--- title: "For All Mankind: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/tv/for-all-mankind-2019/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/tv/for-all-mankind-2019" critics_score: 61 critics_reviews: 10 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # For All Mankind (2019): what the critics said Critics' score 61 from 10 reviews: 4 positive, 5 mixed, 1 negative. Most critics agree the hook is a good one: the Soviets reach the moon first in 1969 and the space race does not end. Several reviews call it the best of the Apple launch slate, and the praise gathers around the same departments: production and costume design that shift with the years, capably staged space sequences, and a broad cast in which Joel Kinnaman and Michael Dorman are picked out. The Ringer adds that the altered history prompts reflection on the real one. The reservations are about pace and focus. The word that recurs is slow, and more than one review finds the storytelling scattershot, with no clear protagonist and the women pushed to the edges. The spread is wide. Paste is the warmest; IndieWire is the lone outright dislike, judging the premise squandered by dull choices. Collider and Den of Geek sit in the middle, finding a mess that becomes worth the time by the back half. ## Radio Times Rating 4/5. 28 October 2019. The critic finds the alternate-history space race drama gripping and one of Apple TV+'s stronger launch titles, with strong performances, appealing visuals, and uplifting moments across a broad cast. It singles out the reimagined 1969 scenario—where the Soviets reach the moon first—as a compelling hook that escalates into a battle for lunar control. [Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/for-all-mankind-review-apple-tv-joel-kinnaman/) ## Variety — Caroline Framke Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 28 October 2019. The review calls the series the strongest of Apple TV+’s launch slate and undeniably compelling, praising its ambitious alternate-history premise, evolving production and costume design, and strong direction especially in space sequences. It notes the writing can feel shaggy given the scope but ultimately keeps the drama grounded in character choices. [Read the review](https://variety.com/2019/tv/reviews/for-all-mankind-apple-tv-plus-review-1203384012/) ## The Guardian Fi1m's normalised score 50/100 (inferred from the text). 31 October 2019. The critic finds the alternate-history space race series adequately entertaining and the best of Apple's initial TV+ offerings, though rarely compelling. Production design and storytelling are praised as handsome distractions and well-honed, respectively, while the lack of a clear protagonist makes it feel scattershot at times. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/oct/31/for-all-mankind-review-apple-tv-space) ## The Hollywood Reporter — Tim Goodman Fi1m's normalised score 50/100 (inferred from the text). 28 October 2019. The critic deems the show a solid but familiar attempt at epic storytelling that moves too slowly and does little with its alternate-history concept beyond minor tweaks. It highlights the expensive look, strong cast including Joel Kinnaman and Michael Dorman, and capable weaving of real and fictional characters, but finds the overall execution disappointing. [Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/all-mankind-review-1250340/) ## Vulture — Kathryn VanArendonk Fi1m's normalised score 50/100 (inferred from the text). 31 October 2019. The critic is torn, appreciating the alternate-history premise and visual spectacle but frustrated by slow pacing, uneven focus on male characters over women, and underdeveloped side plots. It has potential but feels jumbled after several episodes. [Read the review](https://www.vulture.com/2019/10/for-all-mankind-apple-review.html) ## IndieWire — Steve Greene Fi1m's normalised score 30/100 (inferred from the text). 28 October 2019. The critic finds the alternate-history premise squandered by dull, uninteresting storytelling choices at every turn. The show fails to capitalize on its possibilities around the space race and women astronauts. [Read the review](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/shows/for-all-mankind-review-apple-tv-plus-1202184672/) ## Paste — Jacob Oller Rating 9.5/10. 28 October 2019. The critic calls it a must-see prestige drama that excels by blending alt-history politics, meticulous technical details, strong ensemble performances, and emotional depth. It turns national competition into unexpected social progress while grounding the spectacle in flawed human stories. [Read the review](https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/for-all-mankind/for-all-mankind-review-apple) ## The Ringer — Michael Baumann Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 4 November 2019. The critic finds the series ambitious and thought-provoking in its alternate-history premise but notes it lacks subtlety and has uneven acting and dialogue. The show is praised for its engaging depiction of a recognizable yet altered reality that prompts reflection on real-world history. [Read the review](https://www.theringer.com/2019/11/04/tv/for-all-mankind-apple-tv-plus-astronaut-show) ## Collider — Haleigh Foutch Rating ★★★. 1 November 2019. The critic views the series as a slow but ultimately gripping character-driven drama about sexism in the workplace and American ambition in an alternate-history space race. It feels familiar, like Mad Men set at NASA, but benefits from strong performances and standout episodes in the back half. [Read the review](https://collider.com/for-all-mankind-review/) ## Den of Geek — Delia Harrington Rating 3/5. 5 November 2019. The series is a bit of a mess with lackluster execution and too much focus on male astronauts, but ultimately a worthwhile what-if exercise. It shines in capturing the awe of space travel and some supporting characters. [Read the review](https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/for-all-mankind-review-spoiler-free/) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/tv/for-all-mankind-2019.md