Moscow, 29 May 2026

The Apple TV series 'Star City' premiered on Friday, exploring the Soviet space program through a fictional alternate history where a Soviet cosmonaut lands on the Moon first.

The series is set in Zvyozdny Gorodok, a closed settlement near Moscow, and follows the lives of cosmonauts, space engineers, and their families.

The creators of the series, Ben Nedivi and Matt Wolpert, were inspired by the real achievements of the Soviet space program and wanted to explore the human side of the space race.

Background

The series features a talented cast, including Rhys Ifans as the chief designer Sergei Korolev, who played a crucial role in the Soviet space program.

The show also explores the darker side of the Soviet space program, including the brutal treatment of cosmonauts and the secrecy surrounding the program.