Apple TV+ has boldly expanded its alternate-history universe with Star City, the first official spinoff of the acclaimed series For All Mankind. While the original show chronicles a world where the Soviet Union beat the U.S. to the moon, this new series pulls back the curtain on a completely different side of the franchise: the high-stakes world of espionage and intrigue inside the Soviet space program.
Set in the titular Soviet cosmonaut training facility, Star City is a tense, gripping spy thriller that trades the NASA-centric optimism of its parent series for a darker, more paranoid atmosphere. The show follows a new ensemble of characters, including a female cosmonaut who becomes entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and political maneuvering. It's a bold pivot that pays off, offering viewers a fresh perspective on the familiar universe.
For fans of For All Mankind, this spinoff is essential viewing. It deepens the world-building by exploring the Soviet side of the space race, which was often a shadowy antagonist in the original series. Now, we get to see the human faces behind the Soviet triumphs and failures, and the personal costs of their ambition. If you need a refresher on the key Soviet wins that set the stage, check out our recap of key Soviet wins to know before Star City.
The show's creators have crafted a narrative that feels both intimate and epic. The espionage elements are front and center, with double-crosses, surveillance, and high-tension negotiations driving the plot. It's a far cry from the spacewalks and lunar missions of the original, but it's no less thrilling. The series also benefits from strong performances, particularly from its lead actress, who brings a steely determination to her role as a cosmonaut caught between duty and survival.
One of the most impressive aspects of Star City is how it maintains the thematic core of For All Mankind—the human cost of progress and the relentless pursuit of glory—while telling a completely different kind of story. The show doesn't just rehash old ideas; it expands the franchise's scope in meaningful ways. For those who love a good spy drama, this is easily one of the top thriller shows on Apple TV+, blending sci-fi and spy drama seamlessly.
The production design is meticulous, recreating the cramped, utilitarian spaces of the Soviet era with a gritty authenticity. The cold, muted color palette contrasts sharply with the warm tones of the NASA scenes in the original series, visually reinforcing the ideological divide. The score, too, is a standout, using dissonant strings and tense percussion to keep viewers on edge.
While Star City is a spinoff, it stands on its own as a compelling thriller. Newcomers to the franchise can jump in without having seen a single episode of For All Mankind, though fans will appreciate the deeper context. The show's pacing is deliberate, building suspense slowly before delivering payoff in explosive moments. It's a masterclass in slow-burn storytelling.
In a landscape crowded with spinoffs and franchise expansions, Star City distinguishes itself by taking a risk. Instead of simply giving fans more of the same, it offers a new genre, a new setting, and a new emotional register. The result is a series that feels both familiar and fresh, a worthy addition to the For All Mankind universe. For anyone craving a smart, tense thriller with a sci-fi backdrop, this is a must-watch.
