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
all of a sudden roped in
I remember watching the first couple episodes and not being very impressed. Not necessarily hating it, but not intrigued. It felt like a very traditional sci-fi series, akin to dune or star wars. A year or two later, i tried watching again... and now i'm somehow roped in and invested and binged most of the show well into 4 in the morning.
Great visual effects, music, vfx, product and costume design, even acting. Really intriguing clone concept (and a very obvious anagram for Cleon). Fantastic world building and i appreciated the non-linear storytelling. Interested to see where this series will take us!
Great visual effects, music, vfx, product and costume design, even acting. Really intriguing clone concept (and a very obvious anagram for Cleon). Fantastic world building and i appreciated the non-linear storytelling. Interested to see where this series will take us!
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.
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.
Decent
Foundation offers a visually engaging journey through a sprawling sci-fi universe, with scenery that helps establish its futuristic settings quite effectively. While not always flawless, the production design and visual effects create a believable world that supports the story without overwhelming it.
The storytelling is ambitious, adapting Isaac Asimov's complex saga into a layered narrative that sometimes feels dense but often succeeds in keeping viewers intrigued. The pacing can be uneven, but the series generally manages to balance its big ideas with character-driven moments, which adds some emotional weight.
Acting performances vary, with the lead delivering a solid portrayal that grounds the show's more abstract concepts. Some supporting actors bring welcome depth, though a few characters come off as underdeveloped, leaving their motivations a bit unclear.
Where the show stumbles most noticeably is in its approach to casting. There's a clear, almost mechanical attempt at ticking demographic boxes, which occasionally undermines the authenticity of the world. In a galaxy where faster-than-light travel and psychohistory are accepted without question, the most jarring fiction ends up being the idea that every institution and culture has been carefully curated for maximum contemporary optics. Rather than feeling inclusive, it often feels oddly artificial - like a diversity committee crash-landed on Trantor. Representation matters, but subtlety matters too.
Overall, Foundation is a thoughtful and occasionally compelling adaptation that sci-fi fans might appreciate for its ideas and setting. It's not without its flaws, but it carves out a respectable place among contemporary science fiction series.
The storytelling is ambitious, adapting Isaac Asimov's complex saga into a layered narrative that sometimes feels dense but often succeeds in keeping viewers intrigued. The pacing can be uneven, but the series generally manages to balance its big ideas with character-driven moments, which adds some emotional weight.
Acting performances vary, with the lead delivering a solid portrayal that grounds the show's more abstract concepts. Some supporting actors bring welcome depth, though a few characters come off as underdeveloped, leaving their motivations a bit unclear.
Where the show stumbles most noticeably is in its approach to casting. There's a clear, almost mechanical attempt at ticking demographic boxes, which occasionally undermines the authenticity of the world. In a galaxy where faster-than-light travel and psychohistory are accepted without question, the most jarring fiction ends up being the idea that every institution and culture has been carefully curated for maximum contemporary optics. Rather than feeling inclusive, it often feels oddly artificial - like a diversity committee crash-landed on Trantor. Representation matters, but subtlety matters too.
Overall, Foundation is a thoughtful and occasionally compelling adaptation that sci-fi fans might appreciate for its ideas and setting. It's not without its flaws, but it carves out a respectable place among contemporary science fiction series.
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.
Renewed, Canceled, or Ending?
Renewed, Canceled, or Ending?
Check out our list of renewals and cancellations to see if your favorite show made the cut.
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
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- Фундація
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- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime
- 1h(60 min)
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 2.00 : 1
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