Star City, the highly anticipated spinoff of Apple TV's For All Mankind, is set to premiere on May 29, 2026, offering a captivating exploration of the Soviet side of the space race. This new series, named after the real-life training facility in Moscow, promises a thrilling and paranoid spy thriller narrative, a stark contrast to the optimistic space saga of its predecessor. The spinoff's creation stems from the co-creators' extensive research on Soviet cosmonauts and their daring missions, shedding light on the lesser-known risks and challenges they faced.
In a recent interview, co-creator Ben Nedivi revealed the inspiration behind Star City, stating, 'We wanted to tell the story of the risks they had to take, the ships that weren't ready to go up, and the engineers' struggles.' This attention to detail and focus on the human element is what makes Star City a compelling addition to the Apple TV universe.
The series features a stellar cast, including Rhys Ifans as the Chief Designer, driving the Soviet space program forward, and Anna Maxwell Martin as Lyudmilla Raskova, the head of the KGB surveillance department. Agnes O'Casey portrays Irina Morozova, a recent addition to the surveillance team, while Adam Nagaitis brings Valya Markelov, a respected cosmonaut, to life. Alice Englert takes on the role of Anastasia Belikova, an untested female cosmonaut, adding diversity to the Soviet space program. The cast also includes Josef Davies as Sergei Nikulov, a brilliant young engineer, and Ruby Ashbourne Serkis as Tanya Markelova, a cosmonaut's wife facing challenges in the confined world of Star City.
Star City's premiere coincides with the finale of For All Mankind's fifth season, providing a seamless transition for viewers. The series will be available exclusively on Apple TV, offering a seven-day free trial for new subscribers, followed by an ad-free streaming plan for $12.99 per month. Amazon Prime members can also access Apple TV through Prime Video, taking advantage of the seven-day free trial and a bundle deal with Peacock, offering significant savings.
The spinoff is set to captivate audiences with its unique perspective on the space race, blending historical events with a thrilling narrative. The eight-episode first season will be released weekly, with episodes becoming available for streaming around 9:00 p.m. ET the night before their listed premiere dates. The series promises to provide a fresh and engaging viewing experience, offering a deeper understanding of the Soviet side of the space race and its impact on history.
