Few sci-fi shows have left an imprint as lasting asThe Expanse. Even years after its emotional conclusion in 2022, fans are still rewatching, theorizing, and debating the best episodes. Adapted from the novels by James S.A. Corey,The Expansepushed boundaries with its hard sci-fi realism, morally complex characters, and expansive interplanetary politics. Whether it was the grimy tension of life on Ceres, the high-stakes diplomacy of Earth, or the eerie mystery of the protomolecule,The Expansedelivered some of the most compelling and ambitious storytelling in modern television.
Although there are very few missteps in the show’s six-season run, thebest episodes ofThe Expanseeach elevate the series in a unique way - whether by tightening character arcs, shifting the status quo, or pulling off jaw-dropping action and suspense. From devastating space battles to moments of quiet human resilience, these standout episodes capture everything fans loved about the series.
10Nemesis Games
Season 5, Episode 10
The emotional falloutofThe Expanseseason 5reaches its peak in “Nemesis Games,” an episode that balances massive galactic stakes with deeply personal reckonings. Following the explosive attacks carried out by Marco Inaros (Keon Alexander), the crew of the Rocinante - now scattered across the system - struggles to reunite while surviving one of the most chaotic periods in the show’s history. Naomi (Dominique Tipper) takes center stage, using sheer will and intelligence to escape her captors and warn her friends.
Her desperate struggle in “Nemesis Games” is one of the most harrowing and inventive sequences in the show. What makes this one of the best episodes ofThe Expanseis how ithumanizes the interplanetary war by focusing on character pain and survival. Despite the fractured narrative, the show never loses sight of its emotional core. The finale closes out the season with hope, loss, and hard-earned unity, setting the stage for the final chapter while reminding viewers why they fell in love with these characters in the first place.
9Abaddon’s Gate
Season 3, Episode 13
Season 3’s finale “Abaddon’s Gate”is both a narrative payoff and a philosophical reckoning, cementing its place among the best episodes ofThe Expanse. After the Ring’s activation, tensions between Earth, Mars, and the Belt reach a boiling point. Melba (Nadine Nicole) makes her move, Holden (Steven Strait) confronts an alien consciousness, and the fragile ceasefire teeters on the edge of disaster. Yet, rather than a bombastic war, “Abaddon’s Gate” pivots into a meditative, high-concept story about choice, identity, and forgiveness - anchored by a powerful monologue from Ashford (David Strathairn) that helps avert catastrophe.
The narrative stakes remain high, but the emphasis on growth, trust, and compromise sets it apart.
This episodedemonstratesThe Expanse’s ability to turn away from standard sci-fi tropes and deliver something deeper. The narrative stakes remain high, but the emphasis on growth, trust, and compromise sets it apart. It’s a cerebral, emotionally resonant capstone to a season that was as much about discovering alien technology as it was about rediscovering humanity.
8It Reaches Out
Season 3, Episode 8
The protomolecule’s influencebecomes more disturbing and surreal in “It Reaches Out,” an eerie, psychological episode that lingers long after the credits roll. This mid-season installment ofThe Expanseseason 3 finds Holden haunted - literally - by the appearance of Joe Miller (Thomas Jane), who seems to have returned as a mysterious apparition. As Holden begins unraveling under the stress of this vision, the episode toes the line between science fiction and horror.
Meanwhile, other characters race to understand what the newly-formed Ring is and what it might mean for humanity. What earns “It Reaches Out” a place among the best episodes ofThe Expanseis its bold tonal shift. It leans into mystery, unease, and paranoia,showing how alien technology warps not just matter, but minds. The tension and ambiguity are expertly paced, pulling viewers into a state of disorientation that mirrors Holden’s own unraveling. It’sThe Expanseat its most haunting.
7CQB
Season 1, Episode 4
One of the earliestexamples ofThe Expanse’s high-stakes brilliance, “CQB” transforms a rescue mission into a claustrophobic nightmare. Season 1 had been slowly simmering, but this episode throws everything into overdrive as the Donnager comes under attack by unknown forces. The chaotic, gritty space battle is nothing short of spectacular,filled with tactical realism and gut-wrenching urgency.
Shed’s death, the destruction of the ship, and the formation of the crew that would eventually become the Rocinante all converge here with terrifying precision. “CQB” is one of the best episodes ofThe Expansebecause it marks the moment the show proved it could do action as well as worldbuilding. The tension is relentless, and the sense of scale is massive without ever losing the personal stakes. It’s a war story told through the eyes of a crew with no clue what they’ve stumbled into - just the way earlyExpansefans like it.
6Triple Point
Season 3, Episode 5
Few episodes ofThe Expansebalance politics, action, and character as deftly as “Triple Point,” where alliances are forged and broken amid looming catastrophe. As the protomolecule threat escalates, Avasarala (Shohreh Aghdashloo) and Admiral Souther (Martin Roach) maneuver against internal betrayal on board the Agatha King. The standout sequence - Souther’s attempted broadcast to expose the conspiracy - is both thrilling and tragic,culminating in a spectacular ship-to-ship confrontation that alters the war forever.
Among the best episodes ofThe Expanse, “Triple Point” stands out for its masterful suspense and commentary on loyalty versus duty. It’s a turning point in the conflict where good intentions lead to catastrophic consequences, and it showcases just how high the cost of truth can be. The episode also reminds viewers that in this universe, even the most powerful players are vulnerable.
5Doors & Corners
Season 2, Episode 2
In “Doors & Corners,” the stakes leap sky-high witha full-on Belter assaultthat reveals just how dangerous and unpredictableThe Expansecan be. Season 2’s second episode puts Fred Johnson (Chad L. Coleman) and Holden’s team at the forefront of a military strike against a secret Protogen base. The raid is a brutal, chaotic affair that introduces fan-favorite Bobbie Draper (Frankie Adams) and delivers the first truly large-scale shootout of the series.
However, in addition to the action, “Doors & Corners” also unveils disturbing new truths about the protomolecule’s experimentation on innocent people. This is one of the best episodes ofThe Expansebecause itredefined the tone and scale of the series. What starts as a strategic move morphs into a horror reveal, with the emotional and ethical weight hitting just as hard as the bullets. “Doors & Corners” provesThe Expansecan deliver thrilling spectacleanddevastating consequences without missing a beat.
4Immolation
Season 3, Episode 6
The high-octane conclusion tothe protomolecule hybrid arc, “Immolation” showcases everythingThe Expansedoes best in under 45 minutes. Holden and his crew race to stop the hybrid threat from reaching its destination, while Bobbie engages in a thrilling one-on-one fight with a superpowered child soldier. The episode brings several major storylines to a close, including the redemption arc of Prax (Terry Chen), who finally reunites with his daughter Mei.
It combines blockbuster action with earned emotional beats.
It’ssatisfying, emotional, and explosive in all the right ways.“Immolation” earns its place as one of the best episodes ofThe Expanseby delivering on both character and plot payoffs. It combines blockbuster action with earned emotional beats, especially for characters who had spent half the season navigating loss and desperation. It’s the kind of finale that feels like a reward, right before opening the door to something even stranger.
3Fight Or Flight
Season 3, Episode 1
After a season breakand a new home on Amazon, “Fight or Flight” reintroduced the series with a bang and immediately provedThe Expansehadn’t lost its edge. Picking up after the catastrophic events ofThe Expanseseason 2, “Fight Or Flight” finds the crew of the Rocinante on the run, Earth and Mars on the brink of war, and the protomolecule still a terrifying enigma.
It’s a breathless hour that resets the board while deepening character stakes, especially with Chrisjen Avasarala and Cotyar (Nick E. Tarabay) attempting a narrow escape from enemy forces. “Fight or Flight” is one of the best episodes ofThe Expansebecause it balances urgency with worldbuilding. Itreestablishes momentum, sets a darker tone, and draws tighter focus to each character’s arc.For a season premiere, it hits with the impact of a finale, launching viewers headfirst into the show’s most ambitious stretch yet.
2Home
Season 2, Episode 5
“Home” is a masterclass in tension and visual storytelling, delivering a literal planetary crisis with emotional intensity and cinematic flair. The asteroid-turned-protomolecule-engineered projectile hurtling toward Earth is a jaw-dropping sci-fi scenario, but it’s Miller’s solo mission to redirect it that makes this episode unforgettable.Thomas Jane delivers his finest performancein the series, as Miller chooses sacrifice for the sake of billions, forming a quiet, tragic bond with Julie Mao (Florence Faivre) in their final moments.
Among the best episodes ofThe Expanse, “Home” shines brightest for its scale and heart. It proves that space operas can deliver soul-crushing emotional payoffs alongside blockbuster effects. When Miller makes peace with his fate,The Expansetransitions from compelling sci-fi to something much more profound.
1Gaugamela
Season 5, Episode 4
In a single episode, “Gaugamela” shatters the solar system - and the status quo - making it the definitive masterpiece ofThe Expanse. Season 5’s fourth episode shows Marco Inaros’ devastating plan come to fruition, as stealth asteroids strike Earth with horrifying precision. The attack sequence is terrifying in its realism and execution. Every moment - from the news broadcast to Amos (Wes Chatham) watching the skies fall - is built for maximum dread.
The Rocinante crew is scattered and unaware, while Earth descends into chaos in seconds. “Gaugamela” isn’t just one of the best episodes ofThe Expanse-it’s a turning point for the entire series.The sudden, brutal loss of life, the power shift to the Belt, and the narrative gamble to change everything mid-season all pay off spectacularly. It’s a gut-punch of an episode that provesThe Expansewas never afraid to go all-in.
