Dark Matter Timeline Explained: What Year, Date & Time Does It Take Place?

The timeline of the Dark Matter series on Apple TV is a tangled web, veiled in both mystery and complexity. Set in 2024, this sci-fi thriller embarks on a journey through alternate universes, where protagonist Jason Dessen, portrayed by Joel Edgerton, finds himself existing in various iterations. This intricate narrative naturally breeds confusion, as the series opts to keep specific dates elusive, making it challenging to pin down the exact era.

The pilot episode, in particular, toys with chronological order, compelling viewers to piece together the sequence of events. Complicating matters further, we’re presented with dual versions of Jason Dessen, demanding a thorough disentanglement of timelines to grasp the story’s essence. Let’s delve into the temporal intricacies of Dark Matter.

The Dark Matter Timeline on Apple TV

Here, we’ll dissect the timeline from the perspectives of both the original and alternate Jason Dessen characters, categorizing them into the two universes explored in the series.

The breakdown provided below encompasses events up to episode 4. As the show progresses through its nine-episode arc, we’ll continue updating this timeline. While the narrative commences in late 2015, aligning with the book’s timeline, we must acknowledge disparities between the literary and televised versions, limiting our assumptions to this starting point. For clarity, we’ll refer to the original Jason as “Jason 1” and his alternate counterpart as “Jason 2.”

Timeline of Jason Dessen 1 in the Original Universe

16 Years Ago

Daniela Vargas reveals her pregnancy to Jason Dessen, leading to their marriage and the birth of twins, Charlie and Max.

15 Years Ago

Tragically, Max succumbs to complications following surgery.

12 Years Ago

Financial setbacks prompt Jason 1 to transition to a role as a physics professor at Lakemont College, while Daniela 1 abandons her artistic pursuits.

Present Day

Jason 1’s abduction by Jason 2 thrusts him into an alternate reality.

Timeline of Jason Dessen 2 in the Alternate Universe

16 Years Ago

Daniela Vargas informs Jason 2 of her pregnancy, yet their relationship falters, resulting in a breakup.

10 Years Ago

Jason 2 achieves acclaim with the Pavia Award, subsequently founding Velocity Labs and commencing research on The Box.

Around 2 Years Ago

Jason 2 initiates a sporadic relationship with Amanda, involving her in his research endeavors.

Approximately 14 Months Ago

Jason 2 becomes the second test subject for The Box, facilitating his transference to Jason 1’s universe.

Present Day

Jason 2 forcibly transports Jason 1 to the alternate timeline via injection of the Lavender Fairy drug.

Navigating the labyrinthine corridors of Dark Matter’s temporal landscape requires a keen eye for detail and a willingness to unravel its enigmatic threads. As the series unfolds, expect further twists and revelations that challenge our perception of time and reality.