Foundation: Season 1
Apple TV+ · 2021 · 10 Episodes
Foundation Season 1 premiered on Apple TV+ on September 24, 2021. It introduces Hari Seldon's prediction of the Empire's fall, the Genetic Dynasty of Emperor Cleon, and the exile of the Foundation to Terminus — adapting the opening of Asimov's Foundation novels.
Premiere
September 24, 2021
Finale
November 19, 2021
Episodes
10 episodes
Season Overview
Season 1 of Foundation establishes the show's three main narrative threads: the mathematical prophecy of Hari Seldon, the political machinations of the Genetic Dynasty on Trantor, and the survival of the exile colony on Terminus.
The season opens with Gaal Dornick traveling to Trantor, the capital of the Galactic Empire, to study under Hari Seldon. Seldon's trial — for predicting the Empire's inevitable collapse — sets the entire saga in motion. Meanwhile, Lee Pace delivers a commanding performance as Brother Day, the middle clone of Emperor Cleon, whose Genetic Dynasty has ruled for centuries.
The Cleon clone storylines are an original invention of the show, and many critics considered them the strongest element of Season 1. The visual spectacle of Trantor, the Star Bridge terrorist attack, and the complex relationship between the three Cleons (Dawn, Day, Dusk) provided compelling drama that went far beyond Asimov's source material.
Key Themes
Main Cast
Jared Harris
as Hari Seldon
Lee Pace
as Brother Day
Lou Llobell
as Gaal Dornick
Leah Harvey
as Salvor Hardin
Laura Birn
as Eto Demerzel
Terrence Mann
as Brother Dusk
Cassian Bilton
as Brother Dawn
Alfred Enoch
as Raych Seldon
Episode Guide
Episode 1 · Sep 24, 2021 · 58 min
The Emperor's Peace
In the series premiere, mathematician Gaal Dornick arrives on Trantor to study under Hari Seldon, who publicly predicts the Galactic Empire's collapse. A devastating terrorist attack on the Star Bridge sets the series' events in motion.
Episode 2 · Sep 24, 2021 · 62 min
Preparing to Live
Hari Seldon is put on trial for treason after predicting the Empire's fall. He argues for the creation of the Foundation — an encyclopedia project on the remote planet Terminus — to preserve knowledge through the coming dark age.
Episode 3 · Oct 1, 2021 · 52 min
The Mathematician's Ghost
Raych Seldon murders Hari aboard the colony ship, placing Gaal in an escape pod. On Terminus 35 years later, Salvor Hardin encounters the mysterious Vault — a floating alien artifact that repels everyone except her.
Episode 4 · Oct 8, 2021 · 55 min
Barbarians at the Gate
The Anacreon invaders occupy Terminus, seeking weapons technology. Salvor Hardin negotiates to protect the colony. On Trantor, Brother Day plans a pilgrimage to consolidate power after challenges to the Genetic Dynasty's legitimacy.
Episode 5 · Oct 15, 2021 · 47 min
Upon Awakening
Gaal Dornick awakens from cryosleep 138 years in the future on a mysterious ocean planet. On Terminus, Salvor's connection to the Vault deepens as she sees visions linked to Hari Seldon and the psychohistory equations.
Episode 6 · Oct 22, 2021 · 48 min
Death and the Maiden
Brother Dawn's secret genetic deviation is discovered — he has different colored eyes from the other Cleons. Meanwhile, Brother Day's pilgrimage tests his faith and identity, questioning whether clones possess genuine souls.
Episode 7 · Oct 29, 2021 · 45 min
Mysteries and Martyrs
Brother Day completes his pilgrimage but is told by the oracle that the clones have no souls — they are mathematical copies, not true individuals. Meanwhile, Salvor devises a plan to free Terminus from Anacreon control using the Vault.
Episode 8 · Nov 5, 2021 · 43 min
The Missing Piece
Salvor's true parentage is revealed — she is the biological daughter of Gaal Dornick and Raych Seldon, explaining her unique connection to the Vault and psychohistory. On Trantor, Brother Dawn's deviation leads to personal crisis.
Episode 9 · Nov 12, 2021 · 45 min
The First Crisis
The Vault opens, revealing a digital consciousness of Hari Seldon who explains the first Seldon Crisis. Salvor uses the Vault's power to resolve the Anacreon conflict, proving that violence is not the answer — echoing Hardin's book philosophy.
Episode 10 · Nov 19, 2021 · 53 min
The Leap
The Season 1 finale concludes the first Seldon Crisis on Terminus and the Genetic Dynasty's internal conflict on Trantor. Brother Dawn's deviation is dealt with, and Gaal's story connects to the larger timeline, setting up Season 2.