For All Mankind - Season 1 - Apple TV+

When Apple TV+ launched in November 2019, it didn’t come with a massive library like Netflix, Disney+, or Prime Video. Instead, Apple opted for a small slate of original series high in quality and backed y substantial budgets. One of those shows, which was heavily promoted, was “For All Mankind.”

The show reimagines the space race from the very beginning, with the premise that a Russian cosmonaut was the first to step on the moon. This premise leads to a thought-provoking exploration of the question: “What if the space race never ended?”

Over the next few posts, I will revisit each seasons of “For All Mankind,” recapping key events and giving my take on what worked, what didn’t, and why this series deserves far more attention than it gets.

You will be warned, there might be spoilers ahead.

Season 1 - One Small Step, One Giant What-If

The season - and the series - begin with a bang, as the world eagerly anticipates the first moon landing. However, in a dramatic twist, it’s not Neil Armstrong who makes history—it’s a Soviet cosmonaut, proudly embodying the Marxist-Leninist way of life.

This divergence from real history serves as a springboard for the show to explore how the pressure to compete with the Soviets might have accelerated progress at NASA and transformed the society in unexpected ways.

While the first episode focuses on the reactions and internal turmoil within the U.S. administration, the second sets the stage for the next race - and the goal of the season: establishing a base on the moon. NASA, caught off guard once already, is determined to win this time.

A second blow comes soon enough. Not only do the Soviets return to the moon, but we discover that they have women cosmonauts, leaving NASA embarrassed and once again trailing behind. This revelation reshapes the direction of the season, as NASA decide it must include women in its ranks. Any race to build a base on the moon will now be a race that includes women.

The path to building a base on the Moon begins with the discovery of potential water ice, a crucial resource for long-term human presence. In episode 5, Molly Cobb’s discovery of actual ice on the Moon enables the construction of the Jamestown base and permanent lunar residence in subsequent episodes.

As the Jamestown base becomes operational, the final few episodes of the season delve into the challenges of long-term lunar habitation. They explore the psychological toll of isolation, the fragility of life on the moon, and the moral dilemmas that arise with militarization, especially with the presence of a Soviet base 8 miles away. This proximity keeps Cold War paranoia alive and poses a threat of conflict on the lunar surface.

For All Mankind season 1 official trailer

Highlights / Strengths

For All Mankind shines in its blend of realism and imagination. The production design and visual effects make the lunar sequences breathtaking, while the seamless use of archival footage grounds the story in its era.

The show also delivers layered character arcs and thoughtful commentary on 1970s America—gender inequality, LGBTQ+ rights, cold War paranoia, and the power struggles within institutions.

Critique 

The first half of the season feels slow, gradually building the alternate timeline and its characters, before the drama picks up in the back half of the season. A few subplots lean toward melodrama, particularly the storyline around Ed Baldwin’s son Shane. Shane’s death in a bicycle accident feels emotionally heavy-handed. However, the payoff in later episodes is satisfying and delivers some of the season’s most poignant moments. The show’s balance of speculative history and personal storytelling keeps it interesting and makes us want more.

One interesting aspect of the show is how it weaves real historical figures into the narrative alongside its fictional characters. For example, Werner von Braun’s controversial Nazi past is directly addressed in a hearing, cleverly incorporating Tom Lehrer’s music as a nod to real-life pop culture.

The acting in For All Mankind is consistently strong across the board, but a few standout performances deserve special recognition for me. Joel Kinnaman brings a quiet intensity and emotional range to Ed Baldwin, capturing both his stoicism and internal struggle. Shantel VanSanten, as Karen Baldwin, delivers a heartbreaking arc filled with nuance and depth, especially as the season progresses.

Chris Bauer brings warmth and complexity to Deke Slayton, grounding NASA’s old guard with humanity and grit. Wrenn Schmidt is outstanding as Margo Madison, portraying ambition, vulnerability, and intellect with understated power. And a special gold star goes to Colm Feore, who makes the most of his limited screen time as Wernher von Braun—imbuing the character with gravitas, moral ambiguity, and a quietly commanding presence.

Final Thoughts 

Season 1 of For All Mankind is a compelling reimagining of the space race—ambitious, immersive, and heartfelt. It appeals to both sci-fi fans and history buffs, delivering high-stakes drama with a human core. If you’re looking for a show that asks “what if?” and answers with both spectacle and emotion, this season is absolutely worth the watch.