Apple TV Plus has once again delivered a critically acclaimed drama with its latest sci-fi thriller spin-off, Star City, which is already being hailed as one of the best shows of the year. The series, a spin-off of the popular space race drama For All Mankind, has debuted with a perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, drawing rave reviews from critics.
A New Perspective on the Space Race
Star City shifts the focus from the American perspective to the Soviet Union, exploring the intense global politics of the Cold War era from behind the Iron Curtain. The series stars British icon Anna Maxwell Martin as Lyudmilla, the tough-as-nails head of KGB surveillance, and Rhys Ifans as the enigmatic brains behind the Soviet space programme. The show delves into the lives of cosmonauts, engineers, and political operatives as they navigate government pressure and socio-political backstabbing in the race to the top.
Critical Acclaim
Critics have praised Star City for carving its own path within the franchise. Collider noted that the series does not mimic its predecessor but instead creates a completely separate narrative. Inverse described it as a slow-burning spy show with optimism under extreme pressure. Filmhounds went as far as to say that if the final three episodes stick the landing, it could be the best show of the year. The Guardian awarded it four stars, highlighting the palpable fear and tension of living in a Marxist-Leninist state. The Hollywood Reporter called it darkly compelling, while Radio Times praised Anna Maxwell Martin for delivering a truly standout performance.
Inspiration and Development
Creator Ben Nedivi revealed that the more they learned about the Soviet space programme and the secretive city of Star City, the more they felt there was a unique story to tell. The series draws on historical research to bring authenticity to the narrative. Anna Maxwell Martin also shared that playing a terrible person was good fun, and she drew inspiration from her Motherland co-star Lucy Punch for playing high-status characters.
The first two episodes of Star City are now streaming on Apple TV Plus, with the remaining three episodes set to follow. If you are a fan of prestige television, this is a must-watch.
