The critically acclaimed Apple TV+ sci-fi series Foundation, based on Isaac Asimov’s legendary stories about a galactic empire in its lengthy death throes, will live on for a fourth season, the streamer said Thursday. The welcome news comes ahead of the season-three finale on Friday. (And that usually means Thursday night after 6 p.m. PT, when the streamer often posts the next day’s fare).
“There is no series quite like Foundation and we feel lucky and honored to be carrying the torch forward as co-showrunners into season four,” said co-showrunners and executive producers Ian Goldberg and David Kob. “We look forward to continuing the epic, emotional storytelling that defined the first three seasons of the show, and to be working alongside some of the most talented, passionate creative partners in the business.”
Apple TV+ renews epic sci-fi show Foundation ahead of season 3 finale
The epic space opera, based on Asimov’s award-winning stories dating back to the 1940s, begins production on its fourth season in early 2026, Apple TV+ said. Season three has seen tough going for both the Cleonic Empire and Hari Seldon’s Foundation, established to preserve some of humanity after its mathematically inevitable fall over centuries. So it’s nice to know it’s not all over … yet. Read our ongoing coverage of season three, including trailers and more.
The hit show’s third-season narrative focuses on the growing power of the Foundation and the declining Cleonic Dynasty’s Empire as they form an unlikely alliance. The central threat comes from “The Mule,” a warlord seeking universal domination through military force and mind control.
The season three finale airing Friday is titled “The Darkness.” The episode will see the Second Foundation confront the Mule while the Emperor’s legacy faces a devastating setback.
Critical and audience success drives renewal
Foundation season three earned widespread critical praise, with reviewers calling it “the gold standard for all science fiction programming,” Apple TV+ said. The show maintains a Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has attracted a global fanbase since its debut.
“It’s been fantastic to watch Foundation become such a global phenomenon, with fans tuning in from every corner of the world,” said Matt Cherniss, head of programming for Apple TV+. “With each new season, the excitement around this trailblazing sci-fi epic just keeps building due to the bold storytelling and collective artistry of this extraordinarily talented cast and creative team. We’re excited to keep exploring this universe together in season four.”
Fantastic cast
Photo: Apple TV+
Season three features Emmy-nominated actors Jared Harris and Lee Pace alongside Lou Llobell in leading roles. The season’s new cast members include Emmy winner Cherry Jones, Brandon P. Bell, Synnøve Karlsen, Cody Fern and Academy Award winner Troy Kotsur.
The series also stars returning cast members Laura Birn, Cassian Bilton, Terrence Mann and Rowena King, with Tómas Lemarquis, Alexander Siddig and Pilou Asbæk joining as new characters.
Executive producers for season four include Goldberg, Kob, Bill Bost, Lee Pace, Michael Satrazemis, Robyn Asimov and David S. Goyer. Paramount Television Studios produces the series exclusively for Apple TV+.
Catch up with Foundation on Apple TV+
You can stream the complete first, second and third (as of Friday) seasons of Foundation, along with plenty of other shows on Apple TV+. The service is available by subscription for $9.99 with a seven-day free trial. You can also get it via any tier of the Apple One subscription bundle. Customers who buy a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.
After launching in November 2019, “Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 612 wins and 2,799 award nominations and counting,” the service said.
More than 200 exclusive movies and TV shows call Apple TV+ home (including breakout soccer comedy Ted Lasso). The service also offers documentaries, dramas, comedies, kids shows and more.
Source: Apple TV+
David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
