Foundation, the Apple TV+ sci-fi series created by David S. Goyer and Josh Friedman, is a sprawling, visually captivating adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s groundbreaking science fiction series. Premiering in 2021, the show brings Asimov’s monumental vision to life, combining intricate political intrigue, philosophical depth, and stunning visual effects. With a cast led by Jared Harris, Lee Pace, Lou Llobell, and Leah Harvey, Foundation presents a bold exploration of the rise and fall of civilizations, set against the backdrop of a galaxy-spanning empire on the brink of collapse.
The show is based on Asimov’s Foundation series, which was originally published as a series of short stories in the 1940s and later compiled into novels. The story is set in the distant future, where the Galactic Empire, a once-glorious civilization that spans the entire Milky Way, is beginning to decline. At the center of the narrative is Hari Seldon (played by Jared Harris), a brilliant mathematician who develops a concept called “psychohistory” — a form of statistical sociology that allows him to predict the future of entire populations. Seldon foresees the imminent collapse of the Galactic Empire, an event that will lead to a period of chaos and darkness lasting for thousands of years. To shorten this “dark age,” Seldon creates the Foundation, a group of scholars tasked with preserving and expanding human knowledge, which will ultimately be the key to restoring civilization.
