The Expanse began on Syfy before cancellation after three seasons, only to be revived by Prime Video for three additional seasons to conclusion. The series successfully translates a multifaceted novel series into television form by balancing narrative complexity with viewer accessibility, drawing comparisons to Game of Thrones' achievement in adapting dense source material.

Set within our solar system, the show centres on conflict between Earth, Mars, and Belter inhabitants of the asteroid belt. It employs an expansive cast structure drawing from multiple viewpoint characters to deliver its narrative across distributed locations, whilst technological innovations like the Epstein Drive enable the interplanetary travel fundamental to its universe. The Rocinante spacecraft and its crew, including protagonist James Holden, serve as narrative anchors within this elaborate fictional cosmos.