How a Chicago physicist’s abduction spiraled into a multi-season exploration of alternate realities
When a physicist is kidnapped by his own alternate-reality counterpart, he is thrust into a desperate journey to reclaim his original life. Based on the 2016 novel by Blake Crouch, this Apple TV+ series transforms a personal struggle into a sprawling, genre-bending narrative that has captivated critics across two seasons.
The series centers on Jason Dessen, a physicist living in Chicago who finds his existence upended when he is abducted by a version of himself, known as Jason2. This act of displacement forces Dessen to navigate a labyrinth of alternate realities, attempting to return to his wife, Daniela, and their son, Charlie. Along the way, he encounters figures like Amanda Lucas, a partner to his captor, and his close friend Ryan Holder, while contending with the influence of Velocity Labs, led by CEO Leighton Vance.
Development of the project began in December 2020, with Blake Crouch serving as showrunner and head writer. The production was officially greenlit in March 2022, securing a nine-episode order for its debut. Filming was a massive undertaking that spanned six months, beginning in October 2022. The production utilized iconic Chicago locations, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and the University of Chicago’s library facilities, alongside an abandoned hospital in Blue Island.
The show’s reception has been largely positive, with critical acclaim growing between its first and second seasons. The debut season, which premiered on May 8, 2024, earned an 81% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. By the time the second season premiered on August 28, 2026, the series had refined its approach, achieving a 92% approval rating. Critics have praised the show for its thought-provoking storytelling and the depth of its central performances, marking it as a significant entry in modern science fiction television.
Source: Dark Matter (2024 TV series)
