Sci-fi fans thrilled as 'most underrated show on TV' returns
Despite its relatively low profile compared to shows like The Last of Us or Game of Thrones, Foundation – which is adapted from Isaac Asimov's landmark saga – has earned a reputation as one of television's 'most underrated' treasures.
Season 3 sees a powerful new villain rise, deeper emotional stakes than ever before, and fans are already sharing their excitement online, with some predicting this series will give the show the attention it deserves.
Jared Harris, Lou Llobell and Cassian Bilton are amongst the returning cast members from the two previous series.
The new series sees The Mule, a powerful mutant who can control minds, threaten Seldon's plan to save humanity.
Critics are heavily praising the new series, with season three earning an 86% Rotten Tomatoes score.
Nick Schager, from The Daily Beast applauded the show: 'Foundation is television's grandest drama, and it continues to put the rest of its small-screen genre brethren to shame with its momentous, magnificent third season.'
Fans are thrilled to have a bingeable sci-fi show back on their screens after the genre has dried up in recent years.
X users were quick to applaud the new series with one fan, @thatcoolblknerd saying: '#Foundation is the most underrated show on television.'
'It's crazy how GOOD #Foundation looks compared to some recent Marvel films on a fraction of the budget.' @splashthatcat added.
Another fan was quick to share his thoughts, @briandelvecchio, 'The #Foundation Season 3 premiere was really good, I can't wait for the rest of season 3.'
Others have had to be reminded of Apple TV's name for underground shows, 'Renewed my Apple TV for #Foundation' @49erscarlos said on X.
Mathematician Hari Seldon (Jared Harris) predicts the collapse of the 12,000-year-old Galactic Empire using a science called psychohistory (a mathematical model that forecasts societal behavior on a massive scale). To preserve human knowledge and shorten the dark age to come, Seldon proposes establishing the Foundation at the edge of the galaxy on a planet called Terminus. The Empire, ruled by a trio of cloned emperors (Brother Dawn, Day, and Dusk), views Seldon's predictions as treason. They exile him and his followers to Terminus. Hari is apparently murdered by his own protégé, Raych, but his consciousness lives on in a digital form (a 'ghost' in the Vault). Gaal (a gifted mathematician) and Salvor (warden of Terminus) emerge as key players. Salvor begins experiencing visions and strange powers that hint at deeper forces at play. As a warlike group called the Anacreons threaten Terminus, Salvor thwarts their attack with help from Hari's digital self-marking the success of the First Seldon Crisis. Roughly 100 years after Season 1, the Foundation has become more than a scientific outpost-it's now growing into a religious and economic power, using Hari's teachings as a doctrine. Internal instability grows within the Empire. Brother Day (Lee Pace) plans to break the cloning dynasty by marrying and producing a natural heir – sparking major conflict with Brothers Dusk and Dawn. Gaal Dornick, having been in cryosleep, awakens and discovers she has psychic abilities. She meets her daughter, Salvor Hardin (revealed to be born from a time-travel plot), and together they encounter a group of powerful telepaths called Mentalics. Hari (still present via the Vault) reveals there are actually two Foundations: the one on Terminus and a secret Second Foundation meant to guide humanity from behind the scenes. The final episodes tease the rise of The Mule, a powerful mutant with mind-control abilities, hinting at an existential threat far greater than anything the galaxy has faced. Now you can sit back and enjoy season 3 whilst understanding what is going on…
Season three is set 152 years after Season two, catapulting the narrative into a galaxy in flux.
The Foundation has risen to power, while the empire weakens – ushering in the dramatic arrival of The Mule, played by Pilou Asbaek, whose psychic might threatens everything.
With Hari Seldon and Gaal Dornick in cryosleep, the story shifts to a more faction‑driven chronicle, blending massive space battles with high-stakes mental warfare.
The production quality continues to stun audiences, with sprawling cosmic landscapes, intricate costume design, and a score that elevates each scene's tension. More Trending
Series regulars Lee Pace and Laura Birn are also receiving praise for their evolving performances, with many commending their performances as the emotional spine of the show.
It may not dominate pop culture headlines, but for sci‑fi devotees, this season is a vindication: a high‑concept epic delivered with ambition and heart.
With ten episodes streaming weekly until September 12th, now is the moment to catch up on this 'underrated' sci-fi series.
View More »
Foundations season three is available to stream on Apple TV Plus now.
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MORE: 'Epic' sci-fi series returns to streaming — and four more shows to binge this month
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5 hours ago
- New Statesman
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12 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
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The singer has been playing shows across Europe and went viral after videos were shared of him holding the mic out so the crowd would sing long parts of his tracks instead of him. 6 Justin Timberlake has revealed he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease Credit: Getty But now he has opened up about the condition, which is transmitted through the bites of ticks. Celebs including Bella Hadid, Shania Twain and Justin Bieber have also suffered with it. In a post last night, Justin said: 'I've been diagnosed with Lyme disease. "Living with this can be debilitating, mentally and physically. 'But I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I'm so glad I kept going.' Bizbot MILEY CYRUS has been working on something big for next year to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Disney Channel show Hannah Montana, which gave her her big break. She said: 'I want to design something really special for it because it really was the beginning of all of this. "Without Hannah, there wouldn't be this kind of… this me.' 'WORTH A GO, LADS OASIS documentary maker Mat Whitecross has backed brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher to play Knebworth next year to mark the 30th anniversary of their mammoth show there. Speaking exclusively at a screening of his 2016 film Supersonic at London store Selfridges, Mat said: 'It would be great if they did, they should definitely do it. 6 Oasis documentary maker Mat Whitecross believes the brothers will play Knebworth next year Credit: Getty 'It would be mad if they didn't. "I know they are doing some European dates next year so it would be mad if they did not do it to mark 30 years.' Mat is now looking to his next project and has the brothers' mum Peggy in his sights. He think she's just as much of a character as Liam and Noel. 'She deserves her own film,' he explained. 'Peggy told me her entire life story when we made the Supersonic film. 'She is just a very sweet and funny person and has a surreal, filthy sense of humour, which has been inherited by the children.' Mat also gave me his thoughts on Coldplay's recent 'kiss-cam' scandal, which revealed CEO Andy Byron's seemingly clandestine romance with his HR manager Kristin Cabot to the world earlier this month. The director, who is the brains behind a number of the band's music videos, said: 'The kiss-cam thing was crazy. "I don't understand the way it took off in the way that it did, but I guess that is the age we live in. "Their reaction was ludicrous. But it is probably what a lot of people would do.' Of the lawsuit Andy is rumoured to be bringing against CHRIS MARTIN and Co, Mat added: 'I don't think it is going to cost the band anything.' And he hopes Coldplay haven't axed the kiss-cam by the time he next watches them live. He said: 'I am going to see them in a couple of weeks and I wonder if they will change anything about the show. "It is part of the act. What they do with the camera is funny and sweet and it is not supposed to catch people out.' STORMZY OFF HIS BOX UNTIL 1AM AT OASIS GIG STORMZY wins the prize for the wildest Oasis after-party. He enjoyed himself in his private box at London's Wembley Stadium until 1am on Wednesday. 6 Stormzy enjoyed himself in his private box at London's Wembley Stadium until 1am Credit: Getty My insiders told me the Heavy Is The Head rapper hosted all of his mates in the suite to watch Noel Gallagher and brother Liam perform. And as elated fans flooded down Wembley Way to jam themselves like sardines on to the Tube after the show, Stormzy and his mates kicked back in style. A source said: 'Stormzy loved the Oasis show and got all his mates to join him there. 'Tickets were like gold dust so they were over the moon. 'Once the show was over, he kept the box open and they partied until just after 1am. 'They were having a great time and you could hear laughter coming out of their room for hours after the Gallaghers came off stage.' I'm heading down to Wembley to watch Noel and Liam in action for a second time tonight and I cannot wait to see them again. Whether I'll be able to last as late as Stormzy though, I'm not so sure. BILLIE WEDNESDAY SNUB IT'S a good thing BILLIE PIPER and Joanna Lumley don't have big egos. The pair, who are new additions for series two of Netflix hit Wednesday, were on the purple carpet for its premiere in central London, but weren't invited on stage with lead Jenna Ortega and director Tim Burton. Instead, they were left clapping politely from the audience, having been asked to stand up with their co-stars for a round of applause. Jenna appeared to cover a yawn with her hand before exiting the stage. She plays Wednesday well, both on and off screen. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
The Sun
12 hours ago
- The Sun
New Spider-Man movie will be filmed in Scotland after horror incident led to last gasp change of location
SPIDER-MAN is going Scottish for the next instalment of the Marvel franchise. My film insiders told me the next movie, Spider-Man: Brand New Day is going to be filmed in Glasgow in the coming weeks, with its stars Tom Holland and Zendaya setting up camp in the city. 6 It's a key change for the production, which I understand was originally going to be shot in Liverpool. But my sources said that, after the horrific crash during the Liverpool FC victory parade in May, which saw 109 people injured, bosses decided to move away from the city. A source said: 'The next Spider-Man will be filmed in Glasgow in Scotland. 'Production has started now and locals will see Tom and his co-stars out filming on location. 'It's really exciting for film fans living in Glasgow as they will see their city in the next movie. "American flags have been planted around town to make it look like New York. 'It's uncanny when you look at some of the buildings and streets, it looks just like the Big Apple. 'Originally the plan was to film a lot of it in Liverpool but after the crash, they changed the plans. 'There were discussions about whether it was appropriate to stage big stunts, including car chases and explosions, in light of the awful incident. 'Filming is due to start in the coming days in Scotland so fans should keep their eyes peeled for webs on street corners.' Zendaya's half-sister fears she'll be snubbed from wedding over rift but family still loves 'down-to-earth' Tom Holland Tom is reprising his role as Peter Parker alongside Zendaya, who plays his love interest MJ in the movie. Jacob Batalon is also back as Ned Leeds, while Sadie Sink is joining the cast. Details about her role have been kept under lock and key, but it's rumoured she will be introduced on screen as X-Men character Jean Grey. The film is slated for release next July but if you're lucky enough to be in Glasgow, you'll definitely be getting a glimpse of the action. 6 DON'T MISS BECKY AND GARY BECKY HILL and Gary Barlow have become an unlikely partnership, teaming up for a new track called Don't Look Down. Gary said: 'It was the first time Becky and I met. "She wandered in and we spoke a bit and then the music started to flow. "I played a couple of chords, and she came to life.' The track is out today, as is Renee Rapp's album Bite Me, Chapell Roan's single The Subway and Sam Ryder's The Feeling Never Went Away. Sam's track will feature on the Eurovision runner-up's second album Heartland, out on October 17. The singer said: 'The wish is to find a connection with you no matter where you are in the world.' YACHT A KLASSY MOV MYLEENE KLASS gets the last laugh on holiday after setting the cat among the pigeons back home in Blighty. She shared this bikini snap from her yachting trip, following the release on Tuesday of podcast We Need To Talk, in which she dropped a showbiz bombshell. In the interview – covered in yesterday's paper– she claimed she once walked in on her ex-husband getting it on with a famous lady with a 'family brand' at her own birthday party. 6 Speculation has been rife about the identity of the mystery woman, with the Bizarre team bombarded with questions about it all week. We are staying schtum for now, though, and it looks like Myleene couldn't be happier to have stirred up a scandal. JUSTIN: MY BATTLE WITH LYME DISEASE JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE has revealed he has been diagnosed with Lyme disease – amid criticism he wasn't singing during his live shows. The singer has been playing shows across Europe and went viral after videos were shared of him holding the mic out so the crowd would sing long parts of his tracks instead of him. 6 But now he has opened up about the condition, which is transmitted through the bites of ticks. Celebs including Bella Hadid, Shania Twain and Justin Bieber have also suffered with it. In a post last night, Justin said: 'I've been diagnosed with Lyme disease. "Living with this can be debilitating, mentally and physically. 'But I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I'm so glad I kept going.' Bizbot MILEY CYRUS has been working on something big for next year to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Disney Channel show Hannah Montana, which gave her her big break. She said: 'I want to design something really special for it because it really was the beginning of all of this. "Without Hannah, there wouldn't be this kind of… this me.' 'WORTH A GO, LADS OASIS documentary maker Mat Whitecross has backed brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher to play Knebworth next year to mark the 30th anniversary of their mammoth show there. Speaking exclusively at a screening of his 2016 film Supersonic at London store Selfridges, Mat said: 'It would be great if they did, they should definitely do it. 6 'It would be mad if they didn't. "I know they are doing some European dates next year so it would be mad if they did not do it to mark 30 years.' Mat is now looking to his next project and has the brothers' mum Peggy in his sights. He think she's just as much of a character as Liam and Noel. 'She deserves her own film,' he explained. 'Peggy told me her entire life story when we made the Supersonic film. 'She is just a very sweet and funny person and has a surreal, filthy sense of humour, which has been inherited by the children.' Mat also gave me his thoughts on Coldplay's recent 'kiss-cam' scandal, which revealed CEO Andy Byron 's seemingly clandestine romance with his HR manager Kristin Cabot to the world earlier this month. The director, who is the brains behind a number of the band's music videos, said: 'The kiss-cam thing was crazy. "I don't understand the way it took off in the way that it did, but I guess that is the age we live in. "Their reaction was ludicrous. But it is probably what a lot of people would do.' Of the lawsuit Andy is rumoured to be bringing against CHRIS MARTIN and Co, Mat added: 'I don't think it is going to cost the band anything.' And he hopes Coldplay haven't axed the kiss-cam by the time he next watches them live. He said: 'I am going to see them in a couple of weeks and I wonder if they will change anything about the show. "It is part of the act. What they do with the camera is funny and sweet and it is not supposed to catch people out.' STORMZY OFF HIS BOX UNTIL 1AM AT OASIS GIG STORMZY wins the prize for the wildest Oasis after-party. He enjoyed himself in his private box at London's Wembley Stadium until 1am on Wednesday. 6 My insiders told me the Heavy Is The Head rapper hosted all of his mates in the suite to watch Noel Gallagher and brother Liam perform. And as elated fans flooded down Wembley Way to jam themselves like sardines on to the Tube after the show, Stormzy and his mates kicked back in style. A source said: 'Stormzy loved the Oasis show and got all his mates to join him there. 'Tickets were like gold dust so they were over the moon. 'Once the show was over, he kept the box open and they partied until just after 1am. 'They were having a great time and you could hear laughter coming out of their room for hours after the Gallaghers came off stage.' I'm heading down to Wembley to watch Noel and Liam in action for a second time tonight and I cannot wait to see them again. Whether I'll be able to last as late as Stormzy though, I'm not so sure. BILLIE WEDNESDAY SNUB IT'S a good thing BILLIE PIPER and Joanna Lumley don't have big egos. The pair, who are new additions for series two of Netflix hit Wednesday, were on the purple carpet for its premiere in central London, but weren't invited on stage with lead Jenna Ortega and director Tim Burton. Instead, they were left clapping politely from the audience, having been asked to stand up with their co-stars for a round of applause. Jenna appeared to cover a yawn with her hand before exiting the stage. She plays Wednesday well, both on and off screen.
