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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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.
  4. 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
  5. Bruinbear
    Dec 15, 2015
    10
    So far this has been a great interpretation of the books! I hope people give it a chance and get past the character building, they wont be dissapointed in the story. Well done syfi.
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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!
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. 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
  13. 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.
  14. 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
  15. 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 .
  16. 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.
  17. 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
  18. JvdH
    May 19, 2017
    10
    If you love space opera, watch this. I'm hooked.

    The story races on (like a Martian gas hauler) and gets more intense with every episode. As mysteries unfold (like the sails of a solar wind powered space ship) they reveal even bigger mysteries (like some crazy inverted Russian doll. From space). Yet it all feels very human and real, with the characters growing on me (like a glowing,    If you love space opera, watch this. I'm hooked.

    The story races on (like a Martian gas hauler) and gets more intense with every episode.
    As mysteries unfold (like the sails of a solar wind powered space ship) they reveal even bigger mysteries (like some crazy inverted Russian doll. From space). Yet it all feels very human and real, with the characters growing on me (like a glowing, sentient mutant virus. Also, from space).

    But in all seriousness, Season 1 has been a fantastic ride, I can't wait for season 2.    … Expand
  19. 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
  20. Qhue
    Jan 24, 2016
    10
    I am thoroughly enjoying this series, mostly on the strength of the pseudo-science fact aspects that are incorporated into what is otherwise a grand space opera. The acting is suburb from the various members of the cast. I can see where this might be suitable for everyone as someone I tried to get into the show complained that there was too much talking and he couldn't follow all theI am thoroughly enjoying this series, mostly on the strength of the pseudo-science fact aspects that are incorporated into what is otherwise a grand space opera. The acting is suburb from the various members of the cast. I can see where this might be suitable for everyone as someone I tried to get into the show complained that there was too much talking and he couldn't follow all the different characters. If you are someone who wants to enjoy a solid story and excellent performances I can't think of any other show in recent memory which has done so well.… Expand
  21. ukrScorpion
    Jul 9, 2018
    10
    More interesting than new Star wars series
    + Good Actors
    + Good Director
    + Good scenario
    + Avesome camerawork
    + Avesome editing work
  22. 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
  23. Alexlee
    Jan 24, 2016
    10
    the Expanse so far have a good plot with mysteries yet remain unsolved. the producer and the writer put a good effort teasing piece by piece information every episode which obviously becomes one reason to watch this series next week.
  24. 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
  25. JSchmo
    Jan 26, 2016
    10
    This show earned a 7 in the first 15 minutes, when my girlfriend made me pause it so we could watch it together when she had more time. Sci-Fi is not really her thing, but she was hooked on the story pretty much right away. It earned a 10 over the binge-watched next 6 episodes. This is not a show for people who do not like to pay attention to - and occasionally rewind - their TV shows. ItThis show earned a 7 in the first 15 minutes, when my girlfriend made me pause it so we could watch it together when she had more time. Sci-Fi is not really her thing, but she was hooked on the story pretty much right away. It earned a 10 over the binge-watched next 6 episodes. This is not a show for people who do not like to pay attention to - and occasionally rewind - their TV shows. It is smart TV, and does a credible job keeping the Sci-Fi "hard". There are no knobby-head aliens here, just humans spread throughout the solar system, with credible factions developing over resources (mainly) and different visions of humanity's future (secondarily). It has the gritty punch of Battlestar Galactica (the modern one), the political intrigue of Babylon 5 (minus knobby-headed aliens), and the ragtag-crew-in-space theme from Firefly (though significantly less humor than that show). Throw in a little Blade Runner and a little Total Recall, and it ends up being an excellent composite. This show shares "must watch as soon as it is recorded" status on our TiVo with only Game of Thrones and Daredevil.… Expand
  26. spikearg
    Dec 16, 2015
    10
    Epic story and very realistic to what human colonization of the solar system would be.Just look at this series ,only two chapters in and i must say that its addictive.
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. pigsweeper
    Dec 15, 2015
    10
    Very, very entertaining show. I cannot wait to watch the rest of the season. I am a big fan of the books and am glad that they knocked it out of the park!
  30. TurboBoost
    Dec 18, 2015
    10
    Loved the first book and really loving the series so far. Just finished watching ep 2 and can't wait to watch the rest. Great story line, fx and lovin' the different 'scapes. Enjoying the adaptation
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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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