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
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.
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.
Great art
All great shows have flaws, but the flaws somehow add a texture that gives them a soul. I believe this is because the people who made them are passionate and believe in the vision as a whole.
Yes, this show is very uneven. Season 1, 2 and 3 are all very different to each other. But somehow it has a human element that surpasses most modern shows, as many modern shows tend to be completely forgettable.
I am transported to this fictional world when I watch it. The characters make an impression. The sets are fantastic. I want more seasons of Foundation.
Yes, this show is very uneven. Season 1, 2 and 3 are all very different to each other. But somehow it has a human element that surpasses most modern shows, as many modern shows tend to be completely forgettable.
I am transported to this fictional world when I watch it. The characters make an impression. The sets are fantastic. I want more seasons of Foundation.
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.
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?
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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)
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- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime
- 1h(60 min)
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- Aspect ratio
- 2.00 : 1
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