Apple TV’s Dark Matter Fills The Void Left By J.K. Simmons 100% RT Masterpiece

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A fantastic sci-fi show starring J.K. Simmons was surprisingly canceled after just two seasons, even though it received a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While it doesn’t seem likely to come back, a different sci-fi series on Apple TV could be a great replacement. Although it didn’t get a perfect score, the Apple TV show was well-received by both critics and viewers after its first season.

Though it first aired nearly ten years ago, Counterpart is still considered by many to be one of the best science fiction shows of recent times. Starring J.K. Simmons, the series received high praise for its depiction of alternate realities and strong acting. Sadly, despite two fantastic seasons, it was canceled prematurely.

Despite having so much potential, the sci-fi show Counterpart is unlikely to be surpassed. While many shows explore parallel universes, none have matched its quality. Fans of Counterpart, starring J.K. Simmons, might like Apple TV+’s Dark Matter, which will be back for its second season on August 28, 2026.

Apple TV’s Dark Matter Is The Perfect Show For Fans Of Counterpart

Multiverse stories in popular movies and TV shows often focus on creating visually impressive and unusual worlds to entertain audiences. While shows like Counterpart and Dark Matter also feature these fantastical elements, they go a step further by using the multiverse as a way to explore themes of personal identity and the consequences of the decisions we make.

In its final episodes, Dark Matter features multiple alternate versions of its protagonist. However, similar to Counterpart, the core story focuses on just two versions of the same character. Like Counterpart, which explores how different choices shaped the lives of two Howards, Dark Matter shows the separate and contrasting lives of two versions of Jason, both played by Joel Edgerton.

Dark Matter briefly introduces some ideas from quantum physics, such as entanglement and the observer effect. But similar to Counterpart, it doesn’t get bogged down in complicated scientific details. The show’s strength lies in its characters and the main character’s personal journey – his struggle to figure out who he is and his longing to be reunited with his family.

Joel Edgerton gives a stunning performance in Apple TV+’s Dark Matter, playing multiple versions of the same character, much like J.K. Simmons did in Counterpart. While Dark Matter isn’t a spy story like Counterpart, it still features surprising twists and intriguing puzzles that will captivate you, especially after the initial episodes get going.

One of the strengths of the Dark Matter series is that Blake Crouch, who wrote the original book, is also in charge of the show. This guarantees the series stays true to the book’s spirit while also having the freedom to explore the story’s ideas in new ways.

Counterpart Will Never Return, But Dark Matter Could Last For A Long Time

Now that season one of Dark Matter has covered the entire plot of the original book, season two will build on that story and expand the show’s universe. If the new season is successful, Blake Crouch could continue exploring the multiverse with even more seasons to come.

As a critic, I still find myself thinking about Counterpart – it’s been a while since that second season wrapped up, and honestly, it feels like we’re probably not going to get any more of it. It’s a shame, because almost everyone who watched it really loved the show, but it doesn’t seem like it’s going to get another chance.

If you enjoyed the J.K. Simmons series, you might like Dark Matter on Apple TV, as it has a similar feel. The second season of Dark Matter promises even more twists and a deeper look into the multiverse, making it a great choice for science fiction fans.

J.K. Simmons’s show Counterpart is a standout in the sci-fi world, but Dark Matter on Apple TV is equally captivating with its take on alternate realities.

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2026-04-20 06:58