6 Great Sci-Fi Shows That Are Exactly Like The Expanse

While truly unique, The Expanse shares similarities with other science fiction series. Based on the books by James S. A. Corey, it’s a sprawling story set far in the future, following a diverse cast of characters across the galaxy. Similar to Game of Thrones, it’s filled with intricate political maneuvering and characters driven by their own complex motivations.

It’s rare for science fiction shows to influence each other so directly. The Expanse seems to have taken cues from classics like Battlestar Galactica and Babylon 5, and in turn, newer shows have been inspired by The Expanse itself. These space operas all have a lot in common, making The Expanse a standout in a relatively small group.

For All Mankind Depicts an Alternate Space Race

The show For All Mankind imagines a world where the space race between the US and the Soviet Union continued. It follows the stories of many characters over the years after the Soviets first landed on the moon. While the series begins in a familiar version of history, it quickly evolves into a completely alternate timeline. With a large cast and attention to scientific accuracy, For All Mankind feels similar in scope and realism to a show like The Expanse, almost as if it could be a precursor to that universe.

As a sci-fi fan, I’ve been really enjoying For All Mankind. It reminds me a lot of The Expanse – both shows are packed with political maneuvering, especially as the Cold War heats up between the US and the Soviet Union. But For All Mankind takes things further, stretching over decades and evolving into a story about not just conflict, but also what it takes to survive and build a life among the stars. Created by Ronald D. Moore, Matt Wolpert, and Ben Nedivi, it definitely shares some thematic DNA with The Expanse, but carves out its own unique space.

Foundation Chronicles the End of a Massive Empire

Inspired by Isaac Asimov’s famous science fiction stories, Foundation is a sweeping saga set in the distant future. The show centers on a diverse group of characters, led by Hari Seldon, played by Jared Harris, a gifted mathematician who can foresee the future thanks to his invention of psychohistory. When Hari predicts the collapse of the galactic Empire, he and his student are sent into exile to a remote planet to build the “Foundation,” a place dedicated to preserving all of humanity’s knowledge.

Okay, let me tell you, Foundation is a visual feast. Seriously, the sheer scale of the galaxy they’ve created is breathtaking. If you loved the way The Expanse handled its sprawling political landscape and complex characters, you’re going to be hooked by this show too. Both series really dig into the power struggles within a massive civilization, and how individuals contribute to its ultimate fate. It’s a beautiful show, and the world-building is top-notch.

Battlestar Galactica Follows the Remnants of Humanity

Okay, so picture this: humanity’s been nearly wiped out by these terrifying machines called Cylons, and we’re talking only about 50,000 people left. The story centers around the Battlestar Galactica, which is basically the last, biggest warship still flying. It becomes the home and protector of all these survivors as they desperately try to escape the Cylons and find this legendary planet called Earth – their supposed thirteenth colony. We follow Commander Adama, powerfully played by Edward James Olmos, and President Roslin, brilliantly portrayed by Mary McDonnell, as they lead this incredibly vulnerable fleet on a constant, heart-stopping search for a new home. It’s a really gripping struggle for survival.

Fans of The Expanse will likely enjoy Battlestar Galactica, created by Ronald D. Moore, due to its complex political storylines. While Battlestar Galactica doesn’t take place across the galaxy like The Expanse, it offers plenty of suspense and unexpected developments. Both shows share a realistic, tough spaceship environment and focus on compelling character relationships.

Farscape Features a Found Family for the Ages

Astronaut John Crichton, played by Ben Browder, unexpectedly travels through a wormhole and becomes stranded in a remote region of the Milky Way. With no way back to Earth, he finds himself aboard Moya, a living spaceship, alongside a diverse crew of escaped alien prisoners, all longing for their homes. Similar to the show The Expanse, Farscape emphasizes the theme of found family as Crichton and the other inhabitants of Moya, including the former Peacekeeper Aeryn Sun (Claudia Black), develop close bonds.

The series Farscape follows a group of characters as they try to evade the militaristic Peacekeepers and venture into unknown regions of space. Over time, the show delves into the complex politics of the Peacekeepers, becoming a full-fledged space opera focusing on the adventures of Crichton, Aeryn, and their companions. Created by Rockne S. O’Bannon, Farscape originally ran for four seasons before being canceled, but the story received a conclusion in the miniseries Farscape: The Peacekeeper Wars.

Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis Have Complex Mythologies and Compelling Characters

Starting about a year after the original Stargate movie, Stargate SG-1 centers on the SG-1 team and their adventures traveling through the Stargate to explore faraway alien worlds. With intricate storylines and memorable characters, the series offers plenty for fans of The Expanse. It delves into political conflicts both on Earth and across the galaxy, as different alien enemies put our solar system at risk.

In Stargate Atlantis, a team of explorers ventures to the far-off Pegasus Galaxy and faces new alien enemies. The show boasts characters as engaging as those in the original SG-1, and both series offer the large-scale storytelling that fans of The Expanse will enjoy. The Stargate universe feels authentic, with relatable characters and exciting sci-fi conflicts that are similar to what makes The Expanse so compelling.

Babylon 5 Is a Spiritual Predecessor to The Expanse

As a huge sci-fi fan, I’ve always loved Babylon 5. Created by J. Michael Straczynski, it’s set after a massive intergalactic war, and honestly, it feels like it paved the way for shows like The Expanse with its complex, ongoing story and political maneuvering. The series really builds to something huge – an all-out galactic war! What I especially appreciate is the fantastic ensemble cast; you really get to see the characters develop and change over the course of the show.

Both Babylon 5 and The Expanse are known for their detailed, ongoing stories and large groups of characters. Babylon 5 spanned five seasons, each taking place a year from 2258 to 2262. The Expanse focuses on humanity’s struggle as Earth falls into authoritarian rule, while Babylon 5 doesn’t cover quite as broad a range of issues.

Quiz

5 Questions

Space Opera Showdown: Test Your Expanse Expertise!

Your Top Score

—

Attempts

—

Report Error

Found an error? Send it so it can be corrected.

2026-05-03 14:38