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Season 1 – Foundation

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1:21

Sep 2021

Sci-Fi

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

72%

Tomatometer

88 Reviews

66%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

Based on the award-winning novels by Isaac Asimov, this story chronicles a band of exiles on their monumental journey to save humanity and rebuild civilization amid the fall of the Galactic Empire.

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Critics Consensus

Foundation's big-budget production and impressive performances are a sight to behold, but it struggles to wrangle the behemoth that is its source material into a fully satisfying series.

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Brad Newsome

Sydney Morning Herald

10/07/2021

4/5

As with all good sci-fi, Foundation gives you plenty to chew on -- and the chewing has only just begun.

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Scott Bryan

BBC.com

10/06/2021

It would be enjoyable if they had a bit more fun with it, but watching it felt like I was in a meeting.

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Chancellor Agard

Entertainment Weekly

10/04/2021

C+

By keeping the audience at arm's length, Foundation also makes it that much harder to connect with any of the characters, despite some solid performances from the entire cast.

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Alachia Queen

08/06/2023

This series is what all science fiction shows should use as their standard. The scope of the story telling, the production value, and character performances are all outstanding.

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Aaron Phillips

But Why Tho? A Geek Community

01/23/2023

8/10

Foundation season 1 is a highly compelling piece of sci-fi that has some magnificent visual effects. Lee Pace, and Jared Harris light up the show with their commanding character portrayals.

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Cris Kennedy

The Canberra Times (Australia)

08/23/2022

4/5

Some of the worlds we visit are pulled right from the pages of Tekhnika Molodezhi... But this world building does produce long ponderous scenes, and pace can be an issue at times in the screenplay from show runners David S. Goyer and Josh Friedman.

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Elaine T

@tempest_love Feb 20

Day, Dawn, and Dusk--their whole backstory was enough to keep me watching. Unfortunately I had to fast forward through Gaal's parts of the show...I can't stand the whinning and crying. I dreaded her screen time--She made it a painful watch. Jared Harris and Lee Pace are always compelling to watch in no matter what character they play. The surprise actress for me was Leah Harvey playing Salvor, I just loved her character so much--adorable. I've never seen her in anything before but she quickly became my favorite, along with Demerzel--beautiful and amazing. Season 1 is worth a watch.

Chris M.

@CriMcD Feb 8

Brother Dawn, Day & Dusk carry this show on their backs. Each character is outstanding but Brother Day stands out as the most Phenomenal Performance in the show. I sometimes dread watching the other arcs in the 1st season but hope that they improve in Season 2. I also hope Hari has more screen time in the coming seasons because he was under utilized in Season 1. Gaal is useless in this show & her character alone is why I am only giving 4 stars.

rinaldo c

@saveTheRhino Feb 5

Nope. Most of the characters are well thought and well done, others, useless. Gaal more than anyone else. The story of the Empire is astonishingly well done, even if never fully detailed by Asimov. The Foundation could have been more faithful to the original material, unfortunately not. Gaal... Useless, absolutely useless.

Marcel B

@Marcel440 Feb 2

As a fan of Asimov’s writing i was heavily disappointed with the "i robot" movie. When i saw the announcement that The Foundation would be made into a television series i was high with anticipation but i feel they butchered the books by making huge changes. And worst of all, the robot killed a human without any issue! That’s not what happens in the universe that Asimov created. That is literally breaking the rules. Or better rule nr. 1. I will await the next attempt to get Asimov’s work to the screen and hope they will get it right.

Sedore S

@Foundation2026 Feb 1

Absolutely amazing and can't get enough. Best series around ever 👏

Dom C

@Domporkins Jan 31

Whether you have read the book or not it is accesable This is a slow burner to begin with but even then the backdrop is awesome.

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Jared Harris

Dr. Hari Seldon

Lee Pace

Brother Day

Lou Llobell

Gaal

Leah Harvey

Salvor

Laura Birn

Demerzel

Terrence Mann

Brother Dusk

Episode 1

Aired Sep 24, 2021

The Emperor's Peace

Gaal Dornick leaves her life in Synnax behind when the galaxy's greatest mathematician, Hari Seldon, invites her to Trantor.

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Episode 2

Aired Sep 24, 2021

Preparing to Live

The Foundation makes the long journey to Terminus as Gaal and Raych grow closer; the Empire faces a difficult decision.

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Episode 3

Aired Oct 1, 2021

The Mathematician's Ghost

Brother Dusk reflects on his legacy as he prepares for ascension; the Foundation arrives on Terminus and finds a mysterious object.

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Episode 4

Aired Oct 8, 2021

Barbarians at the Gate

Salvor faces off with an enemy of the Empire; Brothers Day and Dusk are at odds, while Brother Dawn wrestles with his truth.

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Episode 5

Aired Oct 15, 2021

Upon Awakening

A flashback reveals the origin of Gaal's conflict between faith and science; the standoff on Terminus takes an unfortunate turn.

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Episode 6

Aired Oct 22, 2021

Death and the Maiden

Brother Day meets Zephyr Halima, a would-be leader who opposes the Empire; Brother Dusk grows suspicious of Brother Dawn.

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Episode 7

Aired Oct 29, 2021

Mysteries and Martyrs

The Anacreons and their hostages board the fabled Invictus warship; the bond between Brother Dawn and Azura intensifies.

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Episode 8

Aired Nov 5, 2021

The Missing Piece

Brother Day embarks on a journey that no other Cleon has ever attempted; Salvor prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice to return home.

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Episode 9

Aired Nov 12, 2021

The First Crisis

On Terminus, the null field has become even more powerful; Brother Dawn makes a daring choice.

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Episode 10

Aired Nov 19, 2021

The Leap

An unexpected ally helps Salvor broker an alliance; a confrontation between the Brothers leads to unthinkable consequences.

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