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. SimboTheKing
    Jan 3, 2022
    8
    I'm doing a big rewatch of the Expanse as it has been one of my favourite TV shows of the last few years. I feel like the initial few episodes of this season do suffer a little from pacing issues but I would say this is largely due to it having to build and establish its wolrd and lore. By episode 3 (so very early in the season) I think you can really tell you're watching something reallyI'm doing a big rewatch of the Expanse as it has been one of my favourite TV shows of the last few years. I feel like the initial few episodes of this season do suffer a little from pacing issues but I would say this is largely due to it having to build and establish its wolrd and lore. By episode 3 (so very early in the season) I think you can really tell you're watching something really good. I just love how complex it already starts to get. The Expanse is up there with early Game of Thrones for me in terms of building this rich, complex world and creating a fascinating story out of it. Rewatching this has made me remember why I like it so much and I thoroughly look forward to finishing the whole thing all over again!

    One of the best series and opening seasons of recent years.    … Expand
  2. 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.
  3. greenisgood
    Nov 18, 2020
    8
    TL;DR - Current Sci-Fi that was my staple for years like Doctor Who and Star Trek Universe has been targeted by the 'Woke Missiles' and are being shot to sh1t while I helplessly plead and hope that they survive. This also means I am starved for the good stuff and I am glad I finally got around to The Expanse. This first season worked like cannabis to my nerves immediately putting me in aTL;DR - Current Sci-Fi that was my staple for years like Doctor Who and Star Trek Universe has been targeted by the 'Woke Missiles' and are being shot to sh1t while I helplessly plead and hope that they survive. This also means I am starved for the good stuff and I am glad I finally got around to The Expanse. This first season worked like cannabis to my nerves immediately putting me in a state of relaxation of being at home in good sci-fi writing, great performances, great characterization and a nice slow burn plot supported by decent and adequate CGI for a show set mostly in Space.

    The Good
    Even though I generally dislike heavy politicized shows especially in Sci Fi, here the execution and it's role in the plot works well making The Belters, The OPA, Mars and Earth important parts of the story. Even though it mirrors our own civilization, it is intriguing albeit a little disheartening that even after we conquer the stars The Expanse paints a close picture of what our reality might just be.
    Thomas Jane is one of those actors who I feel have just not gotten the right role yet but has consistently been giving great performances whenever I see him, Det. Miller is a good fit for him. We see his journey from a Star Helix Officer to the Cop who is like a dog with a bone picking at the plot sideways only to tumble straight into it. Jane pulls of an effortless performance in this gritty but still better off than others Ceres Station Setting.
    Shohreh close to 75 pulls off an amazing performance as an experienced, intelligent and jaded but still trying Earth politician doing her level best to keep things from spilling into an all out war. Her no nonsense, cut the bullcrap characterization was very refreshing because of how she plays it always adorned in beautiful and elegant costumes still looking like the belle of the ball.
    Steven Strait was the stand out for me in Sky High and in the so bad it's good Covenant 2006, it feels like his performance though similar to the aforementioned silent but strong portrayal has evolved nonetheless as he plays the character that written well for the actor.
    Dominique and Wes come onscreen as a duo pulling of the male strength and the female intuition/tempered thinking you would expect from a far flung future. And surprise-surprise, all this without shoving an agenda driven message down out throats, I am happy actual character writing still exists for the Strong Woman.
    Cas Anvar pulls of a slightly uneven performance from moment to moment going from could not care less to intense to man with hidden past, it may just be that his character is a tad bit overwritten but it woks well as a whole with the Rocinante crew.
    Jared Harris has grown o be one of my favorite actors in the last five years from Moriarty to Legasov in Chernoby and Crozier in the Terror he pulls off amazing character performances and sadly his role is small but I am hoping he will return back in the coming seasons.

    The special effects a quite good for a TV show nowhere near the best but the future tech, space travel and space living is pulled of well with amazing help from the costume and art department that amalgamate together into a believable and lived in Future Space. The plot is a great slow burn but doles out information at a good pace making sure to keep viewers engaged in the mystery unless you are a self induced ADD-Twitterholic wreck who cant keep an attention span for more than 280 letters/characters. most normal people will be engaged in the mystery to solve why 'Remember the Cant' is important and maybe all is not as straightforward as it seems.
    Dialogue writing is great and believable as characters communicate to each other in an amalgamation of accents with the Lang-Belta and it's creole/various influence being a particularly great addition to the show.

    The Bad
    I only had one issue which by the end was pretty redundant, Det. Miller's character falling in love with Julie Mao without even seeing her. It is not outright stated but hinted of his infatuation. It is Julie as an Earther fighting for Belters while Miller himself a belter labeled as a traitor for working as a Star Helix officer this is motivation as to why Miller takes an interest in her, but it is hinted by other characters and not outright confirmed that Miller is in Love with Mao. Even so this asinine character motivation is pretty redundant by the end as there are other more serious reasons as to why Miller needs to be a part of whatever is happening.

    The Expanse is a labor of love clearly adapted well from the original book by Daniel Abraham since he is clearly being consulted while writing the show. This is a very satisfying watch for Sci Fi lovers and Mystery lovers and though it might not be the most accessible show to for the masses the good score tells me otherwise.    … Expand
  4. drastikk
    Oct 19, 2020
    10
    The Expanse is the best sci-fi show I have ever seen, and I hold that in the same company as Battlestar Galactica and the Stargate series. The feeling of "immersion" in space while watching it is unlike any other space opera I've ever seen - from the physics realism, to the sound effects, to even the theme song and sound track, it truly feels like you are hundreds of years in the futureThe Expanse is the best sci-fi show I have ever seen, and I hold that in the same company as Battlestar Galactica and the Stargate series. The feeling of "immersion" in space while watching it is unlike any other space opera I've ever seen - from the physics realism, to the sound effects, to even the theme song and sound track, it truly feels like you are hundreds of years in the future in the spaceship with the cast. The production quality, writing, character development, special effects, and story progression are outstanding.

    The Expanse is criminally under-watched and under-marketed. I look forward to each new season as much as I did Game of Thrones.    … Expand
  5. AWESOM-0
    Jan 1, 2020
    10
    A great adaption of an amazing novel. Just like the books it’s not too ‘Hard sci fi’ and not too ‘space opera’ it’s just enough of both to make it the perfect mix.
  6. RogueExperience
    Jul 23, 2019
    10
    Watching the first season and all I can say is WOW! This show combines ACTION, DRAMA, POLITICAL GAMES, DETECTIVE WORK, SOCIAL AND ECO COMMENTARY, into a beautiful package smartly written and cleanly executed along with absolutely OUTSTANDING special effects and (nearly) 100% accurate physics in space(yes there are some mistakes but nothing glaring).

    My new favourite show!! Love    Watching the first season and all I can say is WOW! This show combines ACTION, DRAMA, POLITICAL GAMES, DETECTIVE WORK, SOCIAL AND ECO COMMENTARY, into a beautiful package smartly written and cleanly executed along with absolutely OUTSTANDING special effects and (nearly) 100% accurate physics in space(yes there are some mistakes but nothing glaring).

    My new favourite show!! Love Marvel, Joss Whedon stuff and James Cameron movies, just to give you an idea where my tastes normally lie!

    Watch it!!!    … Expand
  7. 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
  8. dk150968
    Mar 25, 2019
    10
    One of the best SYFY shows out there, since Firefly or even Dark Matter.
    re watching all three seasons again. The characters, the story line, makes you feel part of it, a truly engaging show that just gets better with every episode.

    Cant wait to see season four..........................
  9. TeeCee3
    Mar 10, 2019
    2
    I liked he CGI, very well done but not exceptional. The story is a convoluted mess, I tried watching, and just couldn't get captivated. The moment I saw one part of the plot evolving, it switched to something completely different, kind of like a series of irritating advertisements, that don't challenge peoples attention span. The characters seem superficial with superficial dialogue andI liked he CGI, very well done but not exceptional. The story is a convoluted mess, I tried watching, and just couldn't get captivated. The moment I saw one part of the plot evolving, it switched to something completely different, kind of like a series of irritating advertisements, that don't challenge peoples attention span. The characters seem superficial with superficial dialogue and one dimensional in their emotional development, there's no depth to them. When I watch a TV series or movie, I want to see a story that draws me in, that captivates me, that makes me want to find out more, I want to see characters with some depth to them. Any movie or TV series which starts off with violence , gratuitous sex and a shallow plot has already let itself down. Shame, because this subject matter will most likely happen for real in the near future. It could have been done so much better instead of the shallow superficial treatment which this TV series has given this topic.. As I said before the only thing which appealed was the CGI. It's like having a whole packet of Oreo's, soon you get bloody sick of cookies.… Expand
  10. AKS90
    Mar 9, 2019
    10
    One of the best futuristic TV series out there. Its great! Thank God amazon picked up the series. Looking forward to the next season!
  11. DJKong
    Mar 8, 2019
    10
    Simply fantastic! This is top tier sci-fi with excellent production. Deep and well thought out characters.
  12. norse
    Mar 3, 2019
    9
    I love the books and was ok with the first two seasons - the third season, though, hit it out of the ballpark. The acting appears to have picked up at least three notches and so has the overall pace of the narrative. I don't understand how the show runners did it, but went from "nice SF drama, I am glad they made this into a TV show" to "wow, this is truly great TV". Congrats to all involved.
  13. Sealanlo
    Mar 1, 2019
    10
    Haven't seen a sci fi show this good since Battlestar Galactica, really likeable characters, a very well driven story, lots of space action, moments of intense tension. Holden is a weirdo, but the other characters are just superb, I like Amos a lot and I'm just in love with gunny. A must see for every sci fi fan. Watch it now!
  14. 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
  15. 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!
  16. 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
  17. Gloin
    Jul 18, 2018
    9
    really good and engaging plot.
    good acting for interesting character.
    A refreshing sci fi serie.
    give it a try
  18. ukrScorpion
    Jul 9, 2018
    10
    More interesting than new Star wars series
    + Good Actors
    + Good Director
    + Good scenario
    + Avesome camerawork
    + Avesome editing work
  19. 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.
  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. AbeMC
    Jul 5, 2018
    7
    Season 1 of The Expanse takes a measured approach to establishing its lore and world-verse. This will pay dividends later, as major sequences will require almost no forced exposition, but it can make some the events seem extremely random. Characters are good, though, and the sense of sci-fi mystery is well done. Season 1 sets the table; the main course will happen later.
  23. 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
  24. froglegs
    May 27, 2018
    7
    There are many character actions that seem unlikely and poorly written dialogue lines, but overall the show is compelling enough to keep me watching.
  25. 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.
  26. drammar
    May 16, 2018
    10
    starts out as a space detective but soon gets wild and doesnt stop freaking amazing show
  27. soupbeast
    May 10, 2018
    10
    The Expanse Incorporates one of the most believable sci-fi settings out there.
  28. 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).
  29. SVM
    Apr 27, 2018
    10
    The Expanse (all three seasons) has catchy action scenes, memorable dialogues, impressive CGI and most realistic, complex characters among all Sci-Fi shows I've seen in the past 20 years. I love that all characters show real-life behaviors and feelings to which one could relate: they aren't your customary Sci-Fi comic-book super-heroes or surreal monstrosities. I also appreciate theThe Expanse (all three seasons) has catchy action scenes, memorable dialogues, impressive CGI and most realistic, complex characters among all Sci-Fi shows I've seen in the past 20 years. I love that all characters show real-life behaviors and feelings to which one could relate: they aren't your customary Sci-Fi comic-book super-heroes or surreal monstrosities. I also appreciate the subtlety of the 'extra-solar' element in this show: I've seen a lot of 'Aliens', 'Predators' and got accustomed to a g-zillion of extraterrestrial characters in the Star Trek series or the Star Wars, but The Expanse develops its 'extra-solar element' in a unique way. If I could give it more than ten stars, I would: phenomenal work. Keep up the rowing, The Expanse!… Expand
  30. 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!
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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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