Since the conclusion of The Expanse in 2022, fans have been yearning for content that mirrors its high-stakes political intrigue and compelling narrative depth. This acclaimed series, adapted from the novels by James S.A. Corey, showcased a sophisticated blend of character dynamics and hard-hitting sci-fi themes. Despite a passionate fanbase hoping for a seventh season to further explore the series, there have been no updates from Amazon, leaving devoted viewers in a state of uncertainty—eerily reminiscent of the Belters’ cryogenic sleep.
Fortunately, a different but equally engaging series—Travelers—may just fulfill that sci-fi craving. With an emotionally charged narrative and an inventive time travel premise, Travelers combines cerebral themes with intense character exploration, drawing in those who appreciated the tension and ethical dilemmas prevalent in The Expanse. Although it doesn’t traverse the cosmos, it offers a rich tapestry of conflict and moral complexity that will resonate with fans.
While The Expanse Season 7 Seems Unlikely, Netflix’s Travelers Is a Fantastic Alternative
Discovering a Smart, Serialized Sci-Fi Alternative: Travelers
The protracted wait for the next chapters of The Expanse has left its audience in an unsatisfying limbo—caught between hope for continuation and the absence of news. Both Amazon and the cast have expressed interest in potentially revisiting the story. However, as time elapses and the cast members pursue other opportunities, the likelihood of The Expanse returning for a seventh season diminishes.
This is precisely where Travelers steps in. Developed by Brad Wright of Stargate SG-1 fame, this Netflix series ran for three compelling seasons between 2016 and 2018. It is set in a near-future dystopia where humanity teeters on the brink of disaster; the plot revolves around time travelers sent back to inhabit the bodies of individuals facing imminent death. Their mission? Prevent catastrophe while adapting to lives not their own.
Why Netflix’s Three-Season Sci-Fi Series Appeals to The Expanse Fans
Travelers: A Convergence of Moral Complexity, High-Stakes Scenarios, and Rich Character Development
The defining traits of The Expanse and Travelers create a significant overlap, demonstrating that engaging narratives cannot be reduced to mere genre conventions. While The Expanse spans the vastness of the solar system, dissecting power struggles among Earth, Mars, and the Belt, Travelers offers a more focused exploration of a group of operatives seeking to alter fate from within the present. Both narratives employ speculative storytelling to tackle substantial, real-world dilemmas.
A vital parallel is their shared focus on moral ambiguity. In The Expanse, choices made by Holden, Amos, and Drummer often yield complex repercussions, portraying protagonists who exist in shades of grey. Similarly, Travelers features a team of characters striving to save humanity, often at significant personal or ethical costs. Their vulnerabilities and moral failings are explored with unflinching honesty.
The camaraderie within both series highlights the importance of team dynamics. The Expanse crafts a makeshift family aboard the Rocinante, while Travelers presents an equally tightly-knit group of time travelers who must rely on one another as they juggle their perilous missions and the emotional toll of dual identities. The intensity of their relationships adds layers of depth and authenticity to the narrative.
Moreover, both shows excel in serialized storytelling. They build upon each preceding season seamlessly, offering overlapping arcs that gradually unfold the primary mysteries. With no reset button to revert to formulaic structures, the stakes escalate, resulting in poignant plot resolutions. Much like The Expanse, Travelers is committed to long-term storytelling, with narrative threads intentionally woven early on that blossom into significant revelations later.
Notably, Travelers presents its themes with accessibility. Unlike the intricate political machinations of The Expanse, it invites casual viewers to engage without the need for complex background knowledge. Set against a contemporary backdrop, it tackles pressing societal issues—such as surveillance and free will—filtered through the lens of time travel. For fans yearning for sci-fi series akin to The Expanse, Travelers is a worthwhile addition to their watchlist.
Travelers Delivers an Earned and Impactful Finale
Although Travelers was not initially intended to conclude its narrative, its third season reflects a keen awareness of potential cancellation, culminating in a satisfying and comprehensive ending. Rather than leaving viewers with unresolved plots or frustrating cliffhangers, it masterfully weaves together themes from the inaugural episode, culminating in a poignant conclusion.
In its finale titled “Protocol Omega,”the series conveys questions surrounding fate, sacrifice, and limitations in intervention—concepts that The Expanse audiences will instantly recognize and appreciate. The emotional resolution is palpable, and the stakes feel genuine, steering clear of the unsatisfactory compromises often found in season-ending arcs.
Unlike the unresolved narrative threads seen in The Expanse, which leaves many questions hanging, Travelers polishes off its central storyline while permitting a degree of ambiguity. It respects its audience by encouraging interpretation rather than providing definitive answers, avoiding the pitfalls of abandonment that often plague similar sci-fi series. For those familiar with shows like The Expanse ending mid-arc, Travelers is a remarkable exception—a series that, while it may have concluded too early, undoubtedly finished on a high note.