In 2017, when the series was still on the SyFy Channel, the authors shared in an interview that they hoped people would see the show as a “science-fiction version of War and Peace.” And given the series final episode, their desire was on spot.
Here’s how the show ends and why there won’t be a seventh season despite its large fanbase, great ratings, and critical acclaim. Be warned that there are spoilers ahead for the series final season.
How Does The Expanse End?
The main plot in The Expanse season six is the conflict between the dangerous “Free Navy” led by Marco Inaros and the combined forces of Earth, Mars, and the Belt. Both parties wish to take control of the Rings – wormholes that enable quick passage through space.
In the final episode, “Babylon’s Ashes,” the crew of the Rocinante takes the risky decision of intentionally triggering the awareness of the “Entities” – an alien race in hibernation that lives in the Rings. They cause this by forcing Marco and his navy to use the Rings, which leads to their absolute and complete destruction.
The finale more or less matches the storyline of the series sixth novel. After the “Free Navy” is defeated, Avasarala holds a peace treaty with all the different factions in the Solar System, and they decided to establish a united, independent guild known as the “Transport Union.” Like in the book, she nominates Holden to assume the presidency of the new organization, who as his first act transfers the position to Dummer. This ending is different from the one in the novel, where Holden entrusts Michio Pa to manage the “Transport Union.”
Why Was The Show Canceled?
Daniel Abraham, the book’s co-author, said in 2020 that The Expanse will end with season six. He believed that six seasons were enough for him and the production crew to tell their story. However, in a more recent interview, Abraham admitted to being open to the idea of more seasons happening.
And while this doesn’t mean that the show will be continued, it surely leaves the door open for future limited sequel series that would introduce new characters and stories. But for now, The Expanse as people know it on TV has ended.