The Expanse

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Season 1
Season #: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 640 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 566 out of 640
  2. Mixed: 34 out of 640
  3. Negative: 40 out of 640
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  1. Zharos
    Jan 21, 2016
    1
    i am an avid fan of the novels, found them to be a very enjoyable and already formatted in such a way that a television series could easily be produced from them without much need for adaptation. I started watching the first four episodes of The Expanse and was dreadfully disappointed. The casting is dreadful, the acting robotic and lifeless, with the exception of Miller's portrayal byi am an avid fan of the novels, found them to be a very enjoyable and already formatted in such a way that a television series could easily be produced from them without much need for adaptation. I started watching the first four episodes of The Expanse and was dreadfully disappointed. The casting is dreadful, the acting robotic and lifeless, with the exception of Miller's portrayal by Thomas Jane. Holden comes across as sulky and petulant, Amos as thuggish, and Naomi as overcompensating. Then there is the instant mashing-up up storylines from multiple books leading to a complete breakdown of what had been a nicely developed time/story line for this "universe" created by the authors. To say I am bitterly disappointed in the SyFy adaptation would be an understatement.… Expand
  2. DrkJhnsn
    Jan 19, 2016
    5
    DIsappointed. I was so excited to hear that The Expanse novels were being adapted for TV. Unfortunately, Under The Radar's review is spot on. With the excellent source material, and the writers so involved in the production, i don't know how they missed the mark so badly. They have completely changed the dynamic between the characters and made me not like or care about any of them. TheDIsappointed. I was so excited to hear that The Expanse novels were being adapted for TV. Unfortunately, Under The Radar's review is spot on. With the excellent source material, and the writers so involved in the production, i don't know how they missed the mark so badly. They have completely changed the dynamic between the characters and made me not like or care about any of them. The show has completely lost the cool tone of the novels, especially the brilliantly voiced audio books (except book 4 - NEVER change the narrator in the middle of a series! ). Best sci-fi BOOKS in a long time.… Expand
  3. hadees
    Jan 19, 2016
    8
    Let's be honest, no Syfy show is going to get A talent but I think overall it's a solid Sci Fi show with a pretty cool premise. I'm honestly more surprised at the quality but it's almost on par with Eureka. If you don't like Sci Fi you might not love this but I think any solid fan is going to find a lot to like. I am worried this will become another lost series but it could be onto something.
  4. CriticalThought
    Jan 19, 2016
    10
    Wen you get right down to it, the series is both faithful to the books, but new and entertaining in unexpected ways. It's an incredibly entertaining hour of television, that somehow doesn't cop-out, just give you moment of shallow "instant gratification." Instead, the story makes you work for each incremental advancement in the plot, as the characters scrounge around the clues to pieceWen you get right down to it, the series is both faithful to the books, but new and entertaining in unexpected ways. It's an incredibly entertaining hour of television, that somehow doesn't cop-out, just give you moment of shallow "instant gratification." Instead, the story makes you work for each incremental advancement in the plot, as the characters scrounge around the clues to piece together the big-picture. This show isn't for the unintelligent, or those who just wish to sit down and "veg-out." This is an engaging story, that requires you to pay attention, and keep the HUGE cast of characters sorted in your mind. The art-direction is beautiful, the world is enticing and complete, and the story has already been hashed-out by the brilliant Novelist Team under pen-name James S.A. Corey. This show will continue to be successful, and pull in viewers... if only Syfy allows it the time required to do so. Here's me rooting for the gargantuan-swing-for-the-fence that this show. GET SOME… Expand
  5. Ryan55
    Jan 17, 2016
    9
    If you can make it past the boring first episode, then you'll find this to be an entertaining series. Most of the characters are well-rounded and offer a variety of reasons for their actions, a refreshing change of pace for syfy in recent years. I think most of the professional critics only saw the first episode and then wrote the show off, which is unfortunate, because this series has theIf you can make it past the boring first episode, then you'll find this to be an entertaining series. Most of the characters are well-rounded and offer a variety of reasons for their actions, a refreshing change of pace for syfy in recent years. I think most of the professional critics only saw the first episode and then wrote the show off, which is unfortunate, because this series has the potential to be a gold mine. Suspense, mystery, political intrigue and dialogue are fleshed out well in this show, though at times the action could be more commonplace. Overall, it's a series that reminds me of the swashbuckling nature of sci-fi during its golden age in the 1930s (think Northwest Smith)… Expand
  6. DanniBoi
    Jan 17, 2016
    10
    This show is very smart, the plot is very dense,compelling and sinister. The different factions are hugely interesting. The show itself is very beautifully made and the cast its just great.

    The drama, action and suspense submerge you into the lore and the intriguing subjects that are about to be revealed on what will be and what is really going on. SyFy did it. Congrats. This show    This show is very smart, the plot is very dense,compelling and sinister. The different factions are hugely interesting. The show itself is very beautifully made and the cast its just great.

    The drama, action and suspense submerge you into the lore and the intriguing subjects that are about to be revealed on what will be and what is really going on.

    SyFy did it. Congrats.

    This show is at the level of Battlestar Galactica, on how well production and written wised it is being made. Knowing that the original writers of the books have the sit of the table it was a very smart move from Syfy.    … Expand
  7. AthanasiosT
    Jan 16, 2016
    10
    Space opera on TV ! One of the few times, a space themed series doesn't include silly aliens or idiotic space battle scenes that don't agree with universal physics. Instead, humans are (predictably) fighting among themselves within cold war conspiracies, over valuable resources in our own solar system. The space crafts and scenes are believable and realistic and the plot is reallySpace opera on TV ! One of the few times, a space themed series doesn't include silly aliens or idiotic space battle scenes that don't agree with universal physics. Instead, humans are (predictably) fighting among themselves within cold war conspiracies, over valuable resources in our own solar system. The space crafts and scenes are believable and realistic and the plot is really intriguing. A must see for sci-fi fans.… Expand
  8. IClaudius
    Jan 12, 2016
    10
    Excellent science fiction, great story line, complex and realistic future. Characters that carry the story are well played.

    Hope they do a book a year for the series, four main interlinked "Expanse" novels plus some novellas if it goes longer than 4 seasons.
  9. quidam
    Jan 11, 2016
    8
    After the first episode you understand that this is not one of those shows you can leave running on the tube as you go to the kitchen for a snack: you're going to come back and have no idea what's going on. I watched the first episode, thought my wife might like the show and watched it again with her. It was watching it the second time around that I realized how many little details I'dAfter the first episode you understand that this is not one of those shows you can leave running on the tube as you go to the kitchen for a snack: you're going to come back and have no idea what's going on. I watched the first episode, thought my wife might like the show and watched it again with her. It was watching it the second time around that I realized how many little details I'd missed: they pack a lot in here. Re-watching that first episode made a huge difference when I watched the next three and I can't wait to see more. Thomas Jane does much better than I expected and his take on the 'grizzled cop with a heart' is pretty good. The science seems pretty good WRT the pros/cons of gravity (or lack thereof), how difficult space combat might really be, and how humans can adapt themselves to creating space porn. I've not read the books but it seems like fans are largely happy with this version.

    The story is moving along, there's not too much in the way of superfluous scenes that don't serve a purpose in moving the story along. There's some nice slight-of-hand with some characters who's initial impression on this viewer had to adapt and change over time (I'm looking at you, Mrs. Avasarala — you're not just the war mongerer I thought you were) and some good misdirection to complicate things (again, I didn't read the book[s]) in the plot.

    I look forward to more of this show and at this point I hope it keeps the greenlight for a Season 2.    … Expand
  10. kennfusion
    Jan 11, 2016
    7
    I was on the fence the first couple episodes, but they are doing so much world building that the major early criticism was they tried to do too much too fast. By episode three though it starts to pay off and really starts to come together in episode 4.

    A lot of characters and factions to develop, but there is huge potential here and the high production values give me great hope.
  11. Otterius
    Jan 11, 2016
    10
    This is the true successor to Battlestar Galactica, Firefly, and TNG. Best SciFi show I've seen in a long time. Fantastic production values, excellent characters, and well written dialogue and plot. My only disappointment is that I can't binge the entire thing right away. Great work SyFy.
  12. willflo11
    Jan 8, 2016
    10
    This show is shockingly good! I don't just pick up random TV series usually until around the 2nd or 3rd season after people have confirmed the series is amazing. However, in this case I saw an a link on Youtube for the first episode and I was hooked. Episode 1 was amazing and the next few episodes have been as good or at least close to the quality of the first. The acting, story, CG, andThis show is shockingly good! I don't just pick up random TV series usually until around the 2nd or 3rd season after people have confirmed the series is amazing. However, in this case I saw an a link on Youtube for the first episode and I was hooked. Episode 1 was amazing and the next few episodes have been as good or at least close to the quality of the first. The acting, story, CG, and flow of the show are all very well done! I've never even watched the Syfy channel, so I was especially shocked to see this much quality on this network!… Expand
  13. shadInDC
    Jan 8, 2016
    9
    The Expanse is a pretty darn good space opera TV series. I did not get a chance to read the book...yet, but I will. Please SyFy please, please continue the story, don't dump it. the plot, actors, cinemaphotography, and the technology are outstanding. This is the best space opera show since Battlestar Galatica and Dune. Keep up the good work Syfy. Love, love, love this show.
  14. Anphelion
    Jan 7, 2016
    10
    I have not read the books but I am absolutely loving the show! (5 episodes in)

    Great production values, great universe and story, and they're not afraid to have some gore. Also surprised at how close they're keeping to science when dealing with things like air, gravity, vacuum, ship flight, space weaponry, etc. I was honestly surprised at a few scenes given that this is Syfy, but    I have not read the books but I am absolutely loving the show! (5 episodes in)

    Great production values, great universe and story, and they're not afraid to have some gore. Also surprised at how close they're keeping to science when dealing with things like air, gravity, vacuum, ship flight, space weaponry, etc.

    I was honestly surprised at a few scenes given that this is Syfy, but they're significantly changing their image from a channel of "cheesy sci-fi b-movies" to "damn good sci-fi shows."    … Expand
  15. eehbiertje
    Jan 6, 2016
    8
    Watched the first 4 episodes (rest still needs to be aired)

    and the pilot is hard to get into (because there is so much info coming at you) maybe it's because I didn't read the books but its hard to understand at first.. when the story evolves in the other episodes it's getting easier (factions etc) different plots (main storyline and smaller season line) are a must for me and as    Watched the first 4 episodes (rest still needs to be aired)

    and the pilot is hard to get into (because there is so much info coming at you)
    maybe it's because I didn't read the books but its hard to understand at first.. when the story evolves in the other episodes it's getting easier (factions etc)

    different plots (main storyline and smaller season line) are a must for me and as the show just got renewed for a 2nd season I think I will stick with this one..

    it's a great show if you are into sci-fi and got time to watch a few episodes to get into it.    … Expand
  16. Nexusjob
    Jan 6, 2016
    8
    This epic sci-fi series is turning out to be one of the most interesting in its genre for a long time. I won't go so far as to say that we're talking Battlestar Galactica level, but it's probably the best thing that has come along since then, judging by the first 4 episodes. I don't feel like giving it more than 8 after so few episodes but I'll certainly consider raising my score if theThis epic sci-fi series is turning out to be one of the most interesting in its genre for a long time. I won't go so far as to say that we're talking Battlestar Galactica level, but it's probably the best thing that has come along since then, judging by the first 4 episodes. I don't feel like giving it more than 8 after so few episodes but I'll certainly consider raising my score if the level of the series stays this high.… Expand
  17. Electrogasm
    Jan 6, 2016
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Read the books. Better plot pacing, better character development, better characters in general. (Book version of Miller isn't a crooked cop, just a washed up drunk who used to be a good cop; in the TV version, Millers taking bribes etc). The SyFy version has fundamentally changed most of the characters inside the first 3 episodes, it's "The Expanse" in name only.… Expand
  18. Shaytan1986
    Jan 3, 2016
    10
    Watched the free pilot, then waited for the series to start. I was blown away by the first four episodes. So much so that I went and binge-read the first two books in about a week. It's not a blow-for-blow recreation of the books, but it does a great job incorporating a bunch of different story lines into an amazing TV series. You could start with the books and watch the show, or viceWatched the free pilot, then waited for the series to start. I was blown away by the first four episodes. So much so that I went and binge-read the first two books in about a week. It's not a blow-for-blow recreation of the books, but it does a great job incorporating a bunch of different story lines into an amazing TV series. You could start with the books and watch the show, or vice versa, and the show would be fantastic.… Expand
  19. gmonster320
    Jan 3, 2016
    7
    The world is immersive and the characters compelling. The set designs are very impressive. Various plots can be hard to follow at times though. Is there enough here to keep me coming back? I'm not sure. Time will tell.

    Points To Ponder: The Belters speak an interesting hodge podge of languages. I'm not sure exactly what it's supposed to be but it's a cool addition. The zero gravity    The world is immersive and the characters compelling. The set designs are very impressive. Various plots can be hard to follow at times though. Is there enough here to keep me coming back? I'm not sure. Time will tell.

    Points To Ponder:
    The Belters speak an interesting hodge podge of languages. I'm not sure exactly what it's supposed to be but it's a cool addition.
    The zero gravity sex scene was fun to watch.
    The struggle for water rights is something we are becoming more and more familiar with on Earth.
    Being a Belter is hell on your bones apparently.
    I'm interested t see more of Canterbury engineer Naomi Nagata (played by Dominique Tipper). Hopefully she's not a bad guy.
    Detective Miller's Fedora is a nice touch.
    Where can get some space boots? I need those.
    I would gladly watch a whole show of Shoreh Aghdashloo just reading the phone book (if we still had phone books). Her voice is wonderful!    … Expand
  20. lmi
    Jan 2, 2016
    4
    This series tries too hard. I concede that I only viewed S1E1, but it was all I could muster just to make it through the one episode. The Expanse seems as though it were created by students working on a college project. The drama is over-done, the dialog is repetitive and the concept is pretty shallow. How many shots of boots with red LEDs do you think you need to show me, before IThis series tries too hard. I concede that I only viewed S1E1, but it was all I could muster just to make it through the one episode. The Expanse seems as though it were created by students working on a college project. The drama is over-done, the dialog is repetitive and the concept is pretty shallow. How many shots of boots with red LEDs do you think you need to show me, before I understand that they are counteracting gravity. Oh, sorry, forgot.. Writers and directors on this project are new... Okay, ONE. I need (1) shot. The creative team also could refrain from laying on the "Everybody disgusts everybody" attitude so thickly. My eyes are sore from eye-rolling at all the cheap dialog of how someone can't stand someone else for just being in the same room with them. I suppose it doesn't surprise me that this was renewed. I'm sure the special effects are appealing enough for another season.… Expand
  21. gijoe50000
    Dec 30, 2015
    10
    Great show! I've been looking forward to this since I read the books. People who are saying the show is complicated or confusing need to watch it again, there's a lot going on and it's easy to miss the subtle stuff. I'm glad they didn't dumb it down like many other 'procedural' shows on tv. There's some great attention to detail to let you know where some scenes are taking place if youGreat show! I've been looking forward to this since I read the books. People who are saying the show is complicated or confusing need to watch it again, there's a lot going on and it's easy to miss the subtle stuff. I'm glad they didn't dumb it down like many other 'procedural' shows on tv. There's some great attention to detail to let you know where some scenes are taking place if you watch closely..… Expand
  22. shoulderoforion
    Dec 29, 2015
    9
    Solid 8+, there's a whole lot of yahoo and yahaw space cowboy in this show, more than a bit of throwback to Firefly, watched the first 4 eagerly looking forward to the rest of this season.
  23. Bicker
    Dec 24, 2015
    10
    First show I've seen come on with comparible quality to Game of Thrones, but scratches the space itch of Firefly and Battlestar Galactica. The effects are gorgeous, even for the pilot. The story and universe are both immense, so if you can't handle lots of characters and scenes it may take a second watch. The only downside is it's on SyFy so there's a solid risk of cancellation for noFirst show I've seen come on with comparible quality to Game of Thrones, but scratches the space itch of Firefly and Battlestar Galactica. The effects are gorgeous, even for the pilot. The story and universe are both immense, so if you can't handle lots of characters and scenes it may take a second watch. The only downside is it's on SyFy so there's a solid risk of cancellation for no reason, and swearing/nudity/gore are curbed which only slightly ruins the immersion. If only it was HBO… Expand
  24. DMT
    Dec 24, 2015
    10
    Started watching this and really did not expect this series to be so damn good just 4 shows in! Cannot wait for more episodes! This could be real sci fi and return to the feeling of the 2005 battlestar galactica ! Well done syfy but I think you aired an episode this week which is a bit stupid as people are busy for the holiday season preparation!
  25. Thompsjt1
    Dec 24, 2015
    10
    Watched all 4 episodes so far and book reader of this series. This show has it all and am so psyched about it's future. i am so jealous of viewers who have not read this book. They are in for a lot of events and good story ahead. The show is doing a fantastic job balancing different point of views and the visuals are top notch as well as sound, music, story, acting. If you are notWatched all 4 episodes so far and book reader of this series. This show has it all and am so psyched about it's future. i am so jealous of viewers who have not read this book. They are in for a lot of events and good story ahead. The show is doing a fantastic job balancing different point of views and the visuals are top notch as well as sound, music, story, acting. If you are not interested after truly watching first 4 episodes then I guess this show may not be for you but there is a lot more to come. This is a human story. No goofy alien races or silly costumes. This is a dark, gritty sci-fi and a realistic believable near future. Tell your friends, grab some popcorn and enjoy the ride.… Expand
  26. skim123
    Dec 23, 2015
    8
    Shows a lot of promise so far. The production values and the more "grounded" take on sci-fi are refreshing. The show just LOOKS great. Looks like a movie. This is how sci-fi should look - real and grounded. A nice change of pace from the cheesy, "b-movie" crap that syfy has been putting out for years now. Hopefully this signals a change of direction for the syfy channel. For a whileShows a lot of promise so far. The production values and the more "grounded" take on sci-fi are refreshing. The show just LOOKS great. Looks like a movie. This is how sci-fi should look - real and grounded. A nice change of pace from the cheesy, "b-movie" crap that syfy has been putting out for years now. Hopefully this signals a change of direction for the syfy channel. For a while now, they've been more about making crappy b-movies than making true, respectable science fiction.… Expand
  27. AdamAmin
    Dec 23, 2015
    10
    I was totally hesitant on watching this series. After being exposed to many "Syfy" shows that didn't live up to my expectations, I was thinking of letting this series run for a season or so before checking on what people think. I've watched (On Syfy) Battlestar Galactica (Loved it), all the Stargate shows (Loved it) and tried other shows like Killjoys and DM (They kind of sucked) so hadI was totally hesitant on watching this series. After being exposed to many "Syfy" shows that didn't live up to my expectations, I was thinking of letting this series run for a season or so before checking on what people think. I've watched (On Syfy) Battlestar Galactica (Loved it), all the Stargate shows (Loved it) and tried other shows like Killjoys and DM (They kind of sucked) so had been waiting for a good, scripted space-based Sci-Fi show on Syfy for a long time. I had almost given up.

    I was just going to watch Episode 1 of The Expanse yesterday. Unfortunately for me, it was so good that I watched the next 3 in succession today but that means I now have to wait for new episodes to air on Syfy since I watched them all online (Syfy website) and Syfy only just aired Episode 2 on TV! The storyline is fantastic and the mystery elements are welcome and will make me come back time and again to continue watching. The CGI is top-notch stuff and I'm incredibly happy with this - Reminds me of SGU. The actors play their roles well and were well chosen. Can't really fault this series.

    I hope we have many seasons of The Expanse! It's hard to please me and you can consider me thoroughly pleased. Can't wait to see where the story takes us! Highly recommended. If you haven't started watching the show, I recommend that you start now. I've seen a couple of people whinging in this reviews section about trivial and stupid things but I'm sure that as long as you have at least a single functioning brain cell, you'll be fine!    … Expand
  28. TheBinarySurfer
    Dec 23, 2015
    10
    Having read and been a big fan of the books I can see why they needed a bit of tweaking for TV. That said, it looks awesome, good production values, good acting, and some epic bits (the end of Episode 4 for one) and handles some of the more violent / shocking bits brilliantly without going over the top or using nudity / rape scenes (AGoT, i'm looking.

    For me it doesn't reach the    Having read and been a big fan of the books I can see why they needed a bit of tweaking for TV. That said, it looks awesome, good production values, good acting, and some epic bits (the end of Episode 4 for one) and handles some of the more violent / shocking bits brilliantly without going over the top or using nudity / rape scenes (AGoT, i'm looking.

    For me it doesn't reach the dizzying heights of Season 1 Episode 1-4 of the BSG remake, but it's still excellent top-class Sci-Fi TV. Far, far above it's contemporaries and the first 10 rating I've been able to give a show in this genre since the early days of BSG. Keep it up Sci-Fi...

    Additional: I quite like the way they are building the crew relationships and the world, a little bit at a time, ever so gradually. I do miss Avasarala's swearing however, but understand why unless you're talking cable it's difficult to have a character as foul-mouthed as her novel-based doppleganger.    … Expand
  29. KernBall
    Dec 18, 2015
    8
    So good to have a show that fills the Battlestar Galactica shaped hole in my heart. Brilliant first four episodes with a deep universe, interesting characters, terrific special effects and a lot of tension. Now we just gotta hope that SyFy doesn't cancel it.
  30. TukkerIntensity
    Dec 18, 2015
    10
    The first four episodes have been great. The production is top notch, the acting is top notch and though it does deviate from the stellar novels on a few issues for the most part is very true and the deviations are for the most part beneficial. If you liked FireFly but wanted it a little more gritty with a larger story arc or if you liked all the politics, military manoeuvring and twistsThe first four episodes have been great. The production is top notch, the acting is top notch and though it does deviate from the stellar novels on a few issues for the most part is very true and the deviations are for the most part beneficial. If you liked FireFly but wanted it a little more gritty with a larger story arc or if you liked all the politics, military manoeuvring and twists and turns of BSG you will probably love The Expanse.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015
27
#27 Most Shared TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. IndieWire
    Reviewed by: Liz Shannon Miller
    Feb 2, 2017
    91
    The biggest challenge will be how well all these threads can hold together, but so far, the show’s proven its ability to focus when essential. And all those little stories, when blended together, create a hell of a narrative.
    Read full review
  2. Vox.com
    Reviewed by: Emily VanDerWerff
    Dec 15, 2015
    80
    The show overexplains here and there--especially in the first episode--but after some early jitters, it settles in and simply lets its world be.
    Read full review
  3. The Wrap
    Reviewed by: Amber Dowling
    Dec 15, 2015
    50
    The Expanse is indeed expansive with the universe it sets up within the pilot and through the characters presented. Unfortunately though there’s so much going on in the pilot that it quickly becomes a convoluted romp through space that’s more about showcasing the wasteland that humans have become than developing characters viewers will remember, let alone invest in watching.
    Read full review
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