Sci-fishows can come in many different forms, but there’s one on Apple TV+ that isn’t scared of the huge challenge it has taken on, and the third run of episodes is on the way. There are manysci-fi shows on Apple TV+, with the streaming platform quietly specializing in the genre. In fact, many of thebest shows on Apple TV+fall into the sci-fi category, so its commitment to all things futuristic and otherworldly has really paid off.
Sci-fi shows likeSeverance,For All Mankind, andSiloshow how varied Apple TV+ is capable of being, even within a single genre. WhileDark Mattertakes the audience on a mind-bending adventure through the multiverse,alternatives such asInvasiondelve into the beloved sci-fi trope of alien contact. However, the show that’s perhaps bitten off a little more than Apple TV+ is letting it chew sits atop the pile when it comes to just how much effort has been required to make it. Going forward, the ambition that has set it apart so far could ultimately be its downfall.
Apple TV+’s Foundation Is An Incredibly Ambitious Sci-Fi Show
The Isaac Asimov adaption presents several huge challenges
Foundationadapts Isaac Asimov’s iconic sci-fi book series. All seven novels were published between 1951 and 1993, and they dart around theFoundationtimeline and tell a sprawling narrative that spans centuries and includes countless characters. Even reading the books, it’s clear that adapting the saga into live-action would be a Herculean task, not to mention incredibly expensive. All of that has proven to be true, but the quality of the space opera so far speaks for itself.
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Of course,Foundationhas made several changes to Asimov’s books. Without doing so, the story would have essentially been unworkable as a show. This way, there is far more consistency, and it’s easier to track the impossibly long storylines. That being said, the general plot does remain largely the same, which is a very impressive feat. On the other hand, the changes made arguably make the Apple TV+ adaptation an entirely separate entity from the books, but that’s not really an issue, since they’re not set in the same canon. Either way.Apple TV+’s efforts should be respected.
Foundation’s Production Value & Bold Story Lived Up To The Books
Apple TV+ spared no expense to bring Foundation seasons 1 & 2 to life
Because of the figurative mountain Apple TV+ had to climb to adapt theFoundationbooks, it could easily have gone very badly and fallen short of how engaging and well-written the source material is.The show wasn’t even content with just reworking existing elements and canon from Asimov’s literary works, but it also contributed original aspects to their version of the epic tale, and it all gels together as if it was always part of the author’s sci-fi universe. So, the risk of taking on the adaptation certainly paid off.
Foundation’s 8 Best Scenes So Far, Ranked
Thanks to its captivating story and stunning visual effects, Foundation has become a hallmark of recent sci-fi TV shows through its best scenes.
Foundation’s narrative changes are also accompanied by a slick and glossy aestheticthat’s impossible to look away from. The studio has clearly poured a lot of money into making the show look so good, which would have come across as a very misguided decision if the show itself wasn’t actually that interesting. There have been a few weak episodes, but most have been completely enthralling. Thankfully, everything has come together so far to create a version ofFoundationthat does the books proud.
Foundation Season 3’s Changes Are Worrying For The Show’s Future
Apple TV+ has started to reconsider how much it’s willing to spend on Foundation
DespiteFoundation’s positive reception so far, the show’s future looks a little uncertain due to the behind-the-scenes events ahead ofFoundationseason 3 - which is set to air in 2025. As well as theFoundationseason 3 castbeing sent home from Prague mid-production as a result of budget disputes,Hollywood Reporterhas stated thatDavid S. Goyer is “effectively no longer serving as showrunner"as a result of the same argument with Apple TV+. Goyer will continue to write scripts for the show, but it remains to be seen how the change in leadership will impact things going forward.
Foundation’s Biggest Book Change Copied A Controversial Star Wars Twist - But Did It Much Better
Apple TV+ made many changes while adapting Isaac Asimov’s Foundation books, but one new addition to the show was used by Star Wars first.
Similarly,Bloomberghas reported Apple TV+’s intention to reduce its spending on content for its streaming service. While a reduced budget is never good news for a production, it’s especially bad for a show likeFoundation.The space opera uses a great deal of CGI, which is not cheap and takes time to do right. Plus,Foundationhas a big cast who all need paying, so it’s possible that the show will decline in quality or possibly grind to a complete halt for monetary reasons.
Foundation
Cast
Foundation is a science fiction film that follows a band of exiles on a crucial journey to save humanity and rebuild civilization as the Galactic Empire collapses.
