The Expanse

The Expanse is a science fiction franchise that began as a series of novels by James S.A. Corey (pen name for Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck) starting with Leviathan Wakes in 2011. The narrative spans centuries of human expansion into the solar system, depicting tensions between Earth, Mars, and the Asteroid Belt as competing powers, alongside threats from beyond known space. The series combines hard science fiction worldbuilding with political intrigue, character-driven storytelling, and exploration of themes including colonialism, resource scarcity, and humanity's future.

The books were adapted into a television series by Amazon Prime Video (2015–2022), which became a cultural phenomenon and introduced the universe to a broader audience. The show maintained the novels' complexity while adding visual spectacle and ensemble cast dynamics. Both formats have been praised for scientific plausibility, intricate plotting, and moral ambiguity in depicting human conflict and cooperation.