computers or the internet, and try to build a quiet new life. But the trauma of what they have been through, and the people still searching for them, make it hard to leave the past behind.
Where to watch or download
Links go to official services only. Streaming services let subscribers download titles in their app to watch offline, on supported plans; stores let you buy a copy to download and keep. Availability differs by country and changes over time (checked 18 October 2026). ElysiumHub does not host files or link to unofficial downloads.
The verdict
A strong choice if you loved season 1 and enjoy slower, character-driven science fiction. Watch the first season first, as critics say this one depends on it, and all of it is on Apple TV.
- 82%Rotten TomatoesTomatometer, Certified Fresh, 28 reviews, 18 Oct 2026
- 76MetacriticMetascore, 8 critic reviews, 18 Oct 2026
- 71%RT audiencePopcornmeter, 100+ ratings, 18 Oct 2026
What critics say
“Dark Matter reconfirms its status as the most mind-meltingly compelling genre series since Netflix's Dark”
“A thoughtful, if unexpected continuation of the story, this second season takes a bold step into the unknown, delivering something different but altogether more satisfying.”
“the result is a show with plenty of big ideas and big consequences but not enough small, human stakes to connect them”
“not only has season 2 lost its spark, it also fails to justify its existence.”
What works
- Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly give layered, moving performances.
- A brave shift towards a quieter, more personal story.
- Plenty of mind-bending ideas for science-fiction fans.
What doesn't
- Some critics felt the multiverse plot has become too complicated.
- Radio Times argued the story no longer needed telling once the novel ran out.
- You need to have seen season 1 to follow it.
Dark Matter season 2 premiered on Apple TV on 28 August 2026, with ten episodes released weekly through to 30 October. Blake Crouch, who wrote the original novel, remains the showrunner and co-writes the season, which takes the story beyond the end of his book.
What critics liked
Most reviews are positive. The Daily Beast's Nick Schager called it the most mind-meltingly compelling genre series since Netflix's Dark, and Empire's James Dyer praised a bold step into the unknown that proves more satisfying than expected. Critics who liked it enjoyed the decision to slow down and focus on the family's trauma, and RogerEbert.com named it one of the best science-fiction series of the year.
Where it falls short
Not everyone was won over. Collider's Jessica Toomer felt it has big ideas and big consequences but not enough human stakes to connect them, and Radio Times' Louise Griffin argued that the season has lost its spark and fails to justify its existence now that it has gone beyond the book.
The performances
The cast is the most consistent strength. Edgerton and Connelly lead again, with Oakes Fegley as their son and Alice Braga, Jimmi Simpson and Dayo Okeniyi returning.
Should you watch?
With a Certified Fresh 82% Tomatometer, season 2 is worth it for fans of the first, especially if you prefer character drama to constant twists.
Quick answers
- Is Dark Matter season 2 worth watching?
- A strong choice if you loved season 1 and enjoy slower, character-driven science fiction. Watch the first season first, as critics say this one depends on it, and all of it is on Apple TV.
- What are the review scores for Dark Matter season 2?
- Rotten Tomatoes: 82% (Tomatometer, Certified Fresh, 28 reviews, 18 Oct 2026). Metacritic: 76 (Metascore, 8 critic reviews, 18 Oct 2026). RT audience: 71% (Popcornmeter, 100+ ratings, 18 Oct 2026).
- Where can I watch Dark Matter season 2?
- Official options: Apple TV (stream and download in the app; Global). Availability varies by country and changes over time.
- How many episodes does Dark Matter season 2 have?
- Dark Matter season 2 has 10 episodes.
- When was Dark Matter season 2 released?
- Dark Matter season 2 premiered on Apple TV on 28 August 2026.
- Who is in Dark Matter season 2?
- It was created by Blake Crouch and stars Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Connelly, Alice Braga, Jimmi Simpson, Oakes Fegley, Dayo Okeniyi and Amanda Brugel.
Sources
This roundup summarises the reviews and reporting below. Follow the links for the full pieces.
- Dark Matter Season 2 review · Empire
- Dark Matter season 2 review · The Daily Beast
- Dark Matter Season 2 review · Collider
- Dark Matter season 2 review · Radio Times
- Dark Matter: Season 2 · Rotten Tomatoes
- Dark Matter (2024) season 2 · Metacritic
- Dark Matter (2024 TV series) · Wikipedia
ElysiumHub Screen Desk roundups summarise published reviews and reporting, and are written with AI assistance. Scores belong to the sites that publish them. Read our editorial standards. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.