The New York Times just released its 100 Best Shows of the 21st Century list, and naturally, everyone and their mother who loves TV has feelings. I’m jazzed to know that two of my top three of all time, Parks and Recreation and The Americans, are both featured among other major favorites, but utterly confused as to how The Expanse isn’t up there.
As someone who’s seen the major sci-fi shows that are both critically revered and adored by fans, their greatness can’t be denied, but they also don’t hold a candle to The Expanse. I’ve written about the show throughout my career in one way or another, yet it’s impossible to fully encapsulate why it’s so sensational. From the characters to the production design, everything about The Expanse feels like a revelation. It’s visually so stunning that if it were shown in theaters, it’d have the same reception as this year’s Project Hail Mary did.
The Expanse Tells a Brilliant Story From Start to Finish
Perfection is impossible, but the best shows—the ones featured on the list—are the ones that consistently deliver. They’re as close to perfect as a series can get, with cohesive storytelling in every season. Some of the shows are still airing and can fall off the wagon in the future, but The Expanse never does. It not only has an intimate understanding of how to adapt the source material, but it also centers the characters as well as a thrilling plot that consistently keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
With six seasons, there’s not a single arc that feels weak or questionable. Every decision that the writers make for the characters fully works to advance the story and simultaneously strengthen their dynamics. The series effectively tells relatable and remarkable stories that mirror the world we live in, making it that much more admirable. How the show tackled geopolitics in space is no small feat, and still to this day, every episode holds tremendous meaning with ample material to deconstruct.
It’s the way the show touches on a romance that’s also undeniably praiseworthy, and how its primary love story is among the best we’ve ever gotten on TV. There’s also plenty to say about how each actor consistently brings their A-game with a full range of emotions that ensures every scene sticks the landing.
More importantly, it’s how The Expanse delivers a perfect series finale that indicates it deserves to be on a list like the New York Times Best Shows of the 21st Century. Because Stranger Things is on there, and while the first four seasons are objectively incredible, too many people would disagree that the final season gives it a deserving conclusion. The show and the characters deserved better. And part of the problem with a show like The Expanse was that there wasn’t nearly enough promo surrounding it to give the hype it deserved while it was airing. Too many people, still to this day, have never even heard of it or assumed it was some B-list sci-fi. But from beginning to end, The Expanse was a masterclass in cohesive storytelling.
All six seasons of The Expanse are streaming on Prime Video.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Prime Video