Apple TV+ has released an exciting preview for the upcoming Star City Episode 4, offering fans a first look at the next chapter of this gripping alternate-history space-race drama. Set in the expansive universe of For All Mankind, the series continues to captivate audiences with its tense, behind-the-Iron-Curtain perspective. The acclaimed thriller, which features Rhys Ifans and is executive produced by Maril Davis, has quickly earned a Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The upcoming fourth episode, titled “Dark Forest,” is scheduled to premiere globally on Friday, June 12, 2026, on Apple TV+. Following this release, the streaming platform will debut one new episode every Friday through July 10. In “Dark Forest,” the narrative intensifies as Anastasia struggles with the relentless spotlight of the Soviet space program, while Irina tracks a crucial lead that could alter the course of their mission.
What makes Star City so compelling to fans of science fiction and historical dramas is its unique inversion of the space race. While For All Mankind began with the premise of the Soviet Union beating the United States to the moon, this spin-off series shifts the entire focus to the Soviet side of the Cold War. By exploring the immense personal and political risks faced by cosmonauts, engineers, and intelligence officers, the show adds a rich layer of paranoia and human drama to the established lore.
Behind the Soviet Space Program
Created by Ben Nedivi, Matt Wolpert, and Ronald D. Moore, the series serves as a propulsive paranoid thriller. It dives deep into the sacrifices made behind the Iron Curtain to propel humanity forward. The creative team, with Wolpert and Nedivi serving as showrunners, successfully crafts a claustrophobic atmosphere where every decision is scrutinized by Soviet intelligence.
An Ensemble Cast Driving the Drama
The series boasts a stellar ensemble cast that brings this high-stakes political landscape to life. Alongside Ifans, the show stars Anna Maxwell Martin, Agnes O’Casey, Alice Englert, Solly McLeod, and Adam Nagaitis. Their performances anchor the emotional weight of the series, illustrating the intense pressure cooker of the Soviet space race. Viewers can get a sense of the show’s scale and tension by watching the official trailer.
As the tension mounts heading into the fourth episode, the stakes have never been higher for the characters of this alternate history. With its sharp writing and stellar performances, the series continues to prove itself as a worthy expansion of its parent show’s universe.
