10 Shows & Movies Like The Expanse (2015)

Description: Babylon 5 is similar to The Expanse in its intricate political plotting and long-form storytelling. Both shows feature a diverse cast of characters from different species or factions, navigating a complex interstellar political landscape. The emphasis on realism in space travel and the consequences of human (and alien) actions are central to both series.

Fact: Babylon 5 was one of the first TV shows to use CGI for its space scenes. The show was planned as a five-year story arc from the beginning. It has been praised for its deep character development and philosophical themes.

Description: Stargate SG-1 shares with The Expanse a focus on exploration and the political implications of discovering new worlds and technologies. Both shows feature military and scientific teams dealing with alien threats and diplomatic challenges. While Stargate SG-1 has a more episodic and lighter tone, it shares The Expanse's interest in the human side of sci-fi.

Fact: Stargate SG-1 is based on the 1994 movie Stargate. The show ran for 10 seasons, making it one of the longest-running sci-fi series. It spawned multiple spin-offs, including Stargate Atlantis and Stargate Universe.

Description: Farscape, like The Expanse, follows a diverse crew aboard a spaceship, dealing with survival and moral dilemmas in a hostile universe. Both shows feature complex characters and relationships, with a mix of action, drama, and humor. Farscape's use of practical effects and puppetry for its alien characters adds a unique visual style, similar to The Expanse's emphasis on realism.

Fact: Farscape was created by Rockne S. O'Bannon, who also worked on Alien Nation and SeaQuest DSV. The show features Jim Henson's Creature Shop for its alien designs. It was canceled after four seasons but concluded with a miniseries, The Peacekeeper Wars.

Description: Andromeda shares with The Expanse a focus on a crew trying to restore order to a fractured interstellar society. Both shows explore themes of leadership, loyalty, and the struggle to maintain ideals in a chaotic universe. Andromeda's mix of action and philosophical questions mirrors The Expanse's balance of spectacle and depth.

Fact: Andromeda was created by Gene Roddenberry, based on his unused concepts for Star Trek. The show stars Kevin Sorbo, known for Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. It was noted for its ambitious scope and high-concept sci-fi ideas.

Description: Similar to The Expanse, Firefly combines elements of space opera with a gritty, lived-in universe. Both shows focus on the lives of a crew aboard a spaceship, dealing with political intrigue, survival, and moral dilemmas. The storytelling is character-driven, with a mix of action, humor, and drama. The visual aesthetics of Firefly also emphasize a realistic, 'used future' look, much like The Expanse.

Fact: Firefly was created by Joss Whedon, who also created Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. The show was canceled after only one season but gained a cult following, leading to the movie Serenity. The dialogue often includes a mix of English and Chinese, reflecting the show's multicultural universe.

Description: Defiance, like The Expanse, is set in a future where Earth has been transformed by alien contact and conflict. Both shows feature a mix of human and alien characters navigating a politically complex and often violent world. The focus on world-building and the consequences of colonization are central to both series.

Fact: Defiance was a unique multimedia project, with a companion MMORPG game. The show was filmed in Toronto, with extensive use of practical sets and effects. It was praised for its diverse cast and ambitious storytelling.

Description: The 100 shares with The Expanse a focus on survival in a harsh, post-apocalyptic environment, though The 100 starts on Earth and later expands to space. Both shows explore themes of leadership, morality, and the consequences of human actions. The political and social dynamics among different factions are central to both series.

Fact: The 100 is based on a book series by Kass Morgan. The show was initially marketed as a teen drama but evolved into a more complex sci-fi series. It features a diverse cast and has been praised for its strong female characters.

Description: Killjoys, like The Expanse, is set in a multi-planetary system with complex political and social structures. Both shows feature a crew of outsiders navigating this universe, dealing with both personal and larger-scale conflicts. The tone of Killjoys is more action-oriented and humorous, but it shares The Expanse's focus on character development and world-building.

Fact: Killjoys was created by Michelle Lovretta, who also created Lost Girl. The show was filmed in Toronto, Canada. It was praised for its strong female lead and LGBTQ+ representation.

Description: Star Trek: Discovery, like The Expanse, is a serialized sci-fi drama with a focus on interstellar politics and exploration. Both shows feature diverse crews and tackle complex moral and ethical issues. While Discovery has a more optimistic tone compared to The Expanse's grittier realism, both series emphasize the importance of cooperation and diplomacy in space.

Fact: Star Trek: Discovery is the first Star Trek series to feature a female lead character as the captain. The show introduced the first openly gay couple in the Star Trek universe. It has been noted for its high production values and visual effects.

Description: For All Mankind shares The Expanse's realistic approach to space exploration and its political ramifications. Both shows explore alternate histories of space travel, with For All Mankind imagining a world where the Soviet Union landed on the moon first. The attention to detail in the science and technology is a strong point in both series.

Fact: For All Mankind is created by Ronald D. Moore, known for Battlestar Galactica and Outlander. The show features real historical figures alongside fictional characters. It has been praised for its thoughtful exploration of gender and racial equality in space.