The race to Mars just got a little more complicated. Season five of For All Mankind began streaming on Apple TV+ today, continuing the gripping alternate history where the Soviet Union beat the United States to the moon. This season marks a significant leap forward – both in time and location – as the series establishes a thriving, yet fragile, human presence on the Martian surface.
This isn’t the space race of the 1960s. Now set in the 2010s, the show explores the challenges of building a self-sustaining colony on another planet, and the inevitable tensions that arise when Earth-based governments attempt to exert control over a burgeoning Martian society. The stakes are higher than ever, and the show’s creators have already begun production on a sixth and final season, with a spin-off series, Star City, slated to premiere at the end of May.
What sets “For All Mankind” apart is its commitment to a plausible, meticulously crafted alternate timeline. Each season introduces a substantial time jump, forcing characters to adapt to new technologies, political landscapes, and personal realities. This season is no exception, picking up with a fully operational Martian base supporting a population in the thousands. However, this newfound stability is quickly threatened by an unexpected death, sparking a debate over law and order on the red planet and the extent of Earth’s authority.
Returning to the cast is Joel Kinnaman as astronaut Ed Baldwin, a character viewers have followed through decades of space exploration. Kinnaman’s portrayal now requires extensive makeup and prosthetics to reflect Baldwin’s advanced age – he’s now around 80 years aged. Alongside him are fan favorites Wrenn Schmidt as Margo Madison, Toby Kebbell as Miles Korolev, and Cynthy Wu as Kelly Baldwin, all navigating complex storylines that intertwine personal struggles with the grand ambitions of space colonization.
The show’s creators promise ten episodes filled with dramatic twists as the series heads toward its conclusion. The impending finale and the launch of “Star City” suggest a significant expansion of the “For All Mankind” universe, exploring new facets of this compelling alternate reality. The spin-off will reportedly focus on a lunar city, building on the established world and offering a fresh perspective on the ongoing space race.
How to Watch “For All Mankind”
“For All Mankind” is exclusively available on the Apple TV+ streaming service. A subscription costs $12.99 per month, and can also be bundled with other Apple services through the Apple One package. Apple TV+ allows for Family Sharing, enabling up to six individuals to share a single subscription.
The Apple TV app is widely accessible, compatible with Apple devices, Android platforms, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, smart TVs, PlayStation, Xbox, and web browsers at tv.apple.com. This broad compatibility ensures viewers can access the show on their preferred devices.
Beyond Mars: Apple TV+ Expands its Slate
Apple TV+ is bolstering its content library with several new releases in the coming weeks. The second season of “Your Friends & Neighbors” is already available, and the new film “Outcome”, starring Keanu Reeves, is also now streaming. Upcoming premieres include the drama series “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” on April 15, and the mystery horror series “Widow’s Bay” on April 29, offering a diverse range of programming for subscribers.
The complexities of establishing a permanent human presence on Mars, coupled with the political maneuvering back on Earth, promise a compelling season for “For All Mankind.” The show continues to offer a thought-provoking exploration of what could have been, and what might still be, in the ongoing quest to reach for the stars.
As the fifth season unfolds, viewers can expect to see the consequences of decades of altered history play out on a grand scale. The fate of the Martian colony, and the future of the space race, hang in the balance. The series finale, slated for next year, will undoubtedly provide a definitive conclusion to this ambitious and captivating story.
What are your thoughts on the latest season? Share your predictions and reactions in the comments below.
