Even for streaming junkies, one of the most tiring elements of contemporary prestige TV is the endless parade of non-linear mystery box shows. An event that occurred before the show begins contains a piece of information withheld from viewers, meaning the present action is only half the reason you’re watching; you’re also waiting around for the elaborate mystery to be explained. Most great fiction tends to hide some details, but the best TV doesn’t need to hook you with breadcrumbs, only compel you with a need to know what happens next.
Since launching on November 1, 2019, Apple TV’s sci-fi drama For All Mankind has been serving up thoughtful and gripping television mostly free of common prestige TV tropes. From the first episode to this year’s Season 4 finale, For All Mankind works because it’s always moving forward through a novel yet realistic world. It remains the best sci-fi show on TV, and it’s shocking that five years have already gone by since its debut.
