An alternate space race
The upcoming Apple TV series "Star City" creates a fictional timeline in which the USSR lands on the Moon first. The creators aimed to convey the 1960s zeitgeist without resorting to simple nostalgia.
Research and design
Writers consulted original propaganda, archival footage and technical specifications of Soviet space programmes. Set design merges period architecture with futuristic touches inspired by contemporary visions of space travel.
Characters and narrative
The story follows Soviet engineers, cosmonauts and officials as they grapple with the pressures of the race. Personal dilemmas and ideological conflicts are highlighted to show the human side of the competition.
Visual approach
Visual effects draw on the graphic language of Soviet space communication, using a palette of reds and golds. Spacecraft designs echo real vehicles such as the Soyuz and Luna series, adapted for a speculative setting.
Reception and outlook
Early reviews commend the series for its meticulous world‑building and its balance of fact and fiction, suggesting "Star City" may inspire further alternate‑history projects within science‑fiction media.