Apple TV’s *For All Mankind* will enter its sixth and final season with Alex Baldwin as its central character, replacing his grandfather Ed Baldwin. The change is intentional and reflects the series’ broader design as a generational alternative-history saga, rather than a production difficulty or abrupt creative decision.

The show spans around five decades, beginning in 1969, and Ed dies early in Season 5. His daughter Kelly initially appears to inherit his role, but after discovering microbial life on Titan and being unable to return to Alex, the responsibility passes to him. As the first human born off Earth and a participant in the Mars rebellion, Alex represents the programme’s themes of exploration, human potential and building a better future, alongside younger descendants from other established families.