‘The Expanse’ Makes ‘Games of Thrones’ Seem Quaint, Says Astrophysicist

Science fiction fans are geeked up about the new Syfy TV series The Expanse. Based on the novels by James S.A. Corey, The Expanse is set in a future where humanity has colonized the Solar System. The protagonist is a police detective named Miller (portrayed by Thomas Jane) who has to find a missing woman — so a war between Earth and Mars doesn’t erupt, which would wipe out all mankind.

After watching the first episode, Adam Frank, an astrophysics professor at the University of Rochester, gives the show two thumbs up. He said on NPR, “If SyFy really does it right, we’ll have a show that puts Battlestar Galactica to shame and makes Game of Thrones seem quaint.” He added, while he will always love Star Wars, “Right now, I’m way more interested in a solar system close to home than in a galaxy far, far away.” The Expanse releases new episodes on Tuesdays at 10pm on Syfy.