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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 had read over 200 of Asimov's short stories novellas and novels as a kid of the 70s and early 80s and they formed the core mythos of how I perceived the distant future would become. Not exactly a dystopia and not the utopic Star Trek to be sure but at least a future where science and technology would be respected and relied upon to deliver the ... ahem.. foundations on which all society should rely.

So when this long considered unfilmable series was aired, I watched with much trepidation and bating of breath.

And ngl the first season raised my hackles somewhat... The stupid, stupid decisions of people in power and the predictable, pedestrian plot and cliche layered upon cliche actually made me quit my Apple TV+ subscription, I sh!t you not! Seriously. What were they playing at.

But when Severance S2 released I was forced to renew my Apple TV+ sub and in the days between Severance episode releases I figured I'd rewatch Foundation from S1E01

Yeah, S1 sucked as much as I remembered but having heard whispers on the grapevine that S2 was a marked improvement, I grinned and bared it.

Lee Price and Jared Harris were the frame upon which the entire show was allowed to shine... Wow. It's like they just said fk it to all the risks they DIDN'T take in S1 and pushed the whole show into deep water.

Gone were the Mary Sue interpretations of Gaal and Salvor and they were replaced with a nuanced and sympathetic roles...

Moreover the so called "comic relief" aspect turned out to be as poignant as the the rest of the show.

For me, the key was that every character was human (even the robot) and given a believable motivation and and premise that one could rally behind and feel real sympathy for.

Moreover, the IQ of the characters and plot in S2 suddenly returned to 3 digits signifying a showrunner that has gained confidence.

Let's hope Foundation outlives the original Trilogy and pushes into the whole ASIMOVERSE!!!

When I read Asimov's 'Foundation' novels I was somewhere in my middle teenage years, more than 50 years ago. What I remembered was the central idea of psychohistory, but not much else.

When the first season of 'Foundation' screened in the Fall of 2021 I was deeply committed to the HBO series by Ridley Scott, 'Raised By Wolves' and the ambitious character driven political allegory 'The Expanse' airing on Prime. Both were challenging explorations into deeply complex ideas living up to the best that literary science fiction is known for.

Whatever my mood at the time, I found the first couple of episodes meeting most of my expectations, but then I seemed to loose the thread of the show as it left a central character behind and seemed to veer into a good guys versus bad guys realm of conventional space opera. I wrote a rather sour critique at the time that expressed my disappointment.

However, I started watching season two and decided to go back and review the first season. This time I was able to not only stay with the plot, but its choices made much more sense to me. I was newly impressed, to say the least, and could barely remember my specific criticisms on the first go-round.

Now I have a taste for what so many critics felt years after they first panned films like 'Blade Runner' and '2001:A Space Odyssey' before they recognized them as pioneering accomplishments. I wouldn't necessarily place 'Foundation' at the level of those films, but as an extended series it successfully tackles some profound questions about time and history and human behavior that are becoming ever more pertinent in today's climate of ongoing political crises.

The show runners project a run of 8 seasons to complete a narrative that even Asimov failed to finish. It'll be a remarkable achievement if all of the necessary factors, corporate, financial and otherwise hold up to make it to the end. Here's hoping.

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!

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 not slow enough where it makes it 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. 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.

While I love the Foundation series by Isaac Asimov(and the Empire and Robots series), I admit it may be a bit dated. The novels were written during the '50s and Asimov never described the visuals in detail.

It was therefore expected that any adaptation would diverge from the source material. And I don't mind it. A faithful adaptation would not be possible because we wouldn't know how the ships are supposed to look like, for example. I don't mind the gender swap in itself.

But the creators take too many liberties with the source materials to the point the story doesn't make sense for any science fiction fan. If Terminus is 55,000 light years away from Trantor and the colonists don't have jump ships, how do they travel? Why does it take 900 days to get there? That would mean they are travelling at 22,300 times the speed of light. This kind of oversight may be OK for a Marvel show, not for a show where math plays a central role.

I was also disheartened by changing Demerzel's gender. Not because of itself, but because in the books Eto Dermerzel is a very special character with a deep backstory. Changing his gender sends ripples everywhere. It's like making Han Solo or Ron Weasley a woman.

Hari's relationship with Raych is also changed for the worse, presumably to make room for Gaal. Sigh.

All these changes leave us with really impressive visuals and a weakened story. Not the Foundation I expected.

If you put your head in a vacuum and try to watch it as if Asimov's work didn't exist, the good almost doesn't make up for the bad.

The setpieces are impressive. I think the visuals of the shows, environements, costumes and all are quite well done. It stays immersive. And its the one thing that grounds it in Asimov's narrative : very very far in the future without being completely uncanny.

You could even call the plot divergence from the original work a clever play on psychohistory paths : the show imagine a new path.

What destroys it for me is mainly one thing : character writing. We're thrown all the superficial cliches in the book. And a cliche can work, if there's some depth to it. Which there almost never is in the show.

I can't figure out for the life of me why they would make Gaal Dornick such a baby. How long is she going to be throwing useless tantrum in every scene? "I understand evolved mathematics that draws the future of mankind in a series of complex events and crisis the needs to be adressed and corrected, but I won't carry your cube in my pocket 'cause you're mean, waaah waaah!!!".

The only character I feel remotely invested in right now is Demerzel. Maybe because they felt a 11k years old entity couldn't be too shallow. Or maybe because I've read some books in the Robots serie.

In any case, outside of Dermerzel and the visuals, I'm grasping at straws.

Since immersing myself in Foundation Season 1, I've embarked on a comprehensive reading journey through Isaac Asimov's wider literary universe, including the Robot series, Empire novels, and the Prelude and Forward the Foundation prequels, all consumed in the author's recommended order. Now, having completed Season 2, I can confidently say it maintains the captivating momentum of the first, albeit after an initial one-to-three-episode warm-up. This remains one of the most entertaining series I've watched recently, and my deep engagement with the source material hasn't altered my high regard for the show's quality.

The decision to opt for a looser adaptation of Asimov's works was, in my view, a stroke of genius. This approach allows for a compelling new narrative to unfold, preserving the spirit and core themes of the books without ever threatening to dilute or ruin the original stories. I find this strategy to be remarkably thoughtful and genuinely faithful to Asimov's unique authorial vision. His novels consistently explored the intricacies of individual lives set against the grand tapestry of a galactic empire, deeply intertwined with the vast political machinations of planets and ruling powers. As long as this fundamental exploration remains central, the show consistently delivers.

While certain elements of the established lore, such as the detailed history of robots or the nuances of Hari Seldon's relationship with the Empire, have been considerably re-imagined-perhaps to lend a more "fashionable" or grand aesthetic, reminiscent of the regal spectacle in Game of Thrones-these changes are not so significant as to be problematic. Indeed, they provide the writers with the creative latitude to craft distinct, yet equally compelling, plotlines, ensuring the show's longevity without impinging upon the integrity of the original novels. The series masterfully blends the more intimate, "soapy" character dynamics often found in the prequels with the expansive, interwoven narrative scope of Foundation itself, a combination that works exceptionally well, despite a few endearing moments of cheese. Furthermore, the show is replete with dazzling spectacle and impressive special effects-a welcome change from many series that often lack in this department-making it a visually stunning and thoroughly enjoyable experience, particularly on a large screen.

Foundation the TV series. It's a fine piece of sci fi television. The writing is good, the effects are good, the acting is good (mostly). Except...

IT'S NOT ASIMOV'S FOUNDATION!

Possibly the greatest sci fi anthology in history, winner of multiple awards, loved by generations, written by one of THE greatest ever sci fi authors. I've got an idea, let's use it as a backdrop for whatever hashtags are trending.

The sheer HUBRIS of the clowns who thought they could "improve" upon it, change it, twist it. There's a special place in hell for those people, alternatively they'll end up at Disney where they can wreck other much loved stories.

But you know what? It's good TV. But you have to ignore the title and every time the name Hari Sheldon mentioned pretend you heard Barry Shelton because then you can pretend that this isn't what it's purporting to be. If you can manage this feat then it's enjoyable sci fi TV but if can't do this, and you know the books, run a mile.

Apple's Foundation is like listening to your mum tell everyone her favourite Star Trek character is Luke Skywalker.

Asimov's books have enough material to make hundreds of movies loyal to the words. Why did the writers need to rewrite the story? This show only remotely resembles the original story. It's a shame! I am telling to whoever reads these lines: this show has nothing to do with Asimov's work. You wanna know what he wrote? Read it. This show has just been remotely inspired by it, that's it. There is no Asimov in this show.

Magnificent bouts of rich storytelling often feel diluted by cheap and pointless moments of juvenile entertainment. While the core of this series held the potential to become an ode to the greatest science-fiction writer of all times, it would appear that Apple couldn't keep itself from interfering in their typical (biased) politically correct, family friendly fashion. You stand on the shoulders of a giant, and behind that giant stand millions of minds inspired by a vision of the future the whole of humanity can rally behind. The implications of the existential questions raised by Asimov are not PG-rated, this shouldn't be either.

Let me start by saying: The Foundation on Apple TV+ isn't just a show-it's a galaxy-sized flex. Lee Pace struts around like a space emperor who bench presses black holes for fun, and Jared Harris delivers wisdom so profound I'm pretty sure my IQ went up a few points just listening to him.

Lee Pace as Brother Day? Iconic. He's tall, he's intimidating, and somehow, even in existential crises about the fate of humanity, he's serving looks. And Jared Harris? If you told me he personally wrote the mathematical equations holding the universe together, I'd believe you.

The visuals are stunning, the storytelling feels like a game of 4D chess played across centuries, and every episode leaves me with that "just one more" feeling-except it's an hour later and I'm emotionally compromised.

This isn't just sci-fi; it's art. Galactic art. The kind of show where you sit back and think, "Wow, humanity really peaked here." If you love space operas, philosophy, and the occasional shirtless Lee Pace moment (you know the one), The Foundation is your new obsession.

Five out of five psychohistorians agree: You should be watching this.

I've never read the books. I own them but have not yet read them.

I love this tv show. I love the scope and scale, the elegance and sophistication. I love the big ideas and the humanity. The characters feel like real people rather than Science Fiction caricatures. It's complex but not impenetrable. It rewards you for paying attention and allows you to make up your own mind. The performances are universally compelling and the dialogue playful and nuanced. It's fun when it needs to be and has emotional weight.

It's a big old treat on the eyes and I can't wait to see where it goes next.

It starts slow but it's worth investing your time.

So far it has very little to do with its source material... It is barely "inspired" by Asimov novels, definitely not based on them. It has ambition to be a new Game of Thrones in space, but it is not as epic nor as intelligent. Good production value but it focuses on random stuff. A shame...

There's absolutely no point to starting to watch Foundation now (September 2024). That's because, like many streaming shows, there is a ridiculously long hiatus between "seasons". The first season was in 2021, but Season 3 won't, start until sometime in 2025 (no specific date shown on IMDB). By then, you will have likely forgotten all about Seasons 1 and 2.

So it's best to start watching Foundation in January 2025. That way, by the time you finish the first 2 seasons, Season 3 shouldn't be too far off.

By the way, there's no reason that streaming shows without any CGI (such as "The Bear") should take a year or more between seasons. Even Foundation, with 10 episodes, could be completed in a year while that current season is being shown. This i just arrogance by Disney and other studios against customers.

I like the TV show and I like the books, but they are not the same story. The TV show should just not be called Foundation.

The show is visually appealing, well cast, well acted and an interesting story. But it is not the story of Foundation. I can understand diversifying the gender of characters, but the other story changes were just not necessary. A real wasted opportunity.

I really love this show. I have not read the books, so I am not bothered by any differences there.

The Empire Cleons are acted and written 10/10. The story unfolding about them is amazing. They are my favorite episodes.

Harry Seldon is cool, great acting from him throughout.

I will keep this short, but just to say that if you are considering watching this show just do it. It's Amazing. I'm 2 seasons in, waiting impatiently for season 3!

I take -1 star away for "Gaal Dornik", as I find her character very annoying.

But everything else is 10/10. The show must have cost a fortune to make.

No spoilers, so I'm holding back. Just watch it. ;-)

I wish this was more closely related to the books. This is obviously loosely based on the books, but in trying to encompass the massive scope the book covers, they invent something that in my opinion completely destroys the original intent of the stories. And the majority of the time of each episode is spent on the invention of the screenwriters, not Asimov's story.

The magic that Asimov injected into the books has been wiped clean unfortunately. I was really looking forward to this and will still watch it, but it is not what it could have been (should have been).

Well acted and great effects, which certainly helps.

... Its name didn't need to be Foundation. Imo, it's about 50% Asimov and the rest is a combo of soap opera, sc-fi-imperial politics, CGI explosions and Webb-esque space vistas. Heck, you could claim several other writers' materials were influences. Lots of this series is purely mainstream, outer space SF.

But it's excellent SF! Captivating sub-plots, likable characters and gorgeous images are extremely entertaining! In its own right, it is a superb show. Aye, and there's the rub... A "show" isn't necessarily literature. Michael Crichton and James Patterson were/are graphic oriented writers, evoking a "screenplay" feel in their fiction, which isn't meant as a detraction. Excellent easy read authors! Asimov isn't as frugal a wordsmith, however, and there are probably as many different visual interpretations of scenes in his books, as there are readers of his books. But then again, this is series is just loosely "based" on his work, whether it is expressly acknowledged or not.

Ok I love sci-fi and put this off for a long time, season 3 comes out soon and I've binged season 1 and half way through 2.

After the 1st episode you think oh ok this is ok..then every episode after just gets better to the point you are annoyed you have only just caught on. Id say first episode is a slow burner but then kicks off

This is a well produced show, cast is great, story is great all be it sometimes complex, action, score etc. It's just a brilliant show.

It's a high quality science fiction show. I can't see it going on forever as quality would dip and story would be weird. Honestly the outward impression you get initially doesn't do it justice at all.

"Foundation" stands as a remarkable achievement in science fiction television. With its grand vision, stellar performances, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking themes, it successfully adapts Asimov's work for a modern audience while maintaining its philosophical depth. The series invites viewers on an epic journey through time and space-a journey that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating.

For fans of science fiction or anyone seeking a rich narrative experience, "Foundation" is undoubtedly a must-watch. It offers not just entertainment but also a reflection on humanity's enduring quest for knowledge and understanding amidst chaos-a timeless tale that continues to resonate across generations.