Apple TV’s ‘For All Mankind’ to Conclude with Season 6, Spin-off ‘Star City’ Explores the Soviet Space Race
Apple TV’s critically acclaimed space drama, “For All Mankind,” will conclude with its sixth season, the network announced on March 24, 2026. The decision comes ahead of the season five premiere on March 27, 2026. A spin-off series, “Star City,” is set to debut on May 29, 2026, offering a fresh perspective on the early days of the space race.
“For All Mankind” presents an alternate history where the Soviet Union reached the moon before the United States, fueling a continued and intensified space race. The series has been lauded for its innovative storytelling and epic scope, becoming one of Apple TV’s flagship programs since its launch in 2019.
‘Star City’ Shifts Genre to Cold War Spy Thriller
While “For All Mankind” has explored decades of space exploration, jumping forward in time with each season, “Star City” will take a different approach. According to co-showrunner Matt Wolpert, the spin-off will be firmly rooted in the 1970s, adopting the tone of a Cold War spy thriller as reported by io9. This means a departure from the time jumps and extensive use of prosthetics that characterized the parent series.
Co-showrunner Ben Nedivi emphasized that “Star City” aims to be its own distinct show, even its own genre. The series will focus on the Soviet perspective of the space race, portraying the challenges and dangers faced by those working under the Soviet regime. This shift in focus is intended to create a viewing experience that complements, rather than overlaps with, “For All Mankind.”
Minimal Crossover Expected with Original Series
“Star City” is expected to feature few, if any, major characters from “For All Mankind.” This deliberate choice allows the spin-off to stand on its own and attract viewers who may not have followed the original series. The new show aims to deliver a self-contained narrative focused on the height of Cold War tensions and the Soviet Union’s efforts to dominate space exploration.
Season 5 and Final Season Details
Season five of “For All Mankind” will premiere on Apple TV on March 27, 2026, with ten episodes released weekly through May 29, 2026. The sixth and final season is slated for release in 2027 according to The Hollywood Reporter. The creators, Ronald D. Moore, Matt Wolpert, and Ben Nedivi, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to conclude the story as they envisioned.