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. Snotbottom
    Mar 4, 2016
    6
    I haven't read the books, so the story and setting is all new to me. I am thoroughly enjoying the storyline and really like how well SyFy has done with the production on this and on several of its new series. I particularly like that the tech isn't the focus of the series, but merely the setting in which the story is delivered. I also like that it is in the near future, still within ourI haven't read the books, so the story and setting is all new to me. I am thoroughly enjoying the storyline and really like how well SyFy has done with the production on this and on several of its new series. I particularly like that the tech isn't the focus of the series, but merely the setting in which the story is delivered. I also like that it is in the near future, still within our own solar system, which adds to the plausibility of the whole.

    My biggest complaint is the language. They at least (mostly) bleep out the f-bomb, but anything else gets aired. I've never understood why some feel the need to use profanity to tell a story. I think it actually takes away from a very good show, and my rating reflects that.    … Expand
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Moo-vies
    Feb 5, 2017
    3
    Just read the books if you are into sci-fi.
    The experience will be miles ahead in terms of pretty much everything. TV stuff just makes way too many compromises for it all to be enjoyable.
  5. confutatis
    Feb 3, 2017
    3
    Season 1 - very good. Season 2? Total letdown. Directing is horrible, scenes are rushed. From the ridiculous, "woo-hoo" that's completely out of place given tone of what's taking place, to the over-excited childish responses to a random girl armwrestling a machine (like the old arcade game), to an incredibly stupid discussion about, "cheese farts"? Did this series suddenly get re-writtenSeason 1 - very good. Season 2? Total letdown. Directing is horrible, scenes are rushed. From the ridiculous, "woo-hoo" that's completely out of place given tone of what's taking place, to the over-excited childish responses to a random girl armwrestling a machine (like the old arcade game), to an incredibly stupid discussion about, "cheese farts"? Did this series suddenly get re-written for 10 year-old kids? What's the point?

    There was very little about the Season 2 start that has my family at all interested. There was no time for thought, scenes were consistently over-emotional, and cutaways were not smooth and lacked any real segue. The entire thing seems confused and unplanned, culminating in a completely unlikely closing sequence that makes almost no sense whatsoever. Great for keeping a series going, maybe, but so completely unrelated to any realistic expectation, I sincerely doubt I watch another episode.

    That's really very sad. Whatever these guys sold out to - whether the continuous repetition of one cliche after another or the stupid Hollywood, "female minority hero" or, "strong woman but sexy and soft and sultry but powerful and independent" - it's just ridiculous trash at this point.

    Sell out - 100%. Sign your 8 year-old up. She'll love it. As for the boys? Probably their xbox and playstations continue to offer much more. As for parents - find something with more meaning - this won't hold it for you.    … Expand
  6. edmellnik
    May 31, 2016
    3
    What a waste of money. I dont know whats worse - the directing or the writing. Someone needs to figure out how to tell a story. If I had not read these books I would have been totally lost.
    And the casting is all wrong for the James Holden character. Great effects but tell the story please. If I were Cory I would be very disapointed.
  7. bobbymcd
    Jan 5, 2017
    2
    The CGI is good and that's about all I can recommend about this.

    Incredibly poor casting (stock TV actors with abs and no acting talent), cheesy dialogue, a lack of basic storytelling ability, poor shot framing and direction. This is probably decent by average TV standards, but wayyyy below what we are willing to watch. It's a shame, it sounds like the general plot and world would be    The CGI is good and that's about all I can recommend about this.

    Incredibly poor casting (stock TV actors with abs and no acting talent), cheesy dialogue, a lack of basic storytelling ability, poor shot framing and direction. This is probably decent by average TV standards, but wayyyy below what we are willing to watch.

    It's a shame, it sounds like the general plot and world would be interesting, but the showrunners have no taste and very limited ability.    … Expand
  8. hawkman56
    Dec 18, 2015
    0
    watching this show is like starting something in the middle of season six. The backgrounds are great,but the writing and acting is too disjointed to follow.Sorry,but I won't waste my time trying to figure this one out. Knowing Sci-fy they will cancel it anyway. Better luck next time.
  9. farmerfan
    Dec 31, 2017
    0
    Completely unwatchable tv. Actors have no talent or charisma and so you don't care about their story or what happens to them. The writers and producers have no talent at making an interesting tv show: boring dialogue, silly plot lines, political dialogues and police procedural stuff - I mean seriously, there is enough of this garbage on tv already, and better done than this.
    And yet, this    Completely unwatchable tv. Actors have no talent or charisma and so you don't care about their story or what happens to them. The writers and producers have no talent at making an interesting tv show: boring dialogue, silly plot lines, political dialogues and police procedural stuff - I mean seriously, there is enough of this garbage on tv already, and better done than this.
    And yet, this garbage gets a third season because... why? The special effects ?
    Really? When great , intelligent sci fi like Dark Matter and Stargate Universe get cancelled prematurely?
    I just don't get it...    … Expand
  10. Broyax
    Dec 29, 2016
    0
    Globalement fort confuse, The Expanse est une série SF sans relief et sans génie, sans un rond ou presque et sans le moindre talent pour compenser une écriture à l'emporte-pièce (autant dire que les auteurs ont médité fortement sur le trône mais que cela n'a rien donné).

    Les acteurs et actrices sont au diapason de cette médiocrité très constante qui habite tous les rouages qui ne    Globalement fort confuse, The Expanse est une série SF sans relief et sans génie, sans un rond ou presque et sans le moindre talent pour compenser une écriture à l'emporte-pièce (autant dire que les auteurs ont médité fortement sur le trône mais que cela n'a rien donné).

    Les acteurs et actrices sont au diapason de cette médiocrité très constante qui habite tous les rouages qui ne tournent pas rond de cette série et de ses ambitions de space opera à la manque. Hélas, aucune profondeur, seulement du superficiel, du cliché et du déjà vu dans The Expanse... non, on est décidément pas dans Battlestar Galactica !

    L'ennui prend très vite le pas sur la curiosité malgré le nombre limité d'épisodes, circonstance aggravante pour cette série de pacotille à jeter aux orties.    … Expand
  11. OscarTheGrouch
    Nov 5, 2017
    10
    I usually don't give such a high score for anything, as I always believe things can still be better than they were. It's hard to think that about the first season of The Expanse though. This series is simply amazing. From the acting, to it's multi-layered story, to the fx and the scenery. I honestly feel this is one of the best (sci-fi) series I have ever watched.

    I just rewatched the    I usually don't give such a high score for anything, as I always believe things can still be better than they were. It's hard to think that about the first season of The Expanse though. This series is simply amazing. From the acting, to it's multi-layered story, to the fx and the scenery. I honestly feel this is one of the best (sci-fi) series I have ever watched.

    I just rewatched the entire 1st season to get ready to get started with the 2nd one, and it still had me captivated from start to end. There's a lot of story and characterisation being put in the episodes that a second watch was actually very worth it. Also to see the little things I missed, like the ship navigator of the Rocinante taking the side of the Martians in the first few episodes in his disbelief that they could be behind what happened.

    Let's start with the fx. You will think you are watching a movie with the budget that goes along with it. That's how good the fx and the backgrounds are. You won't think you are watching a series from the small screen. At all.

    Whoever did the casting of the Expanse deserves a raise, as every actor is on their A game. The detective is (obviously) my favourite, but the crew of the Rocinante and even the characters who make short appearances. Not one second did anybody bring me out of the story, that I didn't believe this was 'real', The scenes and fx naturally help with the immersion, but so did the excellent acting.

    And now to the best - and most important part: the story. From the very first episode you will want to find out what the heck happened. It takes you in and doesn't let you go as we find out little by little from 3 divergent perspectives (detective Miller, the Rosinante crew and to a lesser extent the UN undersecretary) the what, why and who. By the end of the season we get a good idea of the motivation, but not completely.

    Luckily a 2nd season has already been made where I imagine we get even more answers. And a 3rd is already in the works. If every season is as good as the 1st, then I honestly don't ever want this show to end. Great television, worth every recommendation available. Even if you're not into science fiction to be honest.    … Expand
  12. Goby
    Jan 15, 2017
    6
    It's probably not going to accumulate a cult following, but it's another slightly above average show from SyFy that's in the same basket with the likes of Falling Skies or Defiance. It doesn't achieve the level of some science fiction cinematography like Star Wars or Alien, but it can be entertaining in it's own way, depends on how much you like to nitpick on plot holes.

    Couple of    It's probably not going to accumulate a cult following, but it's another slightly above average show from SyFy that's in the same basket with the likes of Falling Skies or Defiance. It doesn't achieve the level of some science fiction cinematography like Star Wars or Alien, but it can be entertaining in it's own way, depends on how much you like to nitpick on plot holes.

    Couple of aspects bother me more than others:
    1) The most significant one is that the plot seems to center a bit too much on the main characters while putting a serious emphasis on the political background of the scenario, but develops the latter insufficiently. Consequently we don't really get answers to dwelling questions like: How did the different factions come to be? Why is there so much tension between those factions? How has Mars become such a strong military power if that planet is barren and, as it said in the show, hasn't even started terraforming into an Earth-like planet (meaning it's hardly sustainable)? Based on our knowledge today such a scenario is not possible and Mars could only serve as a colony, nothing more.

    Also the OPA is regarded as a terrorist organization and in several instances the viewer is expected to react solely upon the connotation of the word, rather than the background of their activities. There are two kinds of dialogue you'll come across:"He's OPA! Terrorist bastard!" and "You're wrong! The OPA only serves the people, we're the good guys." How could any viewer sympathize with either one? It's easy if you're an easily triggered person that doesn't need more than some guy to tell you that the other guy is a terrorist and you're already emotionally involved. Others need more intricacy.

    2) Another problem is that sometimes the characters seem to be pulling deductions out of their asses - they just randomly know information that helps drive the plot... I call that cheating and it really makes the already fast-paced show feel like it's developing even faster than it should.

    3) And what the bloody hell is going on with these dumb user interfaces that we see in almost every average sci-fi flick? They're all over the walls and tables, but most of them seem impractical and when they do get used, we usually only get to see that single big button in the middle of the screen that says something you'd never expect to see there. It's kind of analogous to those scenes from other movies where someone is locally hacking a computer for top-secret information and there's that big button in the middle of the screen that says HACK. You press it and a wild loading bar appears...    … Expand
  13. wiiy71
    Dec 26, 2017
    8
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  14. mortendynamo
    Dec 16, 2020
    1
    amazingly bad actors for such a grand scifi adventure. Compared to “Battlestar Galactica”, this don't even reach up to its knees.
  15. pliskin6g
    Jan 4, 2019
    10
    Holy SH!t. The best Space opera I have seen in the last decade. It is well written, great acting, surprisingly good CGi. Overall Badass show. It all comes together in season 3. Best Tv show of 2018
  16. m0skit0
    Jul 9, 2018
    10
    Easily the best space opera since Battlestar Galactica, you can think of The Expanse as a Space GoT. The characters are very well worked and performed, the main plot and sub plots intertwine pretty well, and the science part of sci-fi is sound.
  17. TheWaffle
    Apr 6, 2019
    8
    The show improves upon the book in almost every way. The Expanse is Game of Thrones in space, with an endless array of unique and believable characters. The plot isn't super consistent, but it's fairly easy to take some of the more outlandish turns in stride, especially since the crew-members always seem to take things seriously. The story-telling split between Miller and Holden worksThe show improves upon the book in almost every way. The Expanse is Game of Thrones in space, with an endless array of unique and believable characters. The plot isn't super consistent, but it's fairly easy to take some of the more outlandish turns in stride, especially since the crew-members always seem to take things seriously. The story-telling split between Miller and Holden works better in the show than the book, especially with the Chisjen story arc helping to balance the narrative between the Belt, Space, and Earth respectively. The show-runners really know how to stretch a budget, with a quick CG glimpse of space combat completely immersing you as the characters jump and fall across the interior sets.… Expand
  18. Dragon_Fly
    Mar 5, 2018
    10
    This is the best Sci-Fi TV show of this decade. Of all the shows, it's the first one I have purchased entirely on Amazon Prime. It's a tough life for the characters in this show and you will always have a genuine concern that they won't survive the season.
  19. ukrScorpion
    Jul 9, 2018
    10
    More interesting than new Star wars series
    + Good Actors
    + Good Director
    + Good scenario
    + Avesome camerawork
    + Avesome editing work
  20. 92ross
    Jul 6, 2018
    9
    Had mediocre expectations but wow this really surprised me. The first half of the first episode is by far the worst - I found it a bit hard to follow but I stayed the course and finished the season and honestly this is one of the best shows I've ever watched. The mystery and story-line progression is really good.
  21. Injun
    Jul 6, 2018
    9
    Great story, lots of twists and turns. Add to that a rich and interesting sci fi setting.

    I absolutely loved it!!
  22. Firewing2
    May 19, 2018
    10
    Both a brilliant piece of Sci-Fi television and a remarkably faithful adaptation of the books it's based on which was a welcome surprise.

    I recommend it for anyone who is a fan of Sci-Fi, especially Hard Sci-Fi.
  23. drammar
    May 16, 2018
    10
    starts out as a space detective but soon gets wild and doesnt stop freaking amazing show
  24. ganglio33
    Feb 12, 2019
    9
    This series was recommended to me by a friend. Numerous times. Each time I had to start to watch it from the beginning (as each time there were about 4 months in between) and never really got into it. Then, two thirds into the first season it made klick and I binged the rest in no time. This series expands, and expands and expands in scope. Starting small it goes bigger and bigger untilThis series was recommended to me by a friend. Numerous times. Each time I had to start to watch it from the beginning (as each time there were about 4 months in between) and never really got into it. Then, two thirds into the first season it made klick and I binged the rest in no time. This series expands, and expands and expands in scope. Starting small it goes bigger and bigger until you cannot go away from your tv screen. It is REALLY good. I am very happy Amazon picked it up for season 4 and am looking forward to more good-looking, well-written story.… Expand
  25. P4inskiller
    Feb 11, 2019
    10
    This is REAL Scifi! No Fantasy-Show, no Star Trek/Star Wars. The best Scifi-TV-Show after Battlestar Galactica (remake) and extremely underrated. Fantastic 3rd season impressively shows the high level. It is so sad: the intellectual level of this TV show is too high for the average television viewer... I don't like Amazon, but thanks for saving this brilliant TV show!
  26. hallllloo
    Feb 22, 2018
    8
    Eine spannend Geschichte in die man einfach hineingeworfen wird und dies dadurch viel Spannung birgt, da man nie alles über die Charaktere wo man eigentlich denkt man kennt sie weiß. The Expanse ist keine übliche science-fiction-Serie wie man sie kennt, es gibt wenig action und dass eigentlich Starke an der Serie sind die Dialoge.Und dafür wurden die Rollen sehr gut besetzt, vor allemEine spannend Geschichte in die man einfach hineingeworfen wird und dies dadurch viel Spannung birgt, da man nie alles über die Charaktere wo man eigentlich denkt man kennt sie weiß. The Expanse ist keine übliche science-fiction-Serie wie man sie kennt, es gibt wenig action und dass eigentlich Starke an der Serie sind die Dialoge.Und dafür wurden die Rollen sehr gut besetzt, vor allem hervorzuheben ist Thomas Jane in der Rollen von Miller. Die alles untermalt nun noch einmal die schönen Bilder die diese Serie hat.… Expand
  27. Red-Five
    Apr 27, 2018
    10
    The best sci-fi show in media right now. The writing is excellent, with interesting plots and well-developed characters. Plus, its world-building is fascinating and has a more realistic feel to it (e.g., the way it depicts space combat).
  28. FRomary
    Mar 1, 2018
    9
    The books have been an amazingly fun read, great character and universe building, and, besides a few minor things such as some props being low budget (water bottles and cups dont work in low gravity syfy, that's why they use "bulbs" in the book, and the Martian power suits look like rubber forms over shiny cloth onesies) the show has over all been a good, compelling adaptation and i wouldThe books have been an amazingly fun read, great character and universe building, and, besides a few minor things such as some props being low budget (water bottles and cups dont work in low gravity syfy, that's why they use "bulbs" in the book, and the Martian power suits look like rubber forms over shiny cloth onesies) the show has over all been a good, compelling adaptation and i would recommend anyone who enjoys sci-fi to dive in and enjoy. I have just a few criticisms with the show, and they are as follows:
    1: Naomi Nagata is clearly stated to be a full head taller than Holden, and it seems we are at a point in social change that a woman could surely be portrayed as taller than the man in a relationship and regardless of actor choice, it is always possible to make people appear taller/shorter etc. 2: The Show runners/casting directors did such an amazing job casting Alex ( perfect Martian drawl (described in the books as being almost southern)) then turned around and cast a kiwi with zero ability to fit the role of a die-hard martian-born marine (as made crystal clear in a "motivational scene" in which she yells to her crew "who are we?!" only to blurt out "hoo ah way!!".) Over all, I would say the crew is doing a great job, and i truly do look foreward to once again joining syfy the crew of the Roci, and to see what lies beyond the "gateway" to season 3.
    Please take what I've said with a grain of salt, as I realize a show will never be the same as the book, I am simply stating what i find to be the biggest loss in translation.    … Expand
  29. mgleitef
    Apr 14, 2018
    10
    A Space opera masterpiece. I missed a good science fiction series that blended action, suspense and a great script. Expanse fulfills the role, in addition to throwing you into a society that even in the future has very serious problems in social and ethical terms. A sensational criticism of our times. Recommended!
  30. GrantD243
    Jun 11, 2018
    8
    Wow. I was aware of The Expanse's existence long before the whole cancellation ordeal that ended with Amazon picking it up for a fourth season. But, I had never watched it, and I really didn't plan on watching it for quite a while longer. The hype around the revival peaked my interest, though, so I decided to start it. And, boy, I'm glad that I did. While it took me a few episodes toWow. I was aware of The Expanse's existence long before the whole cancellation ordeal that ended with Amazon picking it up for a fourth season. But, I had never watched it, and I really didn't plan on watching it for quite a while longer. The hype around the revival peaked my interest, though, so I decided to start it. And, boy, I'm glad that I did. While it took me a few episodes to finally become hooked, The Expanse is the sci-fi show I've been longing for for quite some time. I've always felt that sci-fi often fell short of its potential on the small screen (I'm looking at you Altered Carbon), but this one hits every note I want it to. There's mystery, space battles, plenty of futuristic tech, action, and a world that seems very deep. I do think there is potential for it to be better, but given that I still have two seasons to get through, I think that it will reach its true potential by the time I'm caught up.… 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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