Prime Video’s Most Epic Sci-Fi Series Was So Perfect, George R.R. Martin Said “Nothing Else Comes Close”

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Given that George R.R. Martin, the creator of Game of Thrones, understands large-scale fantasy stories and how they translate to television, his praise for Prime Video’s The Expanse carries significant weight. Game of Thrones remains HBO’s most famous and successful show, and while the upcoming Harry Potter series may eventually surpass it, the original show’s impact, along with the success of its spin-offs House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, makes it a truly unique achievement in television adaptation.

As a huge fan of good storytelling, I always pay attention when George R.R. Martin – the guy who created A Song of Ice and Fire – gives a shout-out to another show. He’s a bit like Stephen King in that way, often publicly sharing what he’s enjoying on TV. Recently, when The Expanse got canceled, Martin went to his website to say what a “terrific show” it was, and I definitely took notice. It’s cool to see creators supporting other great work!

The writer praised the series, noting that while many large-scale space shows look visually impressive these days, this one also stood out for its strong writing, direction, and exceptionally talented cast. Ultimately, Martin declared The Expanse the best space show on television by a significant margin, stating that no other show even came close in quality.

George R.R. Martin Had Connections To The Expanse

This post was written in 2018, right when SyFy canceled the show, but before Prime Video revived it. At that time, newer space-themed shows like For All Mankind, HBO’s Dune: Prophecy, and the highly praised Foundation hadn’t yet premiered, so they weren’t contenders for the title of “best space show” that many fans had given to this series.

The widespread critical acclaim and large fanbase of The Expanse demonstrate that George R.R. Martin’s enthusiastic statements about the show were justified. Interestingly, Martin has a direct connection to the series: Ty Franck, who co-authored The Expanse with Daniel Abraham under the name James S. A. Corey, previously worked as Martin’s assistant. Franck and Abraham have continued their successful partnership, now also writing the Captive’s War series together.

Was The Expanse Sci-Fi’s Answer To Game Of Thrones?

Fans of The Expanse won’t be surprised to learn that one of its creators collaborated with George R.R. Martin. The show is frequently compared to Game of Thrones because of its intricate storylines and focus on the politics within its fictional world. The Expanse is set in the future, after humanity has colonized the solar system, and revolves around a fragile peace between Earth and Luna’s United Nations and the Martian Congressional Republic.

The first season of the series follows detective Josephus as he teams up with UN Security Council member Chrisjen and ship captain James Holden to reveal a hidden conspiracy that could drastically change the world of The Expanse. This initial setup is reminiscent of the beginning of HBO’s Game of Thrones, which started with Ned Stark investigating the truth about Joffrey’s birth and then expanded into a complex story with many characters, locations, and layers of deception.

While The Expanse wasn’t as graphic as Game of Thrones, it offered a similar level of moral gray areas and intricate storytelling. Calling The Expanse the ‘sci-fi Game of Thrones’ isn’t a perfect comparison, but it captures some of what made the show popular. Despite the similarities between the two series, The Expanse succeeded because it ultimately offered something fresh and distinct, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.

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2026-05-01 21:48