If you’re as hooked on For All Mankind as we are, you’re probably counting down the days until Season 5 hits Apple TV+. This sci-fi gem, with its wild alternate take on the space race, left us hanging after Season 4’s jaw-dropping finale in January 2024. So, what’s the latest on the next chapter? Let’s dive into the release date buzz, who’s coming back, who’s new and what we can expect from this Martian adventure.
Release Date Rumours: When Will For All Mankind Season 5 Premiere?
Apple TV+ gave the green light for Season 5 back in April 2024, which was music to fans’ ears. They also teased a spinoff called Star City, but more on that later. As for when we’ll see new episodes, there’s no official date yet, but we can piece together some clues. The show usually takes about 15 to 18 months between seasons. Season 4 dropped in November 2023, so we’re looking at late 2025—think October to December—for Season 5. Filming kicked off in July 2024 and wrapped by mid-December, which keeps that timeline on track.
That said, the 2023 writers’ strike threw a wrench in things, delaying the writers’ room. Some folks on X are whispering about a possible early 2026 premiere if the show’s heavy CGI takes longer than expected.
Cast Updates: Who’s Returning and Who’s New?
For All Mankind is known for its evolving ensemble cast, driven by decade-long time jumps that age characters or introduce new ones. Season 5, set in the 2010s following the Season 4 finale’s flash-forward to 2012, will likely follow suit. Here’s a breakdown of returning and new cast members:
Returning Cast
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Joel Kinnaman as Ed Baldwin: The veteran astronaut, now in his 70s, remains a cornerstone despite the challenges of aging makeup. His arc will likely explore personal and professional struggles on Mars.
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Wrenn Schmidt as Margo Madison: After taking the fall for Aleida’s rogue code and defecting to the Soviet Union, Margo’s return is confirmed. Her story may involve a release from FBI custody to tackle a space-related crisis.
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Krys Marshall as Danielle Poole: Surviving Season 4’s cliffhanger, Danielle’s leadership role is expected to continue.
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Cynthy Wu as Kelly Baldwin: Kelly’s journey as a mother and scientist on Mars will likely deepen.
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Toby Kebbell as Miles Dale: The former oil rig worker turned Martian resident is set to return, possibly exploring his role in the colony’s expansion.
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Edi Gathegi as Dev Ayesa: Dev’s vision for a self-sustaining Mars colony was central to Season 4’s finale, making his return pivotal.
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Coral Peña as Aleida Rosales, Tyner Rushing as Samantha Massey, Daniel Stern as Eli Hobson, and Svetlana Efremova as Irina Morozova are also expected to reprise their roles, though time jumps may alter their prominence.
New Cast Members
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Mireille Enos as Celia Boyd: A series regular playing a member of the Peacekeeper Security Force on Mars.
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Costa Ronin: A Soviet politician and former cosmonaut, adding political intrigue.
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Tyler Labine as Fred: A recurring role as a Mars Peacekeeper.
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Barrett Carnahan as Marcus: A recent high school graduate living on Mars.
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Sean Kaufman as Alex Poletov Baldwin: Ed Baldwin’s grandson, tying into the show’s generational themes.
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Ruby Cruz as Lily Dale and Ines Asserson as A.J. Jarrett: A U.S. Marine gearing up for a space mission, adding fresh dynamics.
These additions suggest Season 5 will balance legacy characters with new faces to reflect the growing Martian colony and its challenges.
What to Expect in For All Mankind Season 5
Season 4 ended with a bang, jumping to 2012 and showing the Goldilocks asteroid being mined at Kuznetsov Station. That sets up a lot for Season 5. Here’s what we think we’re in for:
Mars Takes Centre Stage
The Happy Valley colony is growing, but it’s not all smooth sailing. The asteroid’s resources are a game-changer, and we expect fights over who controls them. Showrunner Matt Wolpert teased that Dev’s vision for a self-sustaining Mars will be huge, but it’ll come with challenges—think supply shortages, power struggles, or even sabotage.
Politics and Tough Choices
This show’s always been great at mixing space adventures with Earthly drama. With new characters like Ronin’s Soviet politician, we might see tensions flare between nations or even within the colony. Margo’s situation—stuck after her defection—could spark a redemption arc or something darker. Plus, the show’s alternate history loves exploring how space tech reshapes life. Remember those proto-smartphones in Season 3? By 2012, we might see even wilder innovations.
Big Twists and Tech
Ronald D. Moore, one of the creators, promised “big changes” for both Mars and Earth. The show’s got a knack for surprises—Season 4’s non-lethal cliffhanger was a curveball—and I’m expecting more. Some set photos hint at missions beyond Mars, maybe to outer planets. The tech will likely feel futuristic yet grounded, keeping that For All Mankind vibe where history feels familiar but just a bit off.
The Star City Spinoff: A New Frontier
Apple’s not stopping with Season 5. They’re launching Star City, a spinoff diving into the Soviet side of the space race. It’s being called a “paranoid thriller,” focusing on cosmonauts and Russian politics. Matt Wolpert and Ben Nedivi are running the show, which makes me think it’ll have the same sharp writing. No word on a release date, but 2026 feels likely, maybe alongside Season 5 or after. It’s a bold move to expand this universe, and I’m curious how it’ll tie in.
