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. nightblade00
    Dec 15, 2015
    10
    Very well done first episode. Amazed at SyFy's commitment to re-brand themselves as more than just a gag reel of cheesy, purposely terrible programs.. This a true return to well done science fiction. Bravo.
  2. 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
  3. Terikan
    Mar 17, 2016
    10
    Read the reviews, no reviewers took their jobs seriously on this show. They watched at most a few episodes. The assignments must have been given to people who don't even do sci fi. Just ignore them. I'm not sure this show will have wide appeal. It's not cartoonish, it's not big and boisterous and overly dramatic, it doesn't focus on people just posturing and profaning. There's noRead the reviews, no reviewers took their jobs seriously on this show. They watched at most a few episodes. The assignments must have been given to people who don't even do sci fi. Just ignore them. I'm not sure this show will have wide appeal. It's not cartoonish, it's not big and boisterous and overly dramatic, it doesn't focus on people just posturing and profaning. There's no singing, there's no dancing. There's no laugh tracks. There's no villains twirling their mustaches.

    This is a serious show, that is plot centered with deep characters and high ideas. It's a gritty look at a plausible future with limited space travel. It's grounded, and it's engrossing. It's some of the best TV that there's been in years, and I can tell already it's under-appreciated.    … Expand
  4. Vercis
    Feb 9, 2016
    10
    Amazing show, it's easily the best modern sci fi show at the moment, last one was Battlestar Galactica.
    Cast was great, characters and story very interesting and well created and besides that, production is very well done. It's not some low budget poorly done show. Visuals are awesome and the world sense is so realistic, I could easily believe this could possibly be humanity's future.
    My    Amazing show, it's easily the best modern sci fi show at the moment, last one was Battlestar Galactica.
    Cast was great, characters and story very interesting and well created and besides that, production is very well done. It's not some low budget poorly done show. Visuals are awesome and the world sense is so realistic, I could easily believe this could possibly be humanity's future.
    My opinion is that every sci-fi fan should watch. Can't wait to watch season 2    … Expand
  5. Reidaian
    Apr 14, 2017
    10
    This TV show was a huge surprise for me. The story is good and is surprisingly smart. It feels like a "Game of Thrones" in space at times. The characters are cool and they are acted surprisingly well.

    I would recommend this to anyone, but it will probably be an acquired taste. Still, if you are the kind of person who likes sci-fi and space related stuff, I'd be surprised if you didn't    This TV show was a huge surprise for me. The story is good and is surprisingly smart. It feels like a "Game of Thrones" in space at times. The characters are cool and they are acted surprisingly well.

    I would recommend this to anyone, but it will probably be an acquired taste. Still, if you are the kind of person who likes sci-fi and space related stuff, I'd be surprised if you didn't like this.    … Expand
  6. geniusloci
    Mar 14, 2017
    10
    Probably the best Sci-fi I watched in years. And it is no wonder, the books are just as awesome (if not better) and they became even more complete with faces and visuals now that the series were filmed. The fors season ends in the middle of nowhere, and while it left a bit of a sourness in my mouth to even mention it, there two factors that mostly make up for it - we get to watch TheProbably the best Sci-fi I watched in years. And it is no wonder, the books are just as awesome (if not better) and they became even more complete with faces and visuals now that the series were filmed. The fors season ends in the middle of nowhere, and while it left a bit of a sourness in my mouth to even mention it, there two factors that mostly make up for it - we get to watch The Butcher of Anderson Station and the Season 2 started even stronger than expected.

    On a side note, the Season 2 is so good it surpasses the books. The series is a must watch for any sci-fi fan.    … Expand
  7. Nephandus
    Jun 13, 2017
    9
    Extremely well-made sci-fi series, something I've been searching for a long time. It offers a believable future, where mankind progress and tecnology does not (as it never did) imply an evolution as a species. We see many of the common prejudices, corruption and militarism we are so used with, but on a grander scale. A good mix of drama, investigative story, political twists and spaceExtremely well-made sci-fi series, something I've been searching for a long time. It offers a believable future, where mankind progress and tecnology does not (as it never did) imply an evolution as a species. We see many of the common prejudices, corruption and militarism we are so used with, but on a grander scale. A good mix of drama, investigative story, political twists and space navigation. Based on a book series of the same name, which you should also read if you can!… Expand
  8. georgio
    Apr 7, 2016
    9
    Expanse is a breath of fresh air into the modern Sci-Fi genre. Finally we have a believeable hardcore space Sci-Fi tv show. It has it all: believable space physics, politics, likable characters and interesting villains. It has a dark atmosphere that reminds me that of the all time classics Babylon 5. If you ever liked that one I can almost guarantee you that you will Enjoy expense. HighlyExpanse is a breath of fresh air into the modern Sci-Fi genre. Finally we have a believeable hardcore space Sci-Fi tv show. It has it all: believable space physics, politics, likable characters and interesting villains. It has a dark atmosphere that reminds me that of the all time classics Babylon 5. If you ever liked that one I can almost guarantee you that you will Enjoy expense. Highly recommended… Expand
  9. TodOrcim
    Apr 6, 2017
    10
    Amazing show. As fan of the book series this show is doing an excellent job adapting the books with what i feel to be appropriate changes. Wes Chatham's portrayal of Amos Burton is downright perfect.
  10. beyondtool
    Apr 18, 2016
    10
    How could this be anything but a 10? Brilliantly shot, crafted, acted, edited and written... it makes the other scifi attempts of the last decade seem woefully amateur and childish. Bravo, I hope this show eeks out at least a few more seasons before the morons kill it with bad reviews based on their own stupidity and low IQ. Haven't been this excited for a show since Deeps Space Nine, itHow could this be anything but a 10? Brilliantly shot, crafted, acted, edited and written... it makes the other scifi attempts of the last decade seem woefully amateur and childish. Bravo, I hope this show eeks out at least a few more seasons before the morons kill it with bad reviews based on their own stupidity and low IQ. Haven't been this excited for a show since Deeps Space Nine, it eclipses Stargate Universe, Defiance, Contiuum and Falling Skies. TAKE ALL MY MONEYS!!!… Expand
  11. neaks7
    Mar 6, 2016
    10
    Very good show. The plot is great and full of suspense. Every episode makes you want to learn more about the settings. Can't wait for season 2, 3 and 4 hopefully!
  12. apaeth
    Mar 30, 2017
    8
    They obviously cut the budget ala Babylon 5 after season 1 (very few extras, tighter directing, smaller scenes, etc..) but it's still good sci-fi. I think it suffers from a plethora of characters that never seem to develop beyond the mission of the week at this point but it's visually appealing and worth tuning in for so far. I actually like the show as much as the books which is rare.
  13. vizard00
    Mar 2, 2017
    10
    When a Sci Fi show make u feel the G force you cant just stop watch it , i really didn't expect it to be that good , everything is accurate physics , story , politics , effects ,actors and acting . i really enjoy it

    if you look for a space strategic ships fight dont miss this series .
  14. Moirahas
    Mar 2, 2017
    9
    I've read the books and I love the fact that the movie follows them almost ad literam.The actors are very good and the plot is very catchy.There is one characters that spoils the picture though and that is Christen Avasarala-most of the times she sounds fake and her face expressions are totally off and besides that I do understand that the character comes with the accent BUT in her caseI've read the books and I love the fact that the movie follows them almost ad literam.The actors are very good and the plot is very catchy.There is one characters that spoils the picture though and that is Christen Avasarala-most of the times she sounds fake and her face expressions are totally off and besides that I do understand that the character comes with the accent BUT in her case it's almost comical and spoils the entire movie.… Expand
  15. rwfaught
    Feb 3, 2017
    8
    I'm not surprised that this show has a rating of 6.5 by critics and 8.3 by users on Metacritic at the time of this review. I admit that I’m one of those people who checks this site before I devote time to a show because far more often than not the reviews here parallel my personal opinions about any given show. This one somehow did not hit my radar until I happened to glance at aI'm not surprised that this show has a rating of 6.5 by critics and 8.3 by users on Metacritic at the time of this review. I admit that I’m one of those people who checks this site before I devote time to a show because far more often than not the reviews here parallel my personal opinions about any given show. This one somehow did not hit my radar until I happened to glance at a promotional post on reddit of all places. Normally a critical review of 6.5 isn’t high enough to prompt me to watch a show because, like I said normally the ratings parallel my views. But, I admit that I’m a fan of shows like Firefly, BSG, and Game of Thrones so I was intrigued by the ad which claimed that G.R.R.M had said that this (paraphrasing) was the show that fans of Firefly and BSG had been waiting for. And so the user ratings won me over. After binge watching the first season in one day I think that either I was not paying attention last year or the show was not properly marketed.

    I have not read the books, I have not heard of them before now, so I had no idea what I was getting into. From the very beginning I was intrigued and I throughout the series, which I binged watched from s01e01 to s01e10 finale I never lost interest. There are flaws here which I won’t discuss because surely the critics have that covered. But there are characters and ideas here that I can’t imagine a person not falling for and the story is pretty good. I have season two on record and I probably won’t miss an episode premier unless things just go south quickly. So far the show is exactly as G.R.R.M described it in that promotion. If you're a fan of Firefly and BSG you will love it. I am and I give the expanse an 8/10.    … Expand
  16. Vasot
    Feb 3, 2017
    9
    One of the best Sci fi series the series is more interesting from Battlestar Galactica. Season 1 started a bit slow and the plot was a bit confussing sometimes but Season 2 looks even more promising with better explanation of events and even more thrilling moments
  17. blade01
    Apr 18, 2016
    9
    Amazing show!The premis is very interesting, the acting is really good except 1 or 2 side-characters that doesnt matter most of the time.For a TV show the CGI scenes look really good.The story progresses with every EP and keeps you interested in the world(that is exaplained really well with every EP).

    The writing is pretty good.I can smell most plot-twists in other shows and i always    Amazing show!The premis is very interesting, the acting is really good except 1 or 2 side-characters that doesnt matter most of the time.For a TV show the CGI scenes look really good.The story progresses with every EP and keeps you interested in the world(that is exaplained really well with every EP).

    The writing is pretty good.I can smell most plot-twists in other shows and i always know what the general approach is on the story but here?The characters are flawed and not one is purely good or bad what makes it kinda hard to predict what they do next.That is something precious for a TV show these days since most shows use sterotypes that you smell a mile away and you know after 3 minutes who will go rogue and betray everyone.Not here!

    I dont get why so many people say it is a bad looking show btw!I mean it is not a super expensive show for sure but there are a lot of details in the visuals.If you want to nitpick to badly watch other shows where the story falls flat on its own face after 3 minutes in EP 1!!This behaviour ruinied so many shows because everyone think he/she is a **** prof. critic.Stop that!

    Conclusion:Great show with an interesting and realistic world(its close to total recall with Arnold i think from how the world is built), good writing and for the most part good acting and amazing visuals(especially the CGI scenes).A second season is coming and i still miss the last EP so im curious about how everything ends.    … Expand
  18. Frosty1979
    Mar 3, 2017
    10
    Another prime example for an under rated show, because critics simply base their rating on seeing one or two episodes. Yes it starts a bit slow and does a lot of world building in terms of characters, setting and places, which can confuse you quite a bit in the beginning, but if you give it three episodes it will suck you in and it gets really good. Binged watch the first season in oneAnother prime example for an under rated show, because critics simply base their rating on seeing one or two episodes. Yes it starts a bit slow and does a lot of world building in terms of characters, setting and places, which can confuse you quite a bit in the beginning, but if you give it three episodes it will suck you in and it gets really good. Binged watch the first season in one weekend. From what I have seen of season 2 it gets even better.

    I would rate it as the clearly best scifi show since Battlestar Galactica. Very well developed story, good actors and good acting. Can't really criticize anything, but the confusing beginning, which actually pays off, if you stick with the show.    … Expand
  19. bargros
    Jun 17, 2016
    9
    I am impressed, Syfy tends to release the cheese badly written crap they call "sci-fi" and expect good reviews for that, well I have been disappointed with their shows so far, mostly because they always cancel the good ones, but The Expanse I honestly must admit has a good plot, the story-line is interesting, the acting is good and I'm enjoying the "mystery" behind each character'sI am impressed, Syfy tends to release the cheese badly written crap they call "sci-fi" and expect good reviews for that, well I have been disappointed with their shows so far, mostly because they always cancel the good ones, but The Expanse I honestly must admit has a good plot, the story-line is interesting, the acting is good and I'm enjoying the "mystery" behind each character's background, also the pace is good, revealing parts of the plot at the right time. I do HOPE the don't cancel it, like they did with "Almost Human".… Expand
  20. chidime
    Feb 26, 2018
    9
    Amazing show. Was expecting this to look low-budget and gimmicky/cheesy but boy was I wrong. This is some serious sci-fi/action drama. Props to all those involved for this amazing show. And finally, biggest props to Shohreh Aghdashloo who, I feel, is the strongest character/actor on the show. 9/10
  21. doglatine
    Feb 6, 2016
    10
    My girlfriend and I started watching the Expanse because we were hungry for some new intelligent sci-fic (and feeling a bit weary of the slew of superhero shows and movies). We were not disappointed. The Expanse presents an original, rich, and believable world, right down to the grime, slang, fashion, and bad haircuts, and comes complete with its own set of antiheroes, most of whom areMy girlfriend and I started watching the Expanse because we were hungry for some new intelligent sci-fic (and feeling a bit weary of the slew of superhero shows and movies). We were not disappointed. The Expanse presents an original, rich, and believable world, right down to the grime, slang, fashion, and bad haircuts, and comes complete with its own set of antiheroes, most of whom are just trying to keep their head down and get paid. We loved it (and are stoked for the next season). If you've enjoyed shows like Battlestar Galactica, Firefly, Farscape, or Star Trek (especially DS9), then you'll probably love it.

    Some specific (spoiler-free) observations -

    (1) The world is a lot to take in at first, and as I mentioned it has its own slang and quirky aesthetics. I strongly recommend watching with subtitles till you get the hang of it. Once you do, then you'll be fascinated to learn more about the world, which is extremely believable, and maybe the most interesting vision of the future I've seen since Firefly.

    (2) The story is split between three sets of characters in different parts of the Solar System, so the plot is initially slow burning. We also found ourselves more interested in the side characters at first, though the protagonists came into their own as the series progressed. The acting varies from solid to excellent.

    (3) It has a gentle cyberpunk feel - think Bladerunner, slightly toned down.

    (4) I thought the show did a great job of including actors from a bunch of varied ethnic backgrounds in a very natural way. Too many visions of the future make it look as though only Americans and Brits made it past the 21st century. The Expanse paints a picture of a chaotic, multi-ethnic humanity in which nation and race have become less important than your planet or station of birth, and languages have been all mixed up together.

    (5) Production values are extremely high. The fight scenes are well choreographed and the VFX in the space scenes is great. Probably the best I've ever seen on SyFy, even better than Battlestar Galactica.

    (6) The plot isn't super complex, but it's deep and interesting; almost a little bit Game of Thrones. We found the season got a little slow in the middle (episodes 5-6) although these were still interesting. But the early episodes quickly got intense, and the finale was totally epic.

    So, go watch it! We're going to try to resist spoiling ourselves with the books before Season 2!    … Expand
  22. Nixfi
    Feb 19, 2016
    10
    This is a review for the whole season.

    This is definitely the best SF show since Battlestar Galactica.I would personally rate it higher so far. The setting involves the near future with basically 3 main human habitats - Earth, Mars and the asteroid belt. Mars is the military power with zealots looking to terraform the planet, the Earth is the old world and the belt has a kind of third    This is a review for the whole season.

    This is definitely the best SF show since Battlestar Galactica.I would personally rate it higher so far. The setting involves the near future with basically 3 main human habitats - Earth, Mars and the asteroid belt. Mars is the military power with zealots looking to terraform the planet, the Earth is the old world and the belt has a kind of third world status, the humans there even looking different because of low gravity.

    The plot follows two main storylines that converge later on, one being a breadcrumb thriller type, and the other pure science fiction survival in space with unknown enemies. The worldbuilding is great, character building could be better initially, but catches fire later on. The space battles are intense (some will have issue with sound, but I like it as it is distorted and gives off a great vibe). The show stays remarkably faithful to the book series it is based on. If you are a science fiction fan this is a must, if you're not I invite you to check it out.

    Can't wait for the second season!    … Expand
  23. Bongalor
    Apr 3, 2016
    10
    The story is large, intricate, and complex which is much more than can be said for a lot of the drivel that makes up 'modern tv programming'. Overall that makes for quite a gripping show that explores a believable path of human expansion. Earth and Mars are both exploiting the asteroid belt where the majority of resources are gathered, while the people of the belt are forced to sufferThe story is large, intricate, and complex which is much more than can be said for a lot of the drivel that makes up 'modern tv programming'. Overall that makes for quite a gripping show that explores a believable path of human expansion. Earth and Mars are both exploiting the asteroid belt where the majority of resources are gathered, while the people of the belt are forced to suffer under harsh corporate rule. There are some pitfalls and the show is probably not for everyone (considering some of the critic reviews it seems like many of them are rather daft and incapable of following this show), but if you are sci-fi fan then definitely check this one out.… Expand
  24. Dolly
    Nov 16, 2016
    8
    I very much enjoyed the first season of this series, which offers an interesting plot and likeable characters - but most of all, it's the work on the environments and atmosphere of the setup that got me. The crowded and dirty space slums, the high-tech military spaceship, the scenic views of space stations were real eye candy! There were a few disappointments though, most notably the factI very much enjoyed the first season of this series, which offers an interesting plot and likeable characters - but most of all, it's the work on the environments and atmosphere of the setup that got me. The crowded and dirty space slums, the high-tech military spaceship, the scenic views of space stations were real eye candy! There were a few disappointments though, most notably the fact that the space combat scenes are often way too shaky and blurry. The story arc on Earth was also quite slow-paced and boring compared to the rest. Regardless, I really got caught up in the scenario and I can't wait to see more in season 2!… Expand
  25. doomamer
    Mar 22, 2017
    9
    Mdr Boyax nice troll. et le summum c'est la comparaison avec battlestar galactica :D.
    Pour ma part je trouve la série assez original avec un scénario qui tiens la route. Dans ce registre rien actuellement pour concurrencer, pour une fois qu'on a une bonne série SF on va pas s'en plainde :)
  26. 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.
  27. Capzero
    Feb 19, 2018
    7
    A very strong story and good effects holds mediocre acting together. This sci-fi show combines political intrigue with alien horror quite nicely. I look forward to the next season.
  28. Gloin
    Jul 18, 2018
    9
    really good and engaging plot.
    good acting for interesting character.
    A refreshing sci fi serie.
    give it a try
  29. Avalord
    Jan 5, 2017
    10
    Four episodes into the new series I become more and more impressed. I have read the novels and they were very good. Realistic descriptions of a power struggle that does not shy away from genocide. Cruel and dark, but sadly realistic. The books are not always easy to follow.
    The show follows truly but makes clever changes when it fits the filmed narrative better.
    Brutal, unforgiving with    Four episodes into the new series I become more and more impressed. I have read the novels and they were very good. Realistic descriptions of a power struggle that does not shy away from genocide. Cruel and dark, but sadly realistic. The books are not always easy to follow.
    The show follows truly but makes clever changes when it fits the filmed narrative better.
    Brutal, unforgiving with a far higher death toll on leading characters than Game of Thrones this is Science Fiction at its best.    … Expand
  30. 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.
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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
See all critic reviews »