--- title: "Foundation: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/tv/foundation/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/tv/foundation" critics_score: 62 critics_reviews: 13 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): what the critics said Critics' score 62 from 13 reviews: 7 positive, 2 mixed, 4 negative. ## IndieWire — Steve Greene Fi1m's normalised score 81/100 (inferred from the text). 24 September 2021. 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 the review](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/shows/foundation-review-apple-tv-plus-sci-fi-adaptation-1234666972/) ## Variety — Caroline Framke Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 24 September 2021. 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 the review](https://variety.com/2021/tv/reviews/foundation-review-apple-plus-asimov-1235073033/) ## Empire — James Dyer Fi1m's normalised score 79/100 (inferred from the text). 24 September 2021. 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 the review](https://www.empireonline.com/tv/reviews/foundation/) ## Radio Times — Stephen Kelly Rating 3/5. 24 September 2021. 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 the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/foundation-apple-plus-review/) ## Vulture Fi1m's normalised score 55/100 (inferred from the text). 24 September 2021. 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 the review](https://www.vulture.com/article/foundation-review-apple-tv-plus.html) ## The Guardian — Lucy Mangan Fi1m's normalised score 40/100 (inferred from the text). 24 September 2021. 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 the review](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/sep/24/foundation-review-apple-tv) ## The Hollywood Reporter — Daniel Fienberg Fi1m's normalised score 40/100 (inferred from the text). 24 September 2021. 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 the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/foundation-review-1235019698/) ## The Telegraph Fi1m's normalised score 20/100 (inferred from the text). 24 September 2021. 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 the review](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2021/09/24/foundation-review-overblown-sci-fi-dross-disappears-black-hole/) ## Collider — Liz Shannon Miller Rating A-. 23 September 2021. 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 the review](https://collider.com/foundation-review-apple-tv-plus-why-its-good/) ## Den of Geek — John Saavedra Fi1m's normalised score 88/100 (inferred from the text). 23 September 2021. 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 the review](https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/foundation-review-star-trek-game-of-thrones/) ## Paste — Kristen Reid Rating 7.6/10. 24 September 2021. 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 the review](https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/foundation/foundation-review) ## /Film — Jacob Hall Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 23 September 2021. 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 the review](https://www.slashfilm.com/614615/foundation-review-a-science-fiction-classic-finds-bold-new-life/) ## NME — Paul Bradshaw Fi1m's normalised score 40/100 (inferred from the text). 24 September 2021. 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 the review](https://www.nme.com/reviews/tv-reviews/foundation-review-sci-fi-apple-tv-3054189) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/tv/foundation.md