9 Best Sci-Fi Shows Like The Expanse

Many consider The Expanse to be one of the greatest science fiction TV shows ever made, thanks to its fresh take on classic sci-fi themes and dedication to realism. Unlike most sci-fi shows, The Expanse has earned praise from scientists for its accurate use of science and physics, creating a believable and almost attainable world.

Let me tell you, “The Expanse” really grabbed me. It’s a fantastic show that blends the gritty feel of film noir with really solid, hard science fiction. The story centers around the crew of the Rocinante as they navigate a universe facing a terrifying alien threat – a bioweapon, no less! I’ve heard people call it “Game of Thrones in space,” and honestly, it lives up to that hype – it’s a true sci-fi gem. Now, there are other shows out there that reach this level of quality, and plenty that offer a similar vibe, but “The Expanse” definitely holds its own.

9. Altered Carbon

If you enjoy the cyberpunk world of Altered Carbon and the film noir style of The Expanse, you’ll likely appreciate both shows. They both start with a small, intriguing mystery that unfolds into a much larger conspiracy. Each series also features a tough, world-weary detective. While Altered Carbon‘s Takeshi Kovacs is a highly skilled fighter, not a traditional detective, both characters share troubled pasts and are very capable in a fight.

Both Altered Carbon and The Expanse depict futures where huge gaps between the rich and poor have created troubling societies. In Altered Carbon, the extremely wealthy can essentially live forever, and their reckless behavior drives the main plot. Similarly, in The Expanse, a central mystery keeps the story moving forward.

8. Firefly

Although Firefly only lasted one season and has a Western feel, making it different from a large-scale sci-fi show like The Expanse, the two series are surprisingly similar in how they focus on their characters. Many characters in Firefly have counterparts in The Expanse – for example, Zoë and Naomi both keep their crews running smoothly as second-in-command, and both Jayne and Amos are mercenaries, though Jayne is more motivated by money.

Even though it’s not brand new, fans of shows like The Expanse who want a quick sci-fi binge will probably enjoy Firefly. It’s a shame the show was canceled after only one season, especially since it was building towards a large-scale government conspiracy that could have been truly epic.

7. Foundation

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Similar to The Expanse, Foundation is a truly grand science fiction series. Over its three seasons, it tells a sweeping story that spans centuries and the decline of civilizations, all while keeping the focus on compelling characters. The show centers around a mathematician who foresees the fall of a galactic empire and attempts to safeguard humanity’s collective knowledge.

As a sci-fi fan, I’ve been really struck by the common thread running through these two shows – they both explore how politics and individual choices can genuinely shape what’s to come. And they really nail the sense of space as this huge, incredible place that’s also messed up by, well, us humans. If you’re looking for another big sci-fi story to get lost in, you’ll be happy to hear Foundation isn’t going anywhere – it’s been picked up for a fourth season!

6. For All Mankind

Many viewers see For All Mankind as a kind of backstory to The Expanse because both shows prioritize scientific accuracy and historical realism. For All Mankind presents a world where the Soviets landed on the moon before the US, creating a different path for space exploration – a history that could have led to the world depicted in The Expanse. However, it’s important to note that the two shows aren’t officially linked.

As For All Mankind moves forward, it prioritizes exciting drama over strict scientific accuracy. While not unique in this – many shows take liberties with science – the series continues to improve, and like The Expanse, its political conflicts feel believable and realistic, even if the science isn’t always perfect.

5. Battlestar Galactica

Many consider Battlestar Galactica to be a landmark science fiction series, and it’s very similar in feel to The Expanse. Both shows feature complex characters who aren’t simply good or evil, and focus on the struggle to survive in incredibly difficult circumstances, even though they face different kinds of dangers.

The show introduced audiences to unforgettable sci-fi characters and a truly frightening enemy in the Cylons. But beneath the surface, it explores complex moral issues, much like The Expanse. Both series offer insightful looks at what it means to be human and the harsh realities of war, including the struggles over limited resources and the intensity of space combat.

4. Farscape

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The idea of a diverse group of people – and sometimes aliens – being thrown together on a spaceship to fight a shared threat is common in science fiction. Farscape really leans into this concept, and it stood out for its unusual and playful sense of humor, which was a refreshing change for the genre when it first aired. Although it has a very different feel than The Expanse, Farscape shares some similarities with it.

Both this show and The Expanse delve into questions of identity, and both highlight the power of chosen family – the bonds we make with people we care about – over traditional family ties. Like The Expanse, Farscape is known for having many critically acclaimed episodes. In fact, it has a slightly higher audience score on Rotten Tomatoes (88%) compared to The Expanse (85%).

3. Star Trek

Star Trek is a landmark science fiction television series, boasting some of the genre’s most memorable episodes. While The Expanse is a very impressive show, Star Trek has had a larger, more lasting impact. It has shaped popular culture, even inspiring real-world innovations, and was ahead of its time in promoting diversity, creating a powerful legacy that continues to resonate today.

Both Star Trek and The Expanse use space travel to examine what it means to be human and how people from very different backgrounds interact. However, despite this common theme, the shows feel quite different. If you like realistic science fiction and want to start with a long-running series that’s generally hopeful, Star Trek is a good place to begin.

2. Babylon 5

Babylon 5 is set on a massive spaceship that serves as a meeting place for representatives from different alien species. This creates a tense environment of alliances and conflicts, especially as a major danger appears. Like The Expanse, Babylon 5 highlights how important political negotiations are, showing that diplomacy can be just as powerful as military strength.

Both shows are exceptionally well-written, cleverly planting hints and small details in the beginning that pay off significantly later in the series. Although the special effects in Babylon 5 haven’t held up perfectly over time, the show’s emotional power remains strong, solidifying its place as a sci-fi classic and home to what many consider the most iconic line in the genre.

1. Andor

Though part of the Star Wars universe, Andor shares a similar feel with The Expanse due to its focus on political issues. The show, which will run for two seasons and strongly opposes fascism, follows the Rebel hero Cassian Andor. It tells a hopeful and relevant story about how ordinary people can work together to defeat a dishonest government.

Both Andor and The Expanse feature stories about people fighting against oppressive systems. The rebellion in Andor unfolds gradually, similar to the struggles of the Belters in The Expanse, who are motivated by long-standing unfair treatment and a desire for a better future. Both shows are critically acclaimed, with Andor earning a 96% positive rating and The Expanse a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

2026-02-19 22:02