Top Sci-Fi TV Shows Like The Expanse to Watch in 2026
Looking for your next interstellar obsession after The Expanse? Youβre not aloneβthe hunt for sci-fi shows with intelligent world-building and pulse-pounding intrigue never ends. These series offer the same addictive blend of politics, tension, and big-idea storytelling that make The Expanse essential viewing for science fiction fans who crave more than just spaceships and laser fights.
Bonus Picks
Nightflyers (2018) β Psychedelic space horror meets dark mysteryβa George R.R. Martin twist on the genre.
Lost in Space (2018) β Family survival sci-fi with blockbuster visuals and a surprisingly emotional core.
The Peripheral (2022) β A heady, reality-bending series for fans of high-concept dystopian intrigue.

Battlestar Galactica β 8.7/10
"Battlestar Galactica is the rare reboot that outshines its source, and itu2019s the gold standard for space politics and gritty, ensemble-driven drama. If you loved the tense, morally grey universe of The Expanse, this showu2019s relentless humanity-versus-machine survival saga will grab you from episode oneu2014and refuse to let go."

For All Mankind β 8.2/10
"For All Mankindu2019s what-if space race is masterclass alternate history, mixing bold u2018what ifsu2019 with jaw-dropping character arcs and political intrigue that rivals The Expanse. Its sprawling vision of humanityu2019s expansion across the solar system is no less ambitiousu2014and no less addictive."

The Expanse β 8.5/10
"No list is complete without a proper nod to the sourceu2014The Expanse itself. If youu2019ve only dabbled, go back and finish what you started; this is the show that treats its audience like adults, and the payoff is worth every second."
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Dark Matter β 7.4/10
"Dark Matteru2019s crew of amnesiac antiheroes is a sci-fi treat for fans who love layered alliances, cryptic mysteries, and the question u2018Who can we trust?u2019 The showu2019s breakneck twists and found-family dynamic will scratch your Expanse itch in all the best ways."

Foundation β 7.6/10
"Epic, visually stunning, and sprawling in scope, Foundation takes Asimovu2019s legendary novels and crafts a galaxy-spanning chess game of power and prophecy. If world-building and existential stakes are your jam, this is a must-add to your queue."

The 100 β 7.7/10
"The 100u2019s relentless, high-stakes survival saga plunges its characters into impossible moral dilemmasu2014sound familiar? Its brutal, evolving alliances and ambitious plot arcs make this a wild and satisfying ride for fans of The Expanseu2019s fraught politics."

Altered Carbon β 7.9/10
"Altered Carbon is pure cyberpunk noir, fusing mind-bending tech, gritty action, and breathtaking visual design. Itu2019s a heady shot of sci-fi for anyone craving mature themes, twisty mysteries, and world-building that dares you to think."

The Mandalorian β 8.5/10
"The Mandalorian isnu2019t just for Star Wars diehardsu2014its frontier storytelling, cinematic visuals, and tight, ensemble-focused arcs will appeal to anyone who loves space sagas with heart and swagger. Plus: Grogu. Enough said."

Raised by Wolves β 7.5/10
"Ridley Scottu2019s Raised by Wolves is cerebral, atmospheric science fiction at its weirdest and most beautiful. Its exploration of faith, AI, and human nature lands it squarely in the lane for viewers who crave ambitious, challenging narratives."

Star Trek: Discovery β 7.1/10
"Discovery energizes the Star Trek formula with serialized drama, diverse casting, and eye-popping production values. Itu2019s a thrill for anyone who wants their sci-fi universe messy, modern, and full of moral quandaries."
About This List
This curated collection β Top Sci-Fi TV Shows Like The Expanse to Watch in 2026 β was hand-picked to help you cut through the noise and discover content worth your time. The list features 10 titles including Battlestar Galactica, For All Mankind, The Expanse, Dark Matter and Foundation and 5 more.
Each entry was evaluated on critical reception, audience scores, and long-term re-watch value β not just box-office numbers or release-date hype. The goal is a list you can return to month after month and still find something you haven't seen yet.
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