As to why Dark Matter was canceled, most would probably just assume another good science fiction show that just cant pull in the ratings but according to producer Joseph Mallozzi, there is a little more to it than that;Dark Matter was consistently ranked at the top of cable percentage gainers in overall viewers and the key demos. And, perhaps most heartening at the time was the fact that we were nevertheless one of SYFYs most-watched shows in 2017.
Working against us was the fact that we werent a SYFY original. We were an acquisition. For those not in the know, an original is a series that is developed by the network and, more importantly, owned by the network, allowing them to monetize the show through things like international sales, streaming, etc.
The network pays a lot more but presumably reaps the benefits down the line. Ideally. An acquisition, on the other hand, is a show that will cost a network considerably less, but doesnt offer those alternate revenue streams because there is no ownership stake. Due to the costs of originals, networks may go the acquisition route to round out a programming schedule. Also, at the end of the day, audiences generally dont base their viewing habits on whether or not a show is an original series or an acquisition.
They watch what they like. And the more who watch, the higher the ratings. And the higher the ratings, the more broadcasters can charge advertisers. So, at the end of the day, there are pros and cons, risks and rewards to both approaches.
So ratings werent necessarily the determining factor here, but they also werent so high they couldnt be ignored.
That said, the fact the show was based on a graphic novel, and not an original Syfy creation, limited what they could do with it, and for such reasons, they became more expendable.
But now the fans, and the cast for that matter are trying to save the show and learn the rest of the story aboard the Raza.
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