The Expanse (2015)

Kernel Score: 91% · 2,735 ratings

Genres: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

First aired: 2015-12-14

Seasons: 6 · 62 episodes

Is The Expanse worth watching?

Must-watch. A smart, grown-up space thriller where politics, class and war between Earth, Mars and the Belt matter as much as the ships. The writing and effects are excellent, though the early going asks for patience.

Watch it if you

  • like realistic, politically minded sci-fi
  • enjoy big ensemble stories
  • want space drama with consequences

Skip it if you

  • want fast action from the first episode
  • dislike long, complex political plotting

Best for: Binge weekend

Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.

Where to watch The Expanse

  • Stream: Prime Video
  • Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango At Home

US availability, updated 2026-10-23.

Overview

A thriller set two hundred years in the future following the case of a missing young woman who brings a hardened detective and a rogue ship's captain together in a race across the solar system to expose the greatest conspiracy in human history.

The Expanse parents' guide: ages 12+

Parents need to know that The Expanse is a sci-fi thriller involving space conspiracy, violence, and political intrigue.

  • Violence & scariness: Moderate — Includes space battles and a thriller plot involving conspiracy and danger.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official TV-14 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

Shows like The Expanse

If you liked The Expanse, these are the shows we'd watch next.

  • Battlestar Galactica (2004) — 89%: Gritty, character-driven space drama about war and politics.
  • Firefly (2002) — 90%: Space crew family on the margins of the universe.
  • Babylon 5 (1994) — 89%: Epic space politics told across seasons.
  • Foundation (2021) — 87%: Large-scale sci-fi about civilisations and power.
  • Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993) — 88%: Thoughtful space saga with political and moral depth.
  • Farscape (1999) — 87%: Rowdy space adventure with strong characters.

Cast

  • Steven Strait as Jim Holden
  • Dominique Tipper as Naomi Nagata
  • Wes Chatham as Amos Burton
  • Shohreh Aghdashloo as Chrisjen Avasarala
  • Frankie Adams as Bobbie Draper
  • Cara Gee as Camina Drummer
  • Nadine Nicole as Clarissa Mao
  • Keon Alexander as Marco Inaros
  • Jasai Chase-Owens as Filip Inaros

The Expanse FAQ

Is The Expanse worth watching?

Must-watch. A smart, grown-up space thriller where politics, class and war between Earth, Mars and the Belt matter as much as the ships. The writing and effects are excellent, though the early going asks for patience.

Where can I watch The Expanse?

In the US you can stream The Expanse on Prime Video and buy it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and Fandango At Home.

Is The Expanse OK for kids?

The Expanse is rated TV-14. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 12+. Parents need to know that The Expanse is a sci-fi thriller involving space conspiracy, violence, and political intrigue.

What shows are like The Expanse?

If you liked The Expanse, try Battlestar Galactica, Firefly, Babylon 5 and Foundation.