A complex saga of humans scattered on planets throughout the galaxy all living under the rule of the Galactic Empire.A complex saga of humans scattered on planets throughout the galaxy all living under the rule of the Galactic Empire.A complex saga of humans scattered on planets throughout the galaxy all living under the rule of the Galactic Empire.
- Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys
- 3 wins & 29 nominations total
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Summary
Reviewers say 'Foundation' is a visually impressive sci-fi series with strong performances, especially from Lee Pace and Jared Harris. However, it faces criticism for significant deviations from Isaac Asimov's original books, including changes in character genders and storylines. Some viewers appreciate the modernization, while others feel it loses Asimov's essence. The series is lauded for its production values and epic scope but faulted for inconsistent writing and pacing. Non-book readers tend to enjoy it more, while original fans express disappointment.
Featured reviews
10Rob1331
Love It
Foundation is definitely a must watch for any sci-fi fan. I never read the source material and it seems that most of the people who don't like this are mad because it's not exactly like the book. Some people don't understand that these shows and movies are adapted or based off the source material. Some parts are a little slow and throws the pace off a little as it builds its world but it's not slow in a bad way. Nothing about this show is bad. The visuals are as good as anything you'll find on tv. You can tell they put a lot of money into it and it shows. This also has some great characters that will make you invested in the show and actually care about what happens to them. I have to give a special mention to Lee Pace, he's one of the most underrated actors out there and his performance in this is nothing short of incredible. Foundation has ended up surprising me then just about any show that I can remember. It really has become one of my favorite sci-fi shows that I've ever seen.
Epic galactic brilliance of a show
Can't rave enough about this program... from season one the show builds and weaves the multiple threads of the story through centuries of the Foundation and Empire. Traditional old school sci-fi married with 8k visual graphics and engaging story telling. Season 3 episode 5 is movie quality knock your socks off mind blowingly epic.
Please don't dilute the achievement of this production with nitpicking comparisons to the books it is based on. I truly thinks that Asimov himself would be the first to stand and applause if only he was here today.
Please don't dilute the achievement of this production with nitpicking comparisons to the books it is based on. I truly thinks that Asimov himself would be the first to stand and applause if only he was here today.
I watch it for Lee Pace
To me Brother Day played by Lee Pace has become as enjoyable to watch as Daenerys played by Emilia Clarke in GOT. There's a lot of confusing, boring bits and vexing characters in the show but Brother Day keeps me coming for more.
Overall it's a quality show albeit flawed. But there's a lot of unique, and daring approach that still make this show worth a watch. Every scene and every new information that is revealed about Cleons is so engaging and interesting.
If you're into sci-fi I'd definitely recommend trying this show and giving it a shot at least till season two because it actually even improves in the second season.
Overall it's a quality show albeit flawed. But there's a lot of unique, and daring approach that still make this show worth a watch. Every scene and every new information that is revealed about Cleons is so engaging and interesting.
If you're into sci-fi I'd definitely recommend trying this show and giving it a shot at least till season two because it actually even improves in the second season.
A Magnificent Sci-Fi Masterpiece That Deserves So Much More Recognition
Foundation is one of the most epic and underrated series of our generation. It's a true sci-fi masterpiece, effortlessly combining romance, space opera, and political intrigue into one of the most ambitious TV shows ever made. From the very first episode, it's clear that this is not just another space drama-this is a monumental achievement that rivals even Star Wars in terms of scope, ambition, and storytelling.
At the core of this show is Lee Pace, who delivers the performance of a lifetime as Emperor Brother Day. It's impossible to overstate just how incredible he is in this role. His portrayal of a ruler who is both menacing and deeply vulnerable is nothing short of brilliant. His performance elevates Foundation to a whole new level. It's easily one of the greatest Emperor portrayals in modern TV and film history, and it's a testament to Pace's immense talent that he can make such a complex and larger-than-life character so relatable and human.
But Lee Pace is far from the only standout. The casting across the board is superb, with every actor bringing their A-game. Laura Birn as Demerzel is absolutely mesmerizing. Her performance as the enigmatic and morally ambiguous android is one of the finest in the series. It's a role that demands a delicate balance of cold, calculated precision and subtle emotional depth, and Birn nails it. She's top-tier acting through and through.
Cassian Bilton, Terrence Mann, and Pilou Asbæk all bring memorable performances that breathe life into their characters. Asbæk, in particular, shines as the villain of the series, bringing a chilling intensity that makes his every scene electrifying to watch. Jared Harris is also stellar, as always, grounding the show with his trademark gravitas and emotional depth. The ensemble cast works seamlessly together, with each actor playing off the other in ways that keep you engaged from start to finish.
The visuals in Foundation are nothing short of breathtaking. The CGI and VFX are top-notch, with the massive scale of space travel, futuristic cities, and majestic landscapes all rendered with stunning detail. It's clear that the team behind this series spared no expense in making the show look as grand as the story it's telling. The production value is through the roof, and it makes the show feel as massive as the galaxy it spans.
The editing is equally impressive. Foundation has a complex narrative, jumping between different characters, timelines, and planets, but the editing keeps it cohesive and engaging. The pacing is excellent, always building tension when needed but never losing the emotional core of the story. The show manages to be both epic and intimate, and it's a delicate balance that the editing and direction pull off flawlessly.
What's truly amazing is that Foundation manages to feel both classic and groundbreaking at the same time. The blend of romance, space, political intrigue, and philosophy creates a show that appeals to fans of so many genres. It's a space opera with the heart of a Shakespearean drama, and it's undeniably one of the most compelling sci-fi shows of all time.
Simply put, Foundation is a wow experience. It's a series that combines everything great about TV-epic storytelling, brilliant acting, stunning visuals, and unforgettable characters. It's the kind of show that deserves far more recognition and far higher ratings. If you're a fan of sci-fi, or just great television in general, Foundation is an absolute must-watch.
This series truly deserves the title of a modern classic and is one of the most underrated gems of our generation. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and watch it. You won't be disappointed.
At the core of this show is Lee Pace, who delivers the performance of a lifetime as Emperor Brother Day. It's impossible to overstate just how incredible he is in this role. His portrayal of a ruler who is both menacing and deeply vulnerable is nothing short of brilliant. His performance elevates Foundation to a whole new level. It's easily one of the greatest Emperor portrayals in modern TV and film history, and it's a testament to Pace's immense talent that he can make such a complex and larger-than-life character so relatable and human.
But Lee Pace is far from the only standout. The casting across the board is superb, with every actor bringing their A-game. Laura Birn as Demerzel is absolutely mesmerizing. Her performance as the enigmatic and morally ambiguous android is one of the finest in the series. It's a role that demands a delicate balance of cold, calculated precision and subtle emotional depth, and Birn nails it. She's top-tier acting through and through.
Cassian Bilton, Terrence Mann, and Pilou Asbæk all bring memorable performances that breathe life into their characters. Asbæk, in particular, shines as the villain of the series, bringing a chilling intensity that makes his every scene electrifying to watch. Jared Harris is also stellar, as always, grounding the show with his trademark gravitas and emotional depth. The ensemble cast works seamlessly together, with each actor playing off the other in ways that keep you engaged from start to finish.
The visuals in Foundation are nothing short of breathtaking. The CGI and VFX are top-notch, with the massive scale of space travel, futuristic cities, and majestic landscapes all rendered with stunning detail. It's clear that the team behind this series spared no expense in making the show look as grand as the story it's telling. The production value is through the roof, and it makes the show feel as massive as the galaxy it spans.
The editing is equally impressive. Foundation has a complex narrative, jumping between different characters, timelines, and planets, but the editing keeps it cohesive and engaging. The pacing is excellent, always building tension when needed but never losing the emotional core of the story. The show manages to be both epic and intimate, and it's a delicate balance that the editing and direction pull off flawlessly.
What's truly amazing is that Foundation manages to feel both classic and groundbreaking at the same time. The blend of romance, space, political intrigue, and philosophy creates a show that appeals to fans of so many genres. It's a space opera with the heart of a Shakespearean drama, and it's undeniably one of the most compelling sci-fi shows of all time.
Simply put, Foundation is a wow experience. It's a series that combines everything great about TV-epic storytelling, brilliant acting, stunning visuals, and unforgettable characters. It's the kind of show that deserves far more recognition and far higher ratings. If you're a fan of sci-fi, or just great television in general, Foundation is an absolute must-watch.
This series truly deserves the title of a modern classic and is one of the most underrated gems of our generation. If you haven't seen it yet, do yourself a favor and watch it. You won't be disappointed.
A slow-burning epic that rewards patience
Foundation is an intriguing sci-fi series that grows on you the more you watch it. At first, it can feel confusing-just as you're starting to get to know a character, they disappear, only to return much later, if at all. Then you're introduced to someone new, and the whole process of connecting with a character begins again. On top of that, events unfold across different locations, and the series makes massive jumps in time-particularly long ones between seasons.
I've completed Seasons 1 and 2. One of the show's strengths is that as each season progresses, the seemingly loose ends begin to tie together and make sense. Many odd or minor events and details-even from the very first episode-are only explained later in the season or in the finale. But if you keep your eyes and ears open, you might catch subtle clues that help you make sense of things as they unfold. Almost nothing is said without a reason. While Season 1 is built largely on suspense, Season 2 leans more toward action.
The series features numerous plot twists that help keep viewers engaged. Many come out of nowhere and aren't always happy or innocent-but that's part of the fun. In many ways, it resembles Dune, especially in tone and scale. However, one of Foundation's most distinctive traits is its pacing: at times, things move very slowly, only for the show to suddenly jump forward by decades, suggesting sweeping generational changes and the loss of familiar characters.
I've completed Seasons 1 and 2. One of the show's strengths is that as each season progresses, the seemingly loose ends begin to tie together and make sense. Many odd or minor events and details-even from the very first episode-are only explained later in the season or in the finale. But if you keep your eyes and ears open, you might catch subtle clues that help you make sense of things as they unfold. Almost nothing is said without a reason. While Season 1 is built largely on suspense, Season 2 leans more toward action.
The series features numerous plot twists that help keep viewers engaged. Many come out of nowhere and aren't always happy or innocent-but that's part of the fun. In many ways, it resembles Dune, especially in tone and scale. However, one of Foundation's most distinctive traits is its pacing: at times, things move very slowly, only for the show to suddenly jump forward by decades, suggesting sweeping generational changes and the loss of familiar characters.
Our 2025 TV Guide
Our 2025 TV Guide
Take a peek at the biggest new and returning series coming to your screens in 2025, including new seasons of "Pluribus," "Percy Jackson," and the series finale of "Stranger Things."
Soundtrack
Preview the soundtrack here and continue listening on Amazon Music.
Did you know
- TriviaAsimov's Foundation was originally published as a short story series in Astounding Magazine between May 1942 and January 1950, based on ideas in Edward Gibbon's History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.
- Crazy creditsThe opening titles is a montage of radiant energy particles forming various shapes.
The shapes vary with each season.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Late Night with Seth Meyers: Paul Rudd/Jared Harris/Nate Smith (2021)
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Фундація
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- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime
- 1h(60 min)
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 2.00 : 1
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