For All Mankind

What if the Soviet Union had been the first to land on the Moon?

The story begins with a single point of divergence.

Set in an alternate timeline where a Soviet cosmonaut steps onto the lunar surface before Apollo 11 arrives in 1969, For All Mankind is Apple TV+’s epic science-fiction drama exploring how history might have unfolded if the Space Race had never ended.

An unrelenting Cold War, the rise of Black astronauts, women walking on the Moon, a female president openly discussing LGBTQ rights, and even North Korea achieving the first landing on Mars—the series boldly reimagines major historical milestones. Yet alongside these sweeping changes, it gives equal weight to intimate human stories: marriages under strain, conflicts between parents and children, friendships, and betrayals. By presenting an alternate history, the show shines a revealing light on our own—asking why events unfolded as they did, and what aspects of human nature remain unchanged. That’s what makes it so compelling.

Another brilliant aspect of the series is its structure: each season advances roughly a decade, allowing viewers to watch the characters age over time. A father who was once an astronaut eventually finds himself quietly watching over the choices made by his children. The passage of time resonates deeply. As the story expands from the Moon to Mars and beyond, its scope grows ever larger. The production design and visual effects are first-rate, from meticulous recreations of the 1960s and ’70s to remarkably realistic spacecraft and spaceflight sequences. The scale of the budget and craftsmanship brings an extraordinary sense of authenticity.

Apple TV+ is also home to another masterpiece, Slow Horses, a British espionage drama starring Gary Oldman. Its story of misfit spies from a failed department becoming entangled in major conspiracies is tense, intelligent, and endlessly entertaining. Apple TV+ may not compete with Netflix in terms of sheer volume of content, but in intellectual depth and visual quality, it is arguably the hottest platform in streaming today.

For All Mankind is currently streaming its fifth season. This remarkable series continues quietly, outperforming countless more celebrated dramas. If you haven’t seen it yet, start with Episode 1 of Season 1 today. And if you’re watching with family, make it at least through Season 2. The story of fathers and children living out their own “space journeys” offers a uniquely rewarding experience for viewers of all generations.