Did you feel lost after finishing *The Expanse*? You’re definitely not the only one. Fans still rave about this sci-fi series, created by Ty Franck and Daniel Abraham (writing as James S.A. Corey), because of its compelling characters and incredible universe. Many compare it to *Game of Thrones* in space, and it’s considered one of the best TV shows of recent years. Luckily, there are other series that offer a similar experience.
Now that *The Expanse* has finished after three seasons on Amazon Prime, fans are looking for new shows to watch. The shows listed here either influenced *The Expanse* or were influenced by it, making them great choices for anyone who enjoyed the series and is looking for something similar – think sprawling space adventures or stories about the future of humanity and survival.
3) For All Mankind
While *The Expanse* looks at a potential end for humanity, *For All Mankind* asks what led us to that point. This Apple TV+ series, created by Ronald D. Moore (known for *Battlestar Galactica*), offers an alternate history where the Soviet Union won the space race, landing on the moon before the United States. *For All Mankind* realistically depicts the challenges and motivations behind space exploration, and how it impacts the lives of those involved. Like *The Expanse*, it’s incredibly detailed, giving it a documentary-like quality. Though it doesn’t feature large-scale space combat, this show is firmly rooted in science fiction and explores the effects of constantly pushing boundaries.
The acclaimed series *For All Mankind* has been renewed for a fifth season and will also get a spin-off called *Star City*. The show meticulously constructs an alternate history of space exploration, progressing decade by decade, and is planned to cover roughly 70 years, ultimately reaching the present day. It falls into the genre of ‘science-probable’ fiction, making it a great choice for fans of *The Expanse* – many see it as a prequel of sorts. Interestingly, a writer from *The Expanse* is a producer on *For All Mankind*, and eagle-eyed viewers have even noticed a hidden reference to a *The Expanse* advertisement within an episode.
2) Babylon 5
Before shows like *The Expanse* became popular, *Babylon 5* was a groundbreaking science fiction series that told a continuous story. Despite being made in the mid-1990s with limited funds—and now showing its age with some outdated special effects—*Babylon 5* remains a classic. Its creator, J. Michael Straczynski, developed a detailed and believable interstellar world that heavily influenced later space operas, including *The Expanse*. Both shows are set in a politically complex future where characters on a space station deal with the larger problems facing humanity. Like *The Expanse*, *Babylon 5* explores the sacrifices people make to survive, and its group of characters, much like the crew of the Rocinante, are constantly searching for honesty in a world full of lies.
For years, one of the biggest hurdles for new viewers of *Babylon 5* was its older visual effects. Fortunately, the series has recently been remastered and is now available on Prime Video and Blu-ray, making it look better than ever and more accessible to modern audiences. While it doesn’t quite reach the same level of seriousness or visual polish as *The Expanse*, it’s still worth checking out if you enjoy that kind of story. In fact, *Babylon 5* likely influenced *The Expanse*, and according to its creator, J. Michael Straczynski, *The Expanse* could potentially inspire a reboot of *Babylon 5*.
1) Battlestar Galactica
For many people who grew up in Generation X, the original *Battlestar Galactica* remains the best space series ever made. The reimagined series, created by Ronald D. Moore, is powerfully emotional, using a realistic, documentary-like style. It features outstanding acting from Edward James Olmos and Mary McDonnell, and offers a thought-provoking political story inspired by the events following 9/11. The show follows the last survivors of humanity as they journey through space after a surprise attack, struggling with conflicts within their group and incredibly difficult decisions. Some fans trying to introduce it to new audiences compare it to *Breaking Bad*, but with spaceships and robots instead of drugs and crime.
If you enjoy *The Expanse*, you’ll find a lot of similarities in *Battlestar Galactica*, especially the way it explores the conflict between hopeful ideals and the harsh realities of simply staying alive. Just like the characters in *The Expanse*, the leaders on *Galactica* face incredible stress, struggling to maintain their values as everything around them crumbles. Both shows are grounded in realism and aren’t afraid to ask difficult questions about freedom, government, and belief. They both use the setting of space to reflect our own world, showing how technology can both help and hinder us. Ultimately, like *The Expanse*, *BSG* is a story about overcoming our own flaws. If you’re looking for a sci-fi show with the same impact and political depth as *The Expanse*, *Battlestar Galactica* is arguably the best of the 21st century – a true masterpiece.
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2025-10-10 15:40