Game of Thrones creators’ Netflix sci-fi show proves that it is the perfect time for The Expanse to return to the small screen.
The Expanse ended its long run with six seasons. Given how most shows in this day and age barely last longer than four seasons, it is hard not to feel grateful that The Expanse got to stay for so long. At the same time, though, one cannot deny that the show left a massive void in the sci-fi genre and its absence can still be felt.
Although there has been no official news about The Expanse‘s return, an ongoing Netflix sci-fi show’s success proves the series could actually benefit from continuing beyond season 6.
3 Body Problem’s Netflix Success Proves It’s The Perfect Time For The Expanse To Return
Netflix went all in with 3 Body Problem, reportedly investing $20 million per episode. One of the biggest reasons why Netflix seemingly made this gamble was that 3 Body Problem was being created by Game of Thrones‘ showrunners, David Benioff and D. B. Weiss. Considering Netflix’s long history of sci-fi cancellations, it was hard not to fear that 3 Body Problem would not make it past season 1.
Surprisingly, 3 Body Problem performed well enough to be renewed for two more seasons.
Apart from being one of Netflix’s most expensive shows, 3 Body Problem also faced the challenge of making its source material’s hard sci-fi more accessible for the masses. The show’s success proved that even though many modern sci-fi shows shy away from adopting complex ideas, hard sci-fi is far from being dead. It still has a massive audience and does not deserve to be treated as a niche gamble.
This is where the argument for The Expanse‘s return comes in.
Although many factors contributed to The Expanse‘s cancellation after season 6, one big reason was the astronomical cost required to portray the show’s high-end sci-fi. 3 Body Problem, however, proves that even if The Expanse‘s continuation demands a massive budget, there is clear evidence that audiences will show up for an ambitious, high-concept sci-fi when it is treated with respect.
Owing to this, it seems like the perfect time for The Expanse to continue its run before the franchise completely loses the cultural momentum and massive following it built in six seasons.
Even After 6 Seasons, The Expanse Still Has A Lot Of Stories To Tell
The Expanse season 6’s ending felt natural because it perfectly aligned with the resolution of the Free Navy War in the sixth book, Babylon’s Ashes. However, this does not mean the show does not have more stories to tell. After the sixth installment, the books move forward after a 30-year time jump that marks the beginning of the Laconia trilogy, which includes three novels:
- Persepolis Rising
- Tiamat’s Wrath
- Leviathan Falls
With new seasons, The Expanse can cover all the remaining books, which would also resolve some of its loose threads surrounding Admiral Duarte, Cara, and the “Unknown Aggressors.” Hopefully, Game of Thrones creators’ Netflix show’s success and the gradual return of hard sci-fi on TV will soon pave the way for The Expanse‘s revival.
