The 'mind-blowing' Apple TV+ series with ending which leaves viewers 'broken'

An Apple TV+ series based on a best-selling sci-fi novel has been hailed 'mind-blowing' by viewers.

Dark Matter, based on the 2016 book of the same name by Blake Crouch, debuted on the streamer with its first two episodes on May 8. Executive produced by Blake, the nine-part series then released one episode a week, concluding on Wednesday June 26.

The drama follows physicist, professor and family man Jason Dessen (Joel Edgerton) who is abducted into an alternative life by another version of himself, Jason #02. Nightmares ensue as he tries to return to his reality amid the mind-bending landscape of lives he could have lived.

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He embarks on a harrowing journey to get back to his true family and save them from the most terrifying, unbeatable foe imaginable: himself. The series also stars Jennifer Connelly as Daniela Dessen, Jason #01's wife, Alice Braga as Amanda Lucas, Jason #02's girlfriend, and Oakes Fegley as Charlie Dessen, Jason and Daniela's son.

Dark Matter has earned a decent 81% from critics on review site Rotten Tomatoes - but it's fans on social media who are raving the most. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, viewers were quick to brand the drama 'the best' this year.

@contrarah admitted: "The finale of Dark Matter broke me. One of the best episodes of TV I’ve watched (the last probably being “Fishes”). Just a masterclass in breaking down the human psyche. So emotionally satisfying. Loved this show" as @tweetkayc wrote: "A terrific and mind blowing sci-fi drama!! ...That ending was just too perfect! #darkmatter".

@CheChilundu added: "I'll say Dark Matter is one the best series I have watched this year" as @SinCitySOSA gave their verdict: "I thought they couldn’t get any better than [2023 sci-fi drama] Silo but Apple TV is running circles around the other platforms. Probably one of the greatest shows I’ve ever watched. #DarkMatter".

There's no doubt that fans are eager for more Dark Matter. But unfortunately a second season hasn't been confirmed just yet.

Speaking to Decider on the possibility of another instalment, actor Joel said: “I think everybody’s sort of open to it, for sure. I think everyone had a wonderful time. I know I did, and I felt that from everyone around us."

He continued: "I think, generally, there’s a world right now talking about multiple universes. There’s a world of multitude of television, which is a buffet that caters for all sorts of people’s tastes, and the algorithms, and all that stuff. I think that if there’s a world where people want more of Dark Matter and there was enough of an audience that was there watching it and saw it through to the end, I think they’ll definitely do more.”

All nine episodes of Dark Matter are available to stream now on Apple TV+.