--- title: "Foundation" year: 2021 kind: "series" canonical: "https://film.one/tv/foundation" fi1m_id: "foundation" imdb_id: "tt0804484" tmdb_id: 93740 wikidata_id: "Q56281007" fi1m_score: 61 critics_score: 62 critics_reviews: 13 published: "2026-09-22T21:46:33.946957+00:00" updated: "2026-09-22T21:46:34.588725+00:00" region: "US" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Foundation (2021) Created by David S. Goyer, Josh Friedman · MPA TV-MA · Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Drama ## Identity Foundation - **Canonical:** https://film.one/tv/foundation - **Type:** Series - **Fi1m ID:** foundation - **IMDb ID:** tt0804484 - **TMDB ID:** 93740 - **Wikidata ID:** Q56281007 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0804484/, https://www.themoviedb.org/tv/93740, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56281007 **Fi1m score: 61** · Critics 62 from 13 reviews *In a sentence:* The Empire will fall in five centuries, and some episodes feel like they have been allotted the first hundred > David S. Goyer and Josh Friedman’s adaptation of Asimov is built on a scale television rarely attempts and lit like a cathedral. It is also slow, solemn and short of people to care about, though Lee Pace’s cloned emperor is worth the wait. ## Synopsis Trantor, capital of the Galactic Empire, is ruled by three clones of one man: Brother Dawn (Cassian Bilton), Brother Day (Lee Pace) and Brother Dusk (Terrence Mann), with Demerzel (Laura Birn) beside them. Gaal Dornick (Lou Llobell), a young mathematician from Synnax, a water world where her sums count as heresy, wins passage to the capital to work with Hari Seldon (Jared Harris), whose science of psychohistory predicts that the Empire will fall within five centuries. The emperors call it treason. Seldon is arrested and put on trial with Gaal beside him, while bombers strike at Trantor itself. Decades on, Salvor Hardin (Leah Harvey) stands warden over a colony on the frontier planet Terminus and an object none of the colonists can approach. ## Review Isaac Asimov’s *Foundation* novels are about a mathematician who works out that the Galactic Empire will fall and sets up a colony to shorten the dark age that follows. They are almost entirely conversation, and nobody in them lasts more than a story or two. David S. Goyer and Josh Friedman have turned that into a serial drama with a cast that can come back each week, which means inventing a great deal. Their biggest invention is the Empire itself, three clones of the same man ruling at once at different ages, and it is the best thing in the series. Lee Pace plays Brother Day, the clone in his prime, as a man who has never once been contradicted and has read about it in books. He speaks softly and takes any surprise as an insult, and Pace lets doubt in just often enough to keep him human. Cassian Bilton’s Brother Dawn is the boy learning to be him and Terrence Mann’s Brother Dusk the old man who was him, and the three of them at one table are the series at its most alive. Laura Birn’s Demerzel, the adviser who has served every one of them, does almost nothing with her face and holds the eye anyway. Jared Harris gives Hari Seldon the dry pleasure of a man who finds his own equations funny, and his trial before the emperors, in which he defends a prediction nobody wants to be true, is the best written stretch of the first episode. Lou Llobell’s Gaal Dornick, the prodigy from Synnax who has crossed the galaxy to work with him, is our way in, and Llobell is watchful and likeable. The scripts, though, use her mainly to ask the questions other people get to answer, and for long stretches she is the person the ideas happen near. Then there is Terminus. Leah Harvey’s Salvor Hardin is a warden on a cold frontier world, guarding a colony and an object the colonists cannot go near, and the series keeps cutting away from Trantor to her. Harvey is capable and unfussy; the material is standard frontier siege stuff, and the show’s largest ideas shrink to people crouching behind rocks with rifles. The jumps between the strands are not always marked, and there were evenings when we could not have said how many years lay between two adjacent scenes. Eight editors are credited across the run, Skip Macdonald and Sidney Wolinsky among them, and it shows. We will be honest about the first hour. When Gaal’s ship drops through the cloud over Trantor and the city goes on beneath it with no horizon, we sat forward, and for a while we were as impressed as the series wanted us to be. Somewhere around the fifth episode we noticed we had been admiring for weeks and had not felt anything since, and we were cross with the show for spending so much on rooms and so little on the people standing in them. The rooms are superb, to be fair to them. Rory Cheyne builds Trantor’s palace as a vast pale hall in which three men are made to look small on purpose, and Terminus as prefabricated huts on grey scrub. Shauna Callanan puts all three emperors in the same imperial blue, so that three ages of one man read as one body. Eight cinematographers are credited, Owen McPolin and Danny Ruhlmann among them, and the palette holds steady from episode to episode. The score is choral and constant, and it tells us the stakes are galactic in scenes where two people are reading a screen. Asimov’s argument was that individuals do not matter and history moves regardless, which is a poor engine for a drama built around individuals. Goyer and Friedman know this and spend the season arguing with the book, and now and then they win. Watch the first two episodes and see whether Trantor holds you. If it does not, nothing later will; if it does, you will forgive a good deal, and there is a good deal to forgive. The first season runs ten episodes, arrived on 23 September 2021, and carries a 15. *Fi1m score 61, published 22 September 2026.* ## Straight answers **Is Foundation worth watching?** *Foundation* is worth watching for patient viewers who want science fiction on a scale television rarely attempts, and we scored it 61. It is slow, solemn and short of people to care about, but Lee Pace's cloned emperor and the pale halls of Trantor are real rewards. Watch the first two episodes; if the capital does not hold you, nothing later will. **How long is Foundation, and what is it rated?** *Foundation* is rated TV-MA by the MPA in the US. It is a sci-fi & fantasy and drama series. **Where can I watch Foundation in the US?** *Foundation* is streaming on Apple TV, The Roku Channel and Amazon Prime Video in the US. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service. **How violent or frightening is Foundation, and is it suitable for children?** *Foundation* carries a 15 certificate in the UK and a TV-MA rating in the US, so it is not for children. The violence includes bombings on Trantor and armed sieges on the frontier world Terminus, though the series is more talk than combat and rarely frightening. Older teenagers who can sit through long, sombre scenes of politics and prophecy will be fine. **How does Foundation compare to Dune?** *Foundation* and [*Dune*](https://film.one/film/dune) are both slow, solemn adaptations of sacred science-fiction texts, but Villeneuve's film is the better of the two, because its people at least want things. *Foundation* has grander rooms and a stronger villain in Lee Pace's emperor; *Dune* has a mother and son whose relationship holds the whole picture together. Choose the film if you want feeling, the series if you want scale. **Is Foundation based on a true story or a book?** *Foundation* is based on Isaac Asimov's novels, not on a true story. The books are almost entirely conversation and nobody in them lasts long, so David S. Goyer and Josh Friedman have invented a great deal, including the three cloned emperors who rule at once. You do not need to have read Asimov, and readers should expect the series to argue with him rather than follow him. **What should I watch after Foundation?** After *Foundation*, try [*Dune*](https://film.one/film/dune) (2021, Fi1m 76): Another slow, solemn adaptation of a sacred text; Villeneuve’s people at least want things. Then [*The Expanse*](https://film.one/tv/the-expanse) (2015, Fi1m 64): Working-class space politics with plainer people, fewer robes and a firmer grip on time; and [*Solaris*](https://film.one/film/solaris-1972) (1972, Fi1m 87): Tarkovsky’s grave, patient science fiction, where the ideas and the feeling arrive together. ### Reviews we read (13) - **IndieWire**, Steve Greene (81/100, inferred): The critic finds the sprawling sci-fi saga thrilling when it exceeds expectations and praises its dazzling adaptation of Asimov with strong performances from Jared Harris and Lee Pace. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/shows/foundation-review-apple-tv-plus-sci-fi-adaptation-1234666972/) - **Variety**, Caroline Framke (80/100, inferred): The critic calls the series a sharp remix that uses the source as inspiration for a markedly different version, delivering smart world-building and one of TV’s most expansive sci-fi epics. They single out the nuanced performances of the cloned emperors and the lush, differentiating visuals across timelines for praise. [Read](https://variety.com/2021/tv/reviews/foundation-review-apple-plus-asimov-1235073033/) - **Empire**, James Dyer (79/100, inferred): The critic praises the series as a breathtakingly bold, intellectually stimulating adaptation that is mind-bogglingly epic and lavishly produced, though dense and not for everyone. They single out the stunning production design, location shoots and the performances of the cloned emperors for particular praise. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/tv/reviews/foundation/) - **Radio Times**, Stephen Kelly (3/5): The critic finds the adaptation intriguing and visually stunning but notes it is too early to judge fully after only two episodes, with some fragmented and inert early scenes. They single out the gorgeous, opulent production design and Jared Harris's anchoring performance for praise. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/foundation-apple-plus-review/) - **Vulture** (55/100, inferred): The critic calls the series visually stunning like a beautiful screensaver but criticizes it for lacking emotional or narrative depth in its characters and story. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/foundation-review-apple-tv-plus.html) - **The Guardian**, Lucy Mangan (40/100, inferred): The critic finds the big-budget Apple TV+ adaptation earnest, ponderous and lacking humour or lightness despite its visual spectacle and serious themes. It feels like a wasted flagship opportunity as a new sci-fi series rather than something truly special. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/sep/24/foundation-review-apple-tv) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, Daniel Fienberg (40/100, inferred): The critic describes the series as beautiful but tedious and stultifyingly dull, with epic visual scale but far too limited fresh ideas. They single out the pause-your-TV-to-contemplate-the-visuals gorgeous production for praise while complaining about the lack of visceral impact. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/foundation-review-1235019698/) - **The Telegraph** (20/100, inferred): The critic calls the Apple TV+ series overblown sci-fi dross that is good-looking but po-faced, complex to the point of being impenetrable, and devoid of humour. It disappears up its own black hole with narrative issues and android-like characters. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2021/09/24/foundation-review-overblown-sci-fi-dross-disappears-black-hole/) - **Collider**, Liz Shannon Miller (A-): The visually stunning adaptation delivers both hard sci-fi ideas and emotional heart through strong characters and relevant themes. It occasionally feels muddled by its scope and time jumps but succeeds in engaging viewers with humanity amid epic stakes. [Read](https://collider.com/foundation-review-apple-tv-plus-why-its-good/) - **Den of Geek**, John Saavedra (88/100, inferred): The critic hails the series as an excellent, entertaining adaptation that blends elements of Star Trek and Game of Thrones, praising its visuals, performances, and faithful yet expanded take on the source material. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/foundation-review-star-trek-game-of-thrones/) - **Paste**, Kristen Reid (7.6/10): The series is visually gorgeous with strong performances and themes of hope, but its dense, time-jumping story can feel scattered and too large for television. It stumbles in execution yet maintains an engaging grip on its characters' resilience. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/foundation/foundation-review) - **/Film**, Jacob Hall (75/100, inferred): The series successfully remixes Asimov into an accessible, vibrant TV epic with action, sex, and character drama while preserving core ideas about history and civilization. It is not a masterpiece but a fun, gateway-friendly reinvention that rewards patience. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/614615/foundation-review-a-science-fiction-classic-finds-bold-new-life/) - **NME**, Paul Bradshaw (40/100, inferred): The adaptation arrives too late and feels overshadowed by fresher sci-fi peers like Dune. It is a solid but cold and clumsy saga that adds Game of Thrones-style elements at the expense of wit and scale. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/tv-reviews/foundation-review-sci-fi-apple-tv-3054189) ## Details - **Created by:** David S. Goyer, Josh Friedman - **Creator:** David S. Goyer, Josh Friedman - **Director:** Roxann Dawson, Alex Graves, David S. Goyer, Christopher J. Byrne, Tim Southam, Jennifer Phang, Mark Tonderai, Rupert Sanders, Andrew Bernstein - **Writer:** David S. Goyer, Jane Espenson, Leigh Dana Jackson, Eric Carrasco, Caitlin Parrish, Josh Friedman, Gregory Goetz, David Kob, Liz Phang, Olivia Purnell, Sarah Nolen, Addie Manis, Bob Oltra, Marcus Gardley, Joelle Garfinkel, Victoria Morrow, Caitlin Saunders, Lauren Bello, Tyler Holmes - **Story:** David S. Goyer - **Teleplay:** Jane Espenson - **Novel:** Isaac Asimov - **Cinematography:** Owen McPolin, Tico Poulakakis, Cathal Watters, Alar Kivilo, Danny Ruhlmann, Darran Tiernan, Thomas Kloss, Steve Annis - **Editor:** Paul Trejo, Miklos Wright, Emily Greene, Olivia Deitch, Byron Smith, Phil Hamilton, Skip Macdonald, Sidney Wolinsky - **Production design:** Rory Cheyne - **Costume design:** Shauna Callanan - **Producer:** Macdara Kelleher, David Kob, Michael J. Malone - **Cast:** Jared Harris as Hari Seldon; Lee Pace as Brother Day; Lou Llobell as Gaal Dornick; Leah Harvey as Salvor Hardin; Laura Birn as Demerzel; Cassian Bilton as Brother Dawn; Terrence Mann as Brother Dusk; Jade Harrison as Bayla - **Certificate (MPA):** TV-MA - **Release (the US):** 23 September 2021 - **Genres:** Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Drama - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4QYV5GTz7c ## Where to watch in the US - Apple TV: streaming, uhd - The Roku Channel: add-on, hd - Amazon Prime Video: add-on, uhd *Checked 2026-09-22.* Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HU, ID, IE, IL, IN, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PH, PL, PT, SE, SG, TH, UA, US, VN, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## If you liked this - *Dune* (2021), Fi1m 76: Another slow, solemn adaptation of a sacred text; Villeneuve’s people at least want things. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/dune.md) - *The Expanse* (2015), Fi1m 64: Working-class space politics with plainer people, fewer robes and a firmer grip on time. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/tv/the-expanse.md) - *Battlestar Galactica* (2004): The remnant of humanity flees extinction and argues about it; far warmer than this. - *Solaris* (1972), Fi1m 87: Tarkovsky’s grave, patient science fiction, where the ideas and the feeling arrive together. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/solaris-1972.md) - *Children of Men* (2006), Fi1m 85: Cuarón’s end of the world in a grey Britain, under two hours and no clones. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/children-of-men.md) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/tv/foundation