Apple TV | Release Date: September 24, 2021
4.6
USER SCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 266 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
100
Mixed:
39
Negative:
127
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10
P4inskillerAug 5, 2023
Slow paced, epical and very enjoyable Scifi full of magic moments. People who give a low rating, don't understand what "epical Scifi" means. Go back to your boring Star Wars.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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9
GreyHaven25Sep 11, 2022
It deserves at least a 9/10 for Lee Pace's performance alone. What an actor that man is.
5 of 10 users found this helpful55
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8
JONDOWENSNov 7, 2021
Difficult book series to adapt, but they pulled out off successfully for the most part. Beautiful visuals and brings the series alive while still maintaining a unique identity in the sci-fi genre. Can be uneven at times.
10 of 21 users found this helpful1011
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10
mshaley123456Jul 5, 2022
Foundation is one of the best Sci-Fi that came out in years. It is as powerful as The Matrix or Lord of the Rings. Plus it follows the book fairly closely. I give it a 10
5 of 11 users found this helpful56
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8
TrentKnuckles73Oct 26, 2021
I'm really liking this show! First off, I'm not the kind of person who thinks a TV or movie adaptation of a novel or novels should necessarily be faithful. I read the first Foundation book a long time ago and don't really remember all of theI'm really liking this show! First off, I'm not the kind of person who thinks a TV or movie adaptation of a novel or novels should necessarily be faithful. I read the first Foundation book a long time ago and don't really remember all of the details anyway. What I do remember is liking it, and I feel the same about this show. What we get to see on screen is cool and well edited. I think the actors are doing an amazing job. The story is intriguing and complex without being unapproachable. Looking forward to each new episode. Expand
8 of 19 users found this helpful811
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8
martijnJan 13, 2022
Really nice story. Especially the later episodes are really nice and highly entertaining. Haven't read the books so no troubles there as well ;)
5 of 12 users found this helpful57
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10
aligalahanMay 9, 2022
This is a fantastic TV show that gives us a hard science fiction. Something to enjoy in this age of super heros, never ending actions and zero brain corrupted sci fi scene. I read the entire foundation series and to this day it is one of myThis is a fantastic TV show that gives us a hard science fiction. Something to enjoy in this age of super heros, never ending actions and zero brain corrupted sci fi scene. I read the entire foundation series and to this day it is one of my favorite science fiction books. It is so much different than star wars in a sense it is more serious, more thoughtful.

Production quality of the show is amazing. Acting is great. It is great to visualize all those familiar places from the book series. Foundation is a fictional history takes place over a 1000 year, obviously a TV show needs to be loosely based to develop characters. What is important is it needs to convey the spirit of the original books. And this one does it. Excellent take with cloned emperors. Do not miss
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4 of 10 users found this helpful46
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8
scribner8Nov 10, 2021
Overall this is a great show. It is on the slower side and takes time to set up the setting, conflict, etc but once it does it’s great. The first 3-4 episodes were just barely good enough to keep me coming back but now I’m glad that I did.Overall this is a great show. It is on the slower side and takes time to set up the setting, conflict, etc but once it does it’s great. The first 3-4 episodes were just barely good enough to keep me coming back but now I’m glad that I did. Almost every negative review you’ll see is from someone who is disappointed the show strays from the book. Do not watch this show if you’re someone who is expecting a faithful adaptation of the book or if you can’t sit through the slower first handful of episodes. Expand
7 of 18 users found this helpful711
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10
SteviedeezeeOct 24, 2021
Loving it through 6 episodes. Literally look forward to this every week to come out!
8 of 21 users found this helpful813
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10
dingleberryjackSep 14, 2022
I hope our future contains the option to inhabit other worlds as depicted in Foundation. Maybe then all those who feel threatened seeing anyone other than cis white Christian men on TV can go live on their own manly planet.

As for
I hope our future contains the option to inhabit other worlds as depicted in Foundation. Maybe then all those who feel threatened seeing anyone other than cis white Christian men on TV can go live on their own manly planet.

As for Foundation, it is lush, beautiful and thoughtful. I look forward to season 2!
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3 of 8 users found this helpful35
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10
hydrallusNov 13, 2021
A truly fantastic show! The people all giving it 0 lack subtlety and nuance and haven't even seen the whole season and seem to forget the source material covers eons. Something neither practical or interesting for a tv show so they adapted.A truly fantastic show! The people all giving it 0 lack subtlety and nuance and haven't even seen the whole season and seem to forget the source material covers eons. Something neither practical or interesting for a tv show so they adapted. And it's good fun And after all isn't tv fun? It's a diversion and this scratches that itch. The last few episodes are insane. Just wait for the finale Expand
6 of 17 users found this helpful611
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9
immamrmaxNov 12, 2021
I loved it how episode by episode, you get to know a little bit more about these different worlds and some characters, yet at the same time there's something else there that you have yet to learn and see to make the story seem more or lessI loved it how episode by episode, you get to know a little bit more about these different worlds and some characters, yet at the same time there's something else there that you have yet to learn and see to make the story seem more or less complete, if it even is so. We did skip about 30 something years with almost not losing no characters, I wonder what next time jumps will feel like. So far I've been enjoying this series, how sometimes easily you get attatched to certain characters and learn about other sides of some of them, too. Expand
6 of 17 users found this helpful611
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10
menthysOct 8, 2021
Alike those living in the troubled times of the Empire's fall that could not see beyond the next day, many reviewers made up their minds too quickly and acted as if they had watched and judged the entire series before it even aired. IsaacAlike those living in the troubled times of the Empire's fall that could not see beyond the next day, many reviewers made up their minds too quickly and acted as if they had watched and judged the entire series before it even aired. Isaac Asimov warned of the culture of ignorance, and it is that very culture rearing its ugly head in rushed, negative reviews all over the internet. Isaac Asimov himself, while writing Foundation's Edge, made his own self-critique about the original trilogy lacking this potency of adventure; and indeed, for many the books are too cerebral. I grew up with these books and loved them. And I took them to heart enough, to be able to understand the liberties ANY adaptation of the Foundation novels would have to take to make it to television. After 4 episodes, and with the story still at its very beginning, I am not going to argue about the depth of characters or those "purist" reactions that bemoan Salvor Hardin being a woman and whatever, given Asimov himself would not give a **** about that. I will only say: so far, the worldbuilding is deep, the Empire is something tangible and the Foundation is truly all at sea. It pains me that I do not see any of those who hate this show realize that from the very first moments of the first episode, the production took into account the entirety of Asimov's novels and possibly the officially authorized Second Foundation Trilogy. Massive work has been done in drawing ideas from Asimov's works, including his Robot series. It's obvious the showrunners have thought ahead - and they have said so. I do not know if "Foundation" will reach 8 seasons, but I am looking forward to its journey's continuation. This is a show made by people living in 2021, trying to place so many issues via the lens of a world that was first explored 60 years ago. The undertaking of this production is insanely difficult, many will say impossible, and it is also on that basis that we should judge the outcome. Expand
9 of 26 users found this helpful917
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8
AscosporeNov 6, 2021
Familiar response. Just like Watchmen. Crybabies hating it because only they truly understand Asimov. Whatever. I thought Season 1 was very ambitious and excellent. But what would I know. I don't appreciate the "source material".
7 of 21 users found this helpful714
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8
tarekaliNov 19, 2021
I am captivated by this series, the adaptation of definitive works of one of my favourite authors - Isaac Asimov. The Robot, Foundation and Empire series of novels is one of the titanic achievements in science fiction literature, and I amI am captivated by this series, the adaptation of definitive works of one of my favourite authors - Isaac Asimov. The Robot, Foundation and Empire series of novels is one of the titanic achievements in science fiction literature, and I am glad I had a chance to read them all, even though they fade from memory and deserve a revisit.
This adaptation by Apple is formidable and compelling. There is a tangible realism to the Foundation galactic empire, and it seems a natural evolution of humanity hurled forward thousands of years. This is a realm where magic and science become indistinguishable. This is the same gritty credibility we see in shows like The Expanse, with the same captivating treatment of geopolitics and intrigue.
The character of Hari Seldon, played brilliantly by the always reliable Jared Harris, delivers prophetic gravitas. All the strong female protagonists - Gaal, Salvor and Demerzel - are captivating in their own right.
The trinity of emperors, in particular the seat of the day played by Lee Pace, is resplendent and glorious in their roles as themes of immortality, rebirth and purpose are explored. Even though they take the natural form of the immortal genetic villainous dynasty, a very interesting construct of Goyer, one eventually sympathizes with the imprisonment of their own making.
If there is one central theme woven throughout this series it is the concept of inherent destiny, that our paths are already determined or can be determined, and we just need the patience and vision to see them through. Any spiritual view, rooted in the Divine and the universal language of creation mathematics, is compatible with these themes.
The technology, set pieces and special effects of the show are satisfying - Apple has certainly stepped up to the expected standard. I am immensely pleased to read about an eight-season plan - I am definitely an eager and happy fan.
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5 of 15 users found this helpful510
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10
JeffreyWhitmoreNov 18, 2021
Loved it! I'm a big sci fi buff and this is about as perfect an adaptation as you will find that will fit within the confines of a series like this. Can't ask for more epic stakes than this. Ignore the maga lynch mob, anyone who doesn'tLoved it! I'm a big sci fi buff and this is about as perfect an adaptation as you will find that will fit within the confines of a series like this. Can't ask for more epic stakes than this. Ignore the maga lynch mob, anyone who doesn't like this doesn't like to see POC as actors. RECOMMENDED Expand
5 of 15 users found this helpful510
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7
eva3si0nJan 10, 2022
Foundation new and expensive series from Apple TV +. The series has a big plus - a literary source. A good cast, a great picture and an unusual world of the universe, where only people. The first season is intriguing, and the final is openFoundation new and expensive series from Apple TV +. The series has a big plus - a literary source. A good cast, a great picture and an unusual world of the universe, where only people. The first season is intriguing, and the final is open but touched the second excellent. I advise everyone to view Expand
3 of 9 users found this helpful36
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8
scott_324Jan 20, 2023
I think the show is very interesting and I'd recommend it but some of the cast including Leah Harvey are kind of bad and not up to the standard of the rest. I'm really not sure why they were given these major roles when they're obviously outI think the show is very interesting and I'd recommend it but some of the cast including Leah Harvey are kind of bad and not up to the standard of the rest. I'm really not sure why they were given these major roles when they're obviously out of the depth. Expand
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
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7
JagotunesOct 20, 2022
I really don't understand why there are so many bad reviews here. I really enjoyed the story and the world it was set in. The effects as well as the dialogue and storylines were rock solid, even if there were a few glitches here and there. II really don't understand why there are so many bad reviews here. I really enjoyed the story and the world it was set in. The effects as well as the dialogue and storylines were rock solid, even if there were a few glitches here and there. I really enjoyed the series and am looking forward to another season. Expand
2 of 6 users found this helpful24
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9
globalnomadNov 30, 2021
Amateur reviewers here who give it a 2 or a zero have missed the point in complaining about the show's distance from the novels. I agree with another that they probably just don't like seeing women of color as protagonists. It's based on theAmateur reviewers here who give it a 2 or a zero have missed the point in complaining about the show's distance from the novels. I agree with another that they probably just don't like seeing women of color as protagonists. It's based on the novels--not novel--by Asimov. The series is epic in scope and visual effects, deep, well-scripted, and not a word of dialogue is wasted in trite, irrelevant, boring or shallow talk. Expand
4 of 13 users found this helpful49
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10
JSintheStatesNov 24, 2021
David S. Goyer has brought Isaac Asimov’s Foundation to life on the big screen. A modern updated interpretation of the classic science fiction trilogy from the 1950s, Goyer presents us with an intricate character based story spanning aDavid S. Goyer has brought Isaac Asimov’s Foundation to life on the big screen. A modern updated interpretation of the classic science fiction trilogy from the 1950s, Goyer presents us with an intricate character based story spanning a galaxy of space-time places and events, incorporating science, politics, religion, psychology, history, warp speed starships, time-space portal jump ships, humans evolved, cloned, and less evolved!

A monumental tribute to Asimov’s vision by Goyer! For those of us who actually read the original trilogy books, we will see at least two seasons of this epic series. I hope there are enough of us to support Goyer’s ambitious dream of ten season for Foundation, Foundation and Empire, & Second Foundation.
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4 of 13 users found this helpful49
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10
AaronJupiterJan 24, 2022
This show is absolutely brilliant! I binge watched it and loved every second of it!

Acting in general is very solid but the performances of Laura Birn as Demerzel, Lee Pace as Brother Day and Lou Lovell as Gaal are the best i have seen for a
This show is absolutely brilliant! I binge watched it and loved every second of it!

Acting in general is very solid but the performances of Laura Birn as Demerzel, Lee Pace as Brother Day and Lou Lovell as Gaal are the best i have seen for a long time!

I just love the world building, the special effects are top notch and the story is breathtaking! I love Isaac Asimovs books but producers and directors paved the way for something new and exciting and they did an awesome job!

It's 2022 now and even though Asimov is one of the greatest science fiction authors, the writers of Foundation did a great job changing and developing it!

I especially liked the inner struggle of Demerzel and the ruthlessness of Brother Day (Laura Birn and Lee Pace should get awards for their roles - i got goosebumps watching their performances!)

Lovely music/soundtrack by Bear McCreary! Hopefully there will be more seasons!!!

THIS IS A VERY GOOD SCIENCE FICTION SERIES and i have seen a lot! Thank you to everyone who was involved!
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3 of 10 users found this helpful37
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10
thehealingsOct 8, 2021
Ignore the haters. This show is magic! Outstanding worldbuilding, richly drawn characters, superb production values, and very timely themes.
8 of 27 users found this helpful819
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9
OzimandeusNov 16, 2021
Perhaps I'm just desperate for good SciFi, told in an adult way with complex narrative. But I'm really enjoying this series. It's so refreshing for a TV series to be aimed at people who love SciFi. It's not the over cheesy 'kid friendly' StarPerhaps I'm just desperate for good SciFi, told in an adult way with complex narrative. But I'm really enjoying this series. It's so refreshing for a TV series to be aimed at people who love SciFi. It's not the over cheesy 'kid friendly' Star Trek Discovery, or the puerile Star Wars 'saga'. But thoughtful, complex, intellectual and beautiful to behold. Expand
4 of 14 users found this helpful410
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9
KiraseOct 1, 2022
There is an important rule in media to not expect book, movie, series or video game adaption of specific source material to come out as exact copies of each other but instead take them as their own experiences independent of each other.

That
There is an important rule in media to not expect book, movie, series or video game adaption of specific source material to come out as exact copies of each other but instead take them as their own experiences independent of each other.

That beeing said i found the first season of the series quite good.
All 10 episodes where very well made, very entertaining and contributed to the storyline, no boring fillers here.
Most of the cast is at least decent, some outstanding.
Special effects felt adequate for a tv series.

Only real negative is Leah Harvey as Salvor Hardin. Long scenes involving her often feel awkward and unnatural like she does not quite know how to act/express what is written in the script and she does not know how to fill the gaps. Too bad that she is playing a main character.
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2 of 7 users found this helpful25
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10
rlian220Oct 2, 2021
I don’t know what you all are talking about. This show is awesome. It’s like Star Wars meets Game of Thrones. It’s ambitious and difficult to tell such a big story that spans over 1000 years, but I think they pulled it off in a veryI don’t know what you all are talking about. This show is awesome. It’s like Star Wars meets Game of Thrones. It’s ambitious and difficult to tell such a big story that spans over 1000 years, but I think they pulled it off in a very believable way. The story is interesting and thought-provoking, the acting is superb, and show overall comes across as entertaining and full of depth. I’ve watch every episodes and can’t wait for more. Expand
7 of 25 users found this helpful718
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10
krikaoliSep 28, 2021
I read the book several times. Don't pay attention to reviews with low ratings, they are probably haters. It's a very difficult adaptation to make. And even so, the series was excellent! So far I'm impressed with the quality of this show. TheI read the book several times. Don't pay attention to reviews with low ratings, they are probably haters. It's a very difficult adaptation to make. And even so, the series was excellent! So far I'm impressed with the quality of this show. The actors are very good, the plot was very elaborate, the sets are wonderful. All done with great quality and perfection. Expand
9 of 33 users found this helpful924
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10
cmkuMar 9, 2022
Admittedly, Foundation takes its time with establishing the core of its story and it is thus, hard to get into in the beginning. But those willing to push through the initial, seemingly disparate, storylines of the early episodes will beAdmittedly, Foundation takes its time with establishing the core of its story and it is thus, hard to get into in the beginning. But those willing to push through the initial, seemingly disparate, storylines of the early episodes will be greatly rewarded once the intricate puzzle starts coming together. Season one is just the start to a grand, ambitious vision, but what is revealed in its initial installment is quite amazing to behold. Expand
3 of 11 users found this helpful38
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10
greedoinaspeedoOct 8, 2021
Truly digging this show. It's the intelligent science fiction TV series I've been waiting for. A dense, well constructed universe with a lot of moving pieces. It reminds me of some of my favorite science fiction novels, which I have neverTruly digging this show. It's the intelligent science fiction TV series I've been waiting for. A dense, well constructed universe with a lot of moving pieces. It reminds me of some of my favorite science fiction novels, which I have never seen accurately captured in a TV show.

That being said, if you are a diehard fan of the Asimov stories, and you come in with an attachment to seeing something specific, you're bound to be disappointed. The show is necessarily divergent from the source material, as the books they're based upon are written like histories, without any developed characters, jumping time-periods constantly.

I feel like this was bound to bother some people no matter how they spun it. Luckily for me, what exists here is a show I've been waiting on for ages.

I only hope this initially negative reception doesn't halt the series from continuing on, because I'm hooked, and beyond excited to see where this goes.
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7 of 26 users found this helpful719
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9
termonSep 26, 2021
Editing and some characterizations could be better, but the emperors are the most interesting TV antagonists since Game of Thrones.
8 of 30 users found this helpful822
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10
felipecsSep 26, 2021
More relevant than ever, Foundation is a must to bring up debates about imperialism, post-capitalism, and also to analogize the negationism that has emerged in this pandemic period. I recommend it to everyone who is passionate about scienceMore relevant than ever, Foundation is a must to bring up debates about imperialism, post-capitalism, and also to analogize the negationism that has emerged in this pandemic period. I recommend it to everyone who is passionate about science fiction and about how this genre is more about looking at the present than the future itself. Expand
13 of 51 users found this helpful1338
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10
lpalbouNov 20, 2021
This has been my favorite show of the season. It's not perfect, some scenes may be a bit slow, a few incoherences or sometimes a few easy choices, yet the story is here and unfold progressively. The jump through time and generation isThis has been my favorite show of the season. It's not perfect, some scenes may be a bit slow, a few incoherences or sometimes a few easy choices, yet the story is here and unfold progressively. The jump through time and generation is sometimes a bit quick, but still an amazing challenge to put in place in terms of cinematography. Look forward to the next seasons. Expand
4 of 16 users found this helpful412
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10
nkukNov 15, 2021
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, it has got better and better with every episode as the plot and the characters have developed. I haven't read the books, so that seems to be a positive based on the negative comments.

I am really liking
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, it has got better and better with every episode as the plot and the characters have developed. I haven't read the books, so that seems to be a positive based on the negative comments.

I am really liking it for what it is, a well produced sci-fi show with lots of depth and some nice twists and turns. For the second half of the series I have eagerly been awaiting every Friday to see what will come next. The production values for this show are top notch, rivalling any Hollywood blockbuster.

I would say give this show a watch and stick with it to the end of the series, it seems some people have had early negative reactions because it didn't closely follow the book. I can't wait for Season 2.
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4 of 17 users found this helpful413
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8
MaulcunNov 29, 2021
A wonderful retelling of the complex Foundation story. I like that the series pace is slow, lets you pay attention to details. Is visually gorgeous; ingenious and unexpected plotting; thoughtful and thought-provoking. It's on to a veryA wonderful retelling of the complex Foundation story. I like that the series pace is slow, lets you pay attention to details. Is visually gorgeous; ingenious and unexpected plotting; thoughtful and thought-provoking. It's on to a very promising start. I can't wait for season 2!! Expand
4 of 17 users found this helpful413
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10
UlverNielsenSep 29, 2021
Generally puzzling to me how anyone can dislike this. It is the most gorgeous-looking show I have seen in years – if not ever. Terrific performances and excellent storytelling that stay true to Asimov’s vision while making changes appropriateGenerally puzzling to me how anyone can dislike this. It is the most gorgeous-looking show I have seen in years – if not ever. Terrific performances and excellent storytelling that stay true to Asimov’s vision while making changes appropriate for a new medium. The thing about most of Asimov’s characters is that their gender and ethnicity is irrelevant to the story and I feel quite confident that he would have approved of color and gender-blind casting. Expand
6 of 27 users found this helpful621
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10
dr_zoidberg590Sep 10, 2023
Just amazing. The greatest television Sci-Fi of modern times. The greatest achievement in decades of televised science fiction.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
RoboDaddySep 9, 2023
Season 2 is an improvement -- the story hangs together a bit better, although it still helps to have read the books. Unlike many, I'm fine with the cast, and the visuals are top notch.

Some will complain that the series hasn't stayed 100%
Season 2 is an improvement -- the story hangs together a bit better, although it still helps to have read the books. Unlike many, I'm fine with the cast, and the visuals are top notch.

Some will complain that the series hasn't stayed 100% true to the books, but honestly, the early books just don't lend themselves to this medium. They started as short stories that make it difficult to become invested in the characters.
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0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
FilmbuffbagwellSep 8, 2023
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It's a very good series, and doesn't have woke politics. It's got woke casting, and that's not such a big deal for me. Lee Pace is unbelievably good. Salvor Hardin's actress doesn't fit the writing, and the writing for her character is garbage anyway. Very poor casting choice. Visually the show is incredible, and the empire stuff is truly fascinating and has me hooked. The foundation side of things is weak, and if that's all there was to the show I'd call it crap. However the empire side of it is so uniquely well made in every respect I have to rate the show highly overall. I'm only enjoying the foundation side of things in season 2 and that's because empire is now brushing against it. Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
IgorIgorSep 10, 2023
Great series, just great! Everything is fair, the authors immediately said that the series was based on the work. I will be looking forward to the third season.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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