Christopher Nolan’s Inception Meets Netflix’s Dark In Apple TV’s Returning 9-Part Sci-Fi Thriller

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A highly-rated sci-fi series on Apple TV is coming back in 2026. The show’s complex storyline skillfully blends elements from Christopher Nolan’s film Inception and the Netflix series Dark.

Apple TV+ is bringing back some of its most popular science fiction shows in 2026. Season five of For All Mankind is already out, and its spin-off, Star City, will arrive on May 29, 2026. Fans can also look forward to season three of Silo in the summer of 2026, with season two of Dark Matter coming before that.

Though it hasn’t gotten as much attention as some other big sci-fi shows on Apple TV+, Dark Matter, based on the novel by Blake Crouch, is just as captivating. Critics love it, and you can even see hints of storytelling techniques used in films like Inception and the Netflix series Dark.

Dark Matter Is Reminiscent Of Inception & Netflix’s Dark

Apple TV+’s Dark Matter differs from Netflix’s Dark – it doesn’t involve time travel. Instead, it’s more akin to films like Everything Everywhere All At Once, focusing on a man navigating strange parallel universes in his attempt to reunite with his family. However, like Dark, Dark Matter also shows how even small decisions can have far-reaching effects.

Both Dark and Dark Matter explore the idea of changing the past and the potential consequences, often with tragic results. They both ask ‘what if?’ about different life paths. However, Dark on Netflix is significantly more complicated and full of unexpected turns than Dark Matter.

Despite exploring some ideas from quantum physics, Dark Matter tells its story in a straightforward and easy-to-follow way. It also includes a few surprises that are simple for most people to grasp.

The show shares similarities with the movie Inception by making the audience question what’s real. Similar to how Inception constantly leaves you wondering if the characters are dreaming, this show makes you doubt the true identity of the main character. The storytelling also relies on a similar concept to the famous Schrödinger’s cat paradox.

I’ve been thinking about these movies, and it really struck me how both Inception and Dark Matter play with what’s actually real. It’s like reality isn’t fixed – it depends on what someone believes is real. Just like Cobb’s ending leaves you wondering what’s happening, each version of the main character in Dark Matter feels completely real within their own world. It makes you question everything!

As a fan, I found it really cool to learn that Blake Crouch, who wrote the book Dark Matter is based on and is the showrunner for the Apple TV+ series, was inspired by Christopher Nolan’s Inception! Paul Semel shared that detail, and it makes so much sense when you think about the show’s mind-bending plot.

Apple TV’s Dark Matter Achieves A Rare Sci-Fi Feat In Season 2

Dark Matter is a unique science fiction series because the author who wrote the original book also adapted it for television. What’s especially interesting is that he’s now building upon the story of his book in season 2. The first season of Dark Matter pretty much covers everything that happens in the book, and now, with season 2, Blake Crouch is expanding the universe he originally created.

Very few shows have managed to pull off what this one does. Previously, only a select few, like Good Omens and The Leftovers, have been able to accomplish the same thing.

Blake Crouch’s hands-on involvement is a major strength of the series, helping it stay true to its original appeal even as the story expands. He also skillfully added new character developments in the first season of the Apple TV show, setting the stage for future seasons.

Although Apple TV’s Dark Matter hasn’t reached the same level of popularity or impact as shows like Christopher Nolan’s Inception or Netflix’s Dark, it still has the potential to become a significant and memorable sci-fi series as the story continues.

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2026-04-19 06:42