Apple TV+ has found its next big sci-fi sensation, and it's not just another space saga—it's a paranoid thriller that's already climbing the streaming charts. Star City, a spin-off of the beloved alternate-history series For All Mankind, has arrived with critical acclaim and impressive viewership numbers, signaling a new direction for the streamer's franchise ambitions.
Set during the tense Space Race era, Star City reimagines events from the early seasons of its parent show, but with a darker, more claustrophobic focus. While For All Mankind expanded into a sprawling soap opera across decades, this spin-off zeroes in on the Soviet side of the competition, delivering a gripping narrative that critics are calling "dark, twisted, and bolder" than the original's Mars-era episodes.
The series debuted to a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, which has since settled at an impressive 96%. According to streaming data from FlixPatrol, Star City is currently the third most-watched show globally on Apple TV+, trailing only the recently concluded Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and the drama Your Friends & Neighbors. With only a handful of episodes released so far, the show is poised to climb even higher as word-of-mouth spreads and more episodes drop.
This success comes at a crucial time for Apple TV+, which has seen its sci-fi slate struggle to maintain dominance after Monarch ended. For All Mankind itself failed to crack the top five during its latest run, leaving room for non-genre hits like Margo's Got Money Troubles and Widow's Bay to lead the charts. But Star City is changing that narrative, proving that audiences are hungry for fresh takes on familiar worlds.
Critics have been effusive in their praise. Collider's Carly Lane noted that the show's "distinct visuals, sharp performances, and compelling narrative" make it a gripping watch, even if it doesn't match For All Mankind's longevity. CBR's Katie Doll called it "dark, twisted and, dare to say, bolder than what For All Mankind has been putting out in its Mars era." ScreenRant's Ben Gibbons highlighted its ability to "keep you guessing," with twists that come from left field.
For viewers who found For All Mankind's later seasons too sprawling, Star City offers a tighter, more intense experience. The series explores the crippling authoritarianism of the Soviet Union and the high-stakes thrill of space exploration, making it a perfect pick for fans of psychological thrillers like Showtime's The Curse or the tense atmosphere of Elijah Wood's Grand Piano.
As Star City continues to gain momentum, it's clear that Apple TV+ has a hit on its hands. The show's success could pave the way for more spin-offs and franchise expansions, much like how David Tennant's Rivals is dominating Disney+ or Michael Fassbender's The Agency is returning for a second season. New episodes of Star City stream on Apple TV+ every Friday, so there's plenty of time to catch up on this thrilling ride.
