When For All Mankind first launched on Apple TV+ in 2019, it introduced viewers to an alternate timeline where the space race never ended. Over five seasons, the show has chronicled decades of history, following a sprawling ensemble as humanity pushes further into the cosmos. Now, as the series prepares for its sixth and final season, it's making a bold narrative move: passing the torch to a new generation—and a new Baldwin.
From the start, the series centered on astronaut Ed Baldwin, played by Joel Kinnaman. Ed's journey from the Moon to Mars defined the show's early years. But with his death in Season 5, the series has already begun transitioning to a new protagonist: his grandson, Alex, portrayed by Sean Kaufman. Alex, the first human born off Earth, has grown up amid the struggles and triumphs of space colonization, and his arc in Season 5—joining the Happy Valley rebellion against Earth's M-6 authority—has positioned him as the embodiment of the show's core themes: ambition, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of a better future.
This shift isn't a last-minute creative scramble; it's been baked into the show's DNA. Co-creators Matt Wolpert and Ben Nedivi have long stated that For All Mankind was always intended to span five decades and conclude in the present day. That generational scope means characters naturally age out, making way for their descendants. The Baldwins aren't the only family to evolve—the Stevens, the Dales, and others have seen new faces take center stage as the story progresses.
Alex's rise feels particularly fitting. He's inherited the Baldwin legacy of "pushing the envelope," a trait that has defined the family since Ed's early days. His relationships with veteran characters like Dev Ayesa (Edi Gathegi) and Aleida Rosales (Coral Peña) make him a bridge between the show's past and its future. As Season 6 unfolds, Alex will share the spotlight with other young inheritors like Avery Jarrett (Ines Asserson) and Lily Dale (Ruby Cruz), creating a rich tapestry of new and familiar faces.
Interestingly, there's one character who has been with the series since its very first scene: Aleida Rosales. Now the CEO of Helios Aerospace, Aleida has witnessed every major milestone in humanity's spacefaring journey. Her mentorship under Margo Madison (Wrenn Schmidt), who herself was a protégé of Wernher von Braun, makes her a living chronicle of the show's alternate history. It's likely she'll play a pivotal role in the finale, perhaps even appearing in the final shot.
For fans worried that the show might lose its edge without Ed Baldwin, the transition to Alex offers a fresh perspective while maintaining the series' signature blend of personal drama and epic scope. The show has always been about more than one hero; it's about the collective effort to reach for the stars. As For All Mankind hurtles toward its conclusion, it's clear that the story's heart lies in the next generation—and Alex Baldwin is ready to lead the way.
For those who've followed the series from the beginning, this final season promises to be an emotional and satisfying payoff. And if you're new to the show, now's the perfect time to catch up before the finale lands. With its rich character arcs and thought-provoking alternate history, For All Mankind remains one of the most compelling sci-fi dramas on television—a true standout among Apple TV's best shows that nail it from premiere to finale.
As the series prepares to say goodbye, it's worth reflecting on how far it's come. From the Moon to Mars to the outer reaches of the solar system, For All Mankind has consistently delivered thrilling storytelling and emotional depth. The final season promises to be no exception, as Alex and his peers carry the Baldwin legacy into the unknown.
