“Star City”: A Look Behind the Iron Curtain of Spaceflight History

Paris – 06.06.2026: In an alternate reality where the Soviet Union sent the first human to the moon in 1969, the new series “Star City” on Apple TV+ opens the doors to the secret worlds of Soviet space exploration. Named after the legendary cosmonaut training center “Cité des étoiles” near Moscow, the series sheds light on the fates of the people who, behind the Iron Curtain, pushed the boundaries of what was possible.

“Star City” is a spin-off of the acclaimed series “For All Mankind” and was developed by the award-winning creators Ben Nedivi, Matt Wolpert, and Ronald D. Moore. The eight-part series had its world premiere in April 2026 at the international series festival CANNESERIES and was released on Apple TV+ on May 29, 2026.

The story centers on the cosmonauts, engineers, and intelligence officers involved in the Soviet space program. The series offers insight into their daily lives and the risks they took to lead humanity into a new era. The story is told from a perspective behind the Iron Curtain, which enhances the tension and historical context of the narrative.

The lead roles are played by Rhys Ifans as the chief designer, Anna Maxwell Martin as Lyudmilla, head of the KGB surveillance unit, and Agnes O’Casey as Irina, a new employee of the surveillance service. Other members of the ensemble include Solly McLeod, Alice Englert, Adam Nagaitis, and Priya Kansara.

The first season of “Star City” consists of eight episodes released weekly. The first two episodes were released on May 29, 2026, followed by a new episode every Friday until July 10, 2026.

Critics praise the series for its compelling storytelling and authentic portrayal of Soviet space history. On the review platform Rotten Tomatoes, “Star City” holds a 96% score on the Tomatometer and 74% audience approval, confirming strong interest from both critics and viewers alike.

The series is distinguished by its richly detailed production design that vividly captures the spirit of the 1960s and the atmosphere of the Cold War. In addition to political intrigues and technical challenges, the personal conflicts and moral dilemmas of the protagonists are powerfully depicted.

For fans of historical dramas and alternate history narratives, “Star City” offers a unique perspective on space exploration that deliberately counters Western narratives with a different viewpoint. By blending suspense, drama, and historical fiction, the series succeeds in exploring a previously little-known side of space history in a fascinating way.

Exclusively available on Apple TV+, “Star City” is aimed at viewers who value not only spectacular entertainment but also a thoughtful and well-researched story. The upcoming episodes promise to further deepen the narrative around Soviet spaceflight.