Apple TV is ready to take viewers back into its alternate space race, but this time, the story will not follow NASA. As ‘For All Mankind‘ prepares for its highly anticipated fifth season, the platform is rolling out a major expansion that moves the spotlight behind the Iron Curtain.
The new spinoff, ‘Star City‘, promises to reveal the Soviet side of the competition while American astronauts continue pushing boundaries in orbit.
‘Star City’ Will Explore The Alternate-History Space Race From The Soviet Perspective
‘For All Mankind‘ built its reputation by reimagining history through NASA’s victories and setbacks. ‘Star City‘ now turns the lens toward the Soviet Union and the internal struggles that unfolded behind the Iron Curtain. The series explores how leaders, engineers, and operatives pushed their program forward under immense political scrutiny.
Related: ‘Drops Of God’ Is Apple TV+’s Most Criminally Underrated Series Right Now
Apple will launch ‘Star City‘ globally on May 29, 2026, releasing the first two episodes immediately. The platform will then release one episode per week through July 10, completing an eight-episode first season. This structure ensures that the tension surrounding the Soviet storyline unfolds steadily rather than all at once.
The title refers to the real Soviet training center outside Moscow where cosmonauts lived and prepared for missions. In the show’s alternate timeline, that facility becomes more than a training ground. It stands at the center of a fierce contest for technological dominance and ideological power, where every launch carries political consequences.
Apple TV Looks To Build A Massive ‘For All Mankind’ Sci-Fi Franchise
As ‘For All Mankind’ remains Apple TV’s most durable series, it has had several seasons and showcased multiple fictional timelines. With the announcement of its spin-off, Apple TV might capitalize on the same story without having to restart it from scratch.
In case you missed it: 25 Best Shows On Apple TV+ Right Now, Ranked
‘Star City‘ follows cosmonauts, engineers, and intelligence officials as they navigate a system that demands success at any cost. The narrative highlights the pressure placed on individuals who must deliver results while operating inside a tightly controlled political environment. Each mission carries not only scientific stakes but also strategic implications for global influence.
Executive producers who guided the original series continue overseeing the spinoff, ensuring that ‘Star City‘ aligns with the broader timeline. Their leadership connects both shows while allowing new characters and rivalries to emerge from the Soviet side of the competition.
You might also like to read: Before ‘The Leftovers,’ Justin Theroux Turned Down a Sci-Fi Show That Changed TV Forever
