Jennifer Connelly and Joel Edgerton in "Dark Matter,"

Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly star in Apple TV’s sci-fi drama, Dark Matter, which returns with ten new episodes on 28 August

t’s time to mark your calendars as Apple TV has unveiled a first look and the release date for its returning sci-fi drama, Dark Matter. 

The popular series, based on the blockbuster novel by New York Times bestselling author Blake Crouch, will return with ten new episodes on 28 August.

Joel Edgerton stars as physicist, professor and family man, Jason Dessen, who is abducted into an alternate version of his life while walking home.

If you like mind-bending, high-stakes sci-fi shows like Severance and Silo, then put Dark Matter on your watchlist.

Find out what to expect from season two below…

What is Dark Matter about?

The show follows Jason Dessen, who is warped into an alternate version of his life while walking home one evening.

Jennifer Connelly and Joel Edgerton in "Dark Matter,"© Apple TV
Jennifer Connelly and Joel Edgerton star in Dark Matter

When he tries to return to his reality, wonder quickly turns to nightmare amid the mind-bending landscape of the lives he could have lived.

The synopsis continues: “He embarks on a harrowing journey to get back to his true family and save them from the most terrifying, unbeatable foe imaginable: himself.”

In season two, the Dessens settle into a quiet life in a world that finally seems safe until the unimaginable forces them to run once again.

The synopsis continues: “As Jason’s obsession with the Box deepens, Daniela’s growing paranoia pushes her to the brink, threatening to tear their fragile stability apart. Elsewhere, Amanda and Ryan join forces in a desperate attempt to find their way home.

“With Blair determined to stop him, while Leighton relentlessly chases his grand vision of creating a perfect world.”

Who stars in Dark Matter?

Joel Edgerton (Train Dreams) leads the cast as Jason.

Oakes Fegley, Jennifer Connelly and Joel Edgerton in "Dark Matter,"© Apple TV
Oakes Fegley plays Charlie Dessen

He’s joined by Jennifer Connelly (Top Gun: Maverick) as Daniela Dessen, Alice Braga (I Am Legend) as Amanda Lucas, Jimmi Simpson (Westworld) as Ryan Holder, Dayo Okeniyi (The Hunger Games) as Leighton Vance, Oakes Fegley (Wonderstruck) as Charlie Dessen and Amanda Brugel (Orphan Black) as Blair Caplan.

What have viewers said about the show?

The series has been praised as a “must-watch” and “pure gold” by viewers.

In one online review, a viewer hailed the show as “absolutely mind-blowing,” adding: “Everything was just done perfectly. Joel Edgerton is an incredible actor, he played every version of the character to perfection. I hope they make another five seasons of this show.”

Amanda Brugel and Dayo Okeniyi in "Dark Matter,"© Apple TV
Amanda Brugel and Dayo Okeniyi also star in the sci-fi drama

A second viewer described the show as “one of the best I’ve seen in a while,” adding: “The script is well-crafted and the production quality, set design, and cinematography are top-notch. In my opinion, this is Apple TV’s finest work yet. They’ve ticked all the right boxes.”

What have critics said about the show?

The series received mostly positive reviews from TV critics.

Empire described the series as an “engaging, accessible trans-dimensional thriller” in its three-star review, while both The Telegraph and The Guardian handed out three stars and said the show could have benefited from a shorter run of episodes.

Joel Edgerton and Dayo Okeniyi in "Dark Matter," © Apple TV
Dark Matter returns to Apple TV on 28 August

Elsewhere, Variety called the show “shocking and unsettling,” adding that it “doesn’t quite satisfy in the end”.

How to watch Dark Matter

Season two of Dark Matter will premiere on Apple TV with the first episode on 28 August. New episodes will be released weekly every Friday until 30 October.