COLLECTION · Series · 2021
Foundation
Follow a band of exiles on their monumental journey to save humanity and rebuild civilization amid the fall of the Galactic Empire.
Source: TMDB
* 7.7 (1,711)DramaFantasyScience FictionUnited States
Creators
Countries
United States
Studios
Apple TV · Skydance Television · Phantom Four · Paramount Television Studios
Age rating
TV-MA
Release
23/09/2021
Score
7.7 / 10 (1,711)
Awards and nominations
- Nominated at Critics' Choice Super Awards — Foundation
- Nominated at Critics' Choice Super Awards — Jared Harris
- Nominated at Critics' Choice Super Awards — Lee Pace
- Nominated at Critics' Choice Super Awards — Stevie Annis (for "The Emperor's Peace")
- Nominated at Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards — Outstanding Main Title Design
- Nominated at Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards — Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Season or a Movie
Where to watch
Streaming
Apple TV
Apple TV Amazon ChannelSeasons and episodes
Season 1
10 episodes · 2021
Follow a band of exiles on their monumental journey to save humanity and rebuild civilization amid the fall of the Galactic Empire.
Episode 1. The Emperor's Peace
2021-09-23 · 70 min
Gaal Dornick leaves her life in Synnax behind when the galaxy's greatest mathematician, Hari Seldon, invites her to Trantor.
Episode 2. Preparing to Live
2021-09-23 · 62 min
The Foundation makes the long journey to Terminus as Gaal and Raych grow closer. The Empire faces a difficult decision.
Episode 3. The Mathematician's Ghost
2021-10-01 · 50 min
Brother Dusk reflects on his legacy as he prepares for ascension. The Foundation arrives on Terminus and finds a mysterious object.
Episode 4. Barbarians at the Gate
2021-10-08 · 46 min
Salvor faces off with an enemy of the Empire. Brothers Day and Dusk are at odds, while Brother Dawn wrestles with his truth.
Episode 5. Upon Awakening
2021-10-14 · 54 min
A flashback reveals the origin of Gaal’s conflict between faith and science. The standoff on Terminus takes an unfortunate turn.
Episode 6. Death and the Maiden
2021-10-21 · 56 min
Brother Day meets Zephyr Halima—a would-be leader who opposes the Empire. Brother Dusk grows suspicious of Brother Dawn.
Episode 7. Mysteries and Martyrs
2021-10-29 · 49 min
The Anacreons and their hostages board the fabled Invictus warship. The bond between Brother Dawn and Azura intesifies.
Episode 8. The Missing Piece
2021-11-04 · 57 min
Brother Day embarks on a journey that no other Cleon has ever attempted. Salvor prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice to return home.
Episode 9. The First Crisis
2021-11-11 · 58 min
On Terminus, Salvor witnesses how powerful the null field has become. Brother Dawn makes a daring choice.
Episode 10. The Leap
2021-11-18 · 60 min
An unexpected ally helps Salvor broker an alliance. A confrontation between the Brothers leads to unthinkable consequences.
Season 2
10 episodes · 2023
More than a century after the events in the Season 1 finale, tension mounts throughout the galaxy. As the ruling dynasty begins to unravel, a young queen plots her revenge. Meanwhile, a colony of people with special abilities poses a new threat. And it’s all leading toward a collision course for war.
Episode 1. In Seldon's Shadow
2023-07-13 · 50 min
Hari finds himself trapped in a mysterious prison. An assassination attempt leaves Day shaken. Gaal and Salvor devise an escape plan.
Episode 2. A Glimpse of Darkness
2023-07-20 · 53 min
Gaal has a disturbing vision. Day's bond with Queen Sareth grows stronger. The Vault opens and reveals a cryptic message.
Episode 3. King and Commoner
2023-07-27 · 54 min
The Empire recruits Bel Riose to investigate the resurgent Foundation. Hari leads Gaal and Salvor to a desert planet.
Episode 4. Where the Stars Are Scattered Thinly
2023-08-03 · 53 min
Queen Sareth and Dawn share a moment as she tries to learn more about Day. Brothers Constant and Poly bring Hober Mallow to Terminus.
Episode 5. The Sighted and the Seen
2023-08-10 · 48 min
Gaal, Salvor, and Hari arrive on Ignis and meet the source of the strange signal they've been tracking. Dawn and Dusk are suspicious of Day.
Episode 6. Why the Gods Made Wine
2023-08-17 · 59 min
Day and Queen Sareth make an announcement. Tellem sows seeds of distrust between Gaal and Hari. Hober Mallow reaches his destination.
Episode 7. A Necessary Death
2023-08-24 · 54 min
Salvor begins to question the Mentalics' motives. Hober Mallow’s proposal to the Spacers meets resistance. Brothers Constant and Poly stand trial.
Episode 8. The Last Empress
2023-08-31 · 61 min
Enjoiner Rue confides in Dusk about her distrust of Demerzel. Hober Mallow pulls a daring move. Day sets course for Terminus and the Foundation.
Episode 9. Long Ago, Not Far Away
2023-09-07 · 62 min
Dusk and Enjoiner Rue learn Demerzel's origin and true purpose. Tellem's plans for Gaal take a dark turn. On Terminus, Day confronts Dr. Seldon.
Episode 10. Creation Myths
2023-09-14 · 54 min
Gaal, Salvor, and Hari chart a new path forward on Ignis. Demerzel heads to Trantor, taking actions that will change Empire forever.
Season 3
10 episodes · 2025
152 years after the events of season two, The Foundation has become increasingly established far beyond its humble beginnings while the Cleonic Dynasty's Empire has dwindled. As both of these galactic powers forge an uneasy alliance, a threat to the entire galaxy appears in the fearsome form of a warlord known as "The Mule," whose sights are set on ruling…
Episode 1. A Song for the End of Everything
2025-07-10 · 52 min
A mysterious new pirate with terrifying abilities—known as the Mule—catches the attention of the Foundation and Empire.
Episode 2. Shadows in the Math
2025-07-17 · 49 min
Gaal and Hari advance their plans on Ignis. Empire grapples with an unforeseen prediction. Pritcher enlists help to investigate the Mule.
Episode 3. When a Book Finds You
2025-07-24 · 51 min
An unexpected alliance is formed. Pritcher, Bayta, and Toran come face-to-face with the Mule. Demerzel seeks spiritual guidance.
Episode 4. The Stress of Her Regard
2025-07-31 · 49 min
Demerzel struggles with the paradox of her programming. Pritcher's true loyalties are revealed. Day sets off on a quest for answers.
Episode 5. Where Tyrants Spend Eternity
2025-08-07 · 47 min
Day enters uncharted territory. Dawn and Gaal put their plan in motion. Magnifico's worth becomes clear. Demerzel attempts to restore power.
Episode 6. The Shape of Time
2025-08-14 · 45 min
A long-awaited reunion turns violent. Day looks for Song. On New Terminus, the Vault opens—and the Mule takes aim.
Episode 7. Foundation's End
2025-08-21 · 60 min
Chaos and destruction rain down on New Terminus. Back on Trantor, Dusk and Quent unite to assess the state of the galaxy.
Episode 8. Skin in the Game
2025-08-28 · 47 min
Gaal and the Second Foundation reckon with the fall of New Terminus. Day faces judgment on Mycogen. Dusk's ascension looms.
Episode 9. The Paths That Choose Us
2025-09-04 · 47 min
Gaal confronts the power of the Mule's conversions. Dusk resorts to drastic measures. Demerzel searches for clarity about the future.
Episode 10. The Darkness
2025-09-11 · 52 min
Gaal and the Second Foundation take the fight to the Mule as Empire's legacy suffers a catastrophic blow.
Cast by season
Comments
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User reviews
T
talcosha
★ 8.0 / 10
"Every translation is a treason," and adapting books to the screen — small or large — is a form of translation.
The Foundation saga is one of the most ambitious works in science fiction. Beyond the original trilogy (later expanded to five books), Asimov used it to connect many of the stories and ideas he had developed over decades.
The timeline spans centuries, the story unfolds across numerous worlds, and the cast of characters is constantly changing.
Adapting such a masterpiece into a television series is a tremendous challenge, and to me, the result is wonderful.
If you are a fan of Asimov expecting a scene-by-scene recreation of what you read, you may be disappointed, perhaps even feel betrayed. However, if you accept that every adaptation requires creative liberties, or if you have never read Asimov at all (which I believe you should remedy), this series is a must-watch.
The cast is excellent, the direction is consistent, the sets are beautiful, and the CGI is of such quality that you stop noticing it once you're immersed in the story.
Bringing figures such as Hari Seldon (Jared Harris), the Emperor (Lee Pace, Terrence Mann, Cassian Bilton), and Demerzel (Laura Birn) to life required exceptional casting, and the series succeeds admirably.
The writers occasionally twist or expand Asimov's original ideas, but that is the privilege and the challenge of every new generation of storytellers. A living language evolves without losing its identity, and I see this adaptation in the same way. Asimov's universe is not a dead language frozen in time; it remains alive, changing its form while preserving its essence.
Summary: 80%. Recommended. Currently watching it for the third time.
M
Mauser69
★ 3.0 / 10
Very disappointed in this series. I know the books well, having read them multiple times, and I also know that no movie adaptaion can ever capture all the details and nuances of the original sories. I did not expect that, but neither did I expect to be insulted by ridiculous changes that do not enhance anything. After a decent start, this series has quickly devolved into garbage.
It had possibilities in the beginning, seeming to deal fairly well with the actual story of the Foundation, but wasted tons and tons of time on some ridiculous ideas that were not at all in the original (such as cloned emperors). They pull in specific characters from the books, but stupidly feel some sort of woke need to cange many of them to either women, or more disgustingly, insert the currently popular in-your-face homosexuality that some recent law seems to require in EVERY new program. This is disgusting not because of the content, but that it was absolutely NOT a part of the original books, so the only point is for some dimmwitted idiot to satisfy their need to make an unwanted socio-political statement!
By the time the series introduces the Traders, the entire concept of how the Foundation evolved and devoloped ways to deal with their neighboring planets has been totally missed or ignored. With such a serious break in the story line, there seems to be little point in even continuing to watch.
D
devops_deekay
★ 10.0 / 10
Title: Foundation - Apple TV+ Delivers a Galactic Triumph
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Foundation, Apple TV+'s adaptation of Isaac Asimov's classic series, is a tour de force in the sci-fi genre. Visually stunning and intellectually riveting, the series expertly captures the grandiosity of Asimov's universe.
The meticulous attention to detail in set design and visual effects creates a breathtaking backdrop for a narrative that seamlessly blends intricate political intrigue with futuristic technology. The cast, led by standout performances from Jared Harris and Lee Pace, breathes life into complex characters whose evolution adds emotional depth to the overarching plot.
Foundation explores profound themes with intelligence and accessibility, inviting both seasoned fans and newcomers to ponder the consequences of manipulating societies on a galactic scale. The series strikes a perfect balance between thoughtful storytelling and cinematic spectacle.
In conclusion, Foundation is a triumph that not only honors Asimov's legacy but propels the series into a new era of excellence. With its stellar cast, breathtaking visuals, and thought-provoking themes, Foundation is a must-watch for those seeking an unforgettable journey into the unknown.
B
BornKnight
★ 8.0 / 10
Managing to put a series of Books into a series is no easy task especially when it covers 1000 years.
It isn't a series for everyone when you consider this, and that Isaac Asimov isn't just an advanced sci-fi writer but also a visionary almost one century before us. It is a case of love or hate especially when it involves two types of media, a filmed streaming series (with no easy task at hand) and a series of written books (with more two sequels and two prequels in a total of 7 books).
Do not attach to most of the characters as many of them obviously won't live the 1000+ span of years of the saga of the original trilogy.
The books are just magical, complex and transcending - if you like the series go read them. There are many differences of course but to go into full fidelity runs into that case of a "book that is impossible to make a film".
The actors are top notch into their roles and the budget that Apple spent on this one is comparable to a big budget movie (around 70M a episode), with effects on CGI and sound that should be viewed in IMAX.
If you love true sci-fi do yourself a favor and go watch it: my score is 8,7 out of 10,0 / A.
skuNk_citY
★ 2.0 / 10
The writing has devolved into an intentionally formulaic and pandering Disney Star Wars spin-off. I thought it started with potential and got hooked on the palace intrigue and Demerzel's story. I am somewhat bitter because I did like the show and gave it a chance. Oh well.
Keywords
prophecybased on novel or bookempiredistant futurespace operaaggressivedomineeringhuman clonewondertense
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