“The Expanse” is one of the 21st century’s best sci-fi shows, but it never found its audience. Despite its complex characters and intricate storylines, the show’s ratings remained ordinary throughout its run.
The first episode sets out the show’s premise: humanity has colonized the solar system, but tensions between Earth, Mars, and the asteroid belt are rising. The crew of a spaceship, Canterbury, investigates a distress beacon, leading to a series of intense events that set the tone for the rest of the season.
Unlike popular sci-fi shows like “Game of Thrones” or “Star Trek,” “The Expanse” doesn’t rely on flashy special effects or easy solutions. Instead, it focuses on character development and realistic portrayals of space travel. The show’s world-building is also noteworthy, with accurate depictions of physics and orbital trajectories.
Despite its quality, “The Expanse” struggled to find an audience. Syfy canceled the show after three seasons, but a passionate fanbase saved it by launching an online petition and gaining support from celebrities like George RR Martin and Jeff Bezos. Amazon eventually picked up the series for three more years.
“The Expanse” has always been about more than just space travel; it’s a commentary on politics, power struggles, and human relationships. The show’s complex characters, including Captain Jim Holden, Chrisjen Avasarala, and private detective Joe Miller, drive the plot forward with their conflicting interests and motivations.
With its dense storylines, intricate world-building, and realistic portrayals of space travel, “The Expanse” is a sci-fi masterpiece that deserves more recognition. Although it may not have achieved the same level of popularity as other shows, it remains a must-watch for fans of science fiction and politics.
Source: https://www.space.com/entertainment/space-movies-shows/the-expanse-at-10-the-outer-space-drama-that-should-have-been-as-big-as-game-of-thrones