Last Updated: February 2026 | Reading Time: 4 minutes | Author: First and Geek Editorial Team
Apple TV is bringing back two of its most acclaimed science fiction series this spring. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters returns with its second season on February 27, followed by the fifth season of For All Mankind launching on March 27. Both shows have earned strong critical reception and represent some of the streaming service’s best original programming.
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Season 2 Arrives February 27
Unlike most Apple TV originals, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters is built on existing intellectual property from the Legendary Monsterverse, which includes Godzilla and Kong. The series stands out for focusing on compelling human stories rather than just monster spectacle, starring Kurt Russell and his son Wyatt Russell in leading roles.
The first season earned an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its balance of character development and creature action. The show’s success has already led to a confirmed spinoff series featuring Wyatt Russell.
Season 2 reportedly introduces a new creature called “Titan X,” raising the stakes for the returning cast. The new episodes will begin streaming on February 27, with Apple likely following its typical weekly release schedule.
For All Mankind Returns for Season 5 on March 27
For All Mankind, created by Ronald D. Moore, remains Apple TV’s longest-running science fiction series. The alternate history drama reimagines the space race, asking what might have happened if the Soviet Union had reached the moon first.
The show has progressed through multiple decades since its launch, with each season jumping forward in time. What began as a period piece set in the 1960s has now reached the 2010s, allowing the series to explore how space exploration might have evolved differently over half a century.
Across four seasons, For All Mankind has maintained a strong 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While the first season faced some criticism for pacing issues, subsequent seasons have been widely regarded as improvements, with the series hitting its stride as characters and storylines matured.
What to Expect from Season 5
Season 5 brings back familiar faces including Joel Kinnaman, Toby Kebbell, Edi Gathegi, Cynthy Wu, Coral Peña, and Wrenn Schmidt. The new season also introduces several series regulars, including Mireille Enos, Costa Ronin, Sean Kaufman, Ruby Cruz, and Ines Asserson.
The expanded cast suggests the show continues to broaden its scope while maintaining the ensemble storytelling that has defined the series.
Apple TV’s Growing Sci-Fi Library
These two returning series highlight Apple TV’s investment in science fiction programming. The streaming service has built a reputation for high-quality genre content, with shows like Silo, Foundation, and Invasion also attracting dedicated audiences.
The platform’s approach tends to favor thoughtful storytelling over flashy effects, though production values remain consistently high across its original series. Both Monarch and For All Mankind exemplify this strategy, using their sci-fi settings to explore human stories and relationships.
Accessing Apple TV
Apple TV is available as a standalone subscription for $12.99 per month. The service is also included in Apple One bundles, which combine multiple Apple services at a discounted rate. New subscribers typically receive a seven-day free trial, though promotional periods sometimes extend this offer.
Both series are available to stream on demand, with new episodes typically releasing weekly on Friday mornings. Previous seasons of both shows remain available for streaming, making it easy to catch up before the new seasons premiere.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to watch previous seasons to enjoy the new episodes?
A: Yes, both shows feature continuing storylines with recurring characters. For the best experience, watching previous seasons is recommended. All prior seasons are available on Apple TV.
Q: Will episodes release all at once or weekly?
A: Apple TV typically releases new episodes on a weekly basis rather than dropping entire seasons at once. Expect new episodes to arrive each Friday following the season premiere.
Q: Can I watch Apple TV on non-Apple devices?
A: Yes, Apple TV is available on many platforms including smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku and Fire TV, gaming consoles, and through web browsers. You don’t need an Apple device to subscribe and watch.
First and Geek Verdict
The return of both Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and For All Mankind gives Apple TV subscribers plenty to look forward to this spring. These are two shows that have earned their critical acclaim through quality storytelling rather than relying solely on spectacle or name recognition. Whether you’re drawn to the monster-filled world of Monarch or the alternate history of For All Mankind, both series represent thoughtful science fiction that respects its audience. With new seasons arriving just a month apart, it’s a good time to catch up on previous episodes if you’ve been meaning to dive in. The streaming landscape remains crowded, but Apple TV continues building a library of original shows worth your time.
