Seldon's Plan Continues: Apple TV+ Renews Epic Sci-Fi Saga "Foundation" for Season 4
2025-09-12 |
Story by: Daniel Bevers
Just hours before the galaxy-altering season three finale debuts, Apple TV+ has secured the future of its empire. Apple TV+ has announced that "Foundation," its sci-fi epic hit, has been renewed for a fourth season. Production on the next chapter of the saga, based on Isaac Asimov’s award-winning stories, is set to begin in early 2026.
The renewal follows a triumphant third season that has been celebrated by critics and fans worldwide as “the gold standard for all science fiction programming.” The season three finale, titled “The Darkness,” premieres globally today, Friday, September 12, 2025, on Apple TV+.
“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.”
Co-showrunners and executive producers Ian Goldberg and David Kob will continue to guide the series into its fourth season. “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,” they said in a joint statement. “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.”
Continuously praised as “visually stunning,” a “must-see TV event,” and “one of TV’s most expansive sci-fi epics,” season three raised the stakes for its acclaimed cast. Emmy-nominated actors Jared Harris and Lee Pace returned to lead the series alongside Lou Llobell. They were joined by new stars including Emmy Award winner Cherry Jones, Alexander Siddig, Academy Award winner Troy Kotsur, and Pilou Asbæk, as well as returning cast members Laura Birn, Cassian Bilton, and Terrence Mann.
In season three, an uneasy alliance formed between the established Foundation and the dwindling Cleonic Empire. This fragile peace was shattered by the rise of a fearsome warlord known as “The Mule,” whose mentalic powers and military might posed a threat to the entire galaxy. As Hari Seldon, Gaal Dornick, the Cleons, and Demerzel played a deadly game of intergalactic chess, the fate of humanity hung in the balance.
“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.”
Co-showrunners and executive producers Ian Goldberg and David Kob will continue to guide the series into its fourth season. “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,” they said in a joint statement. “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.”
Continuously praised as “visually stunning,” a “must-see TV event,” and “one of TV’s most expansive sci-fi epics,” season three raised the stakes for its acclaimed cast. Emmy-nominated actors Jared Harris and Lee Pace returned to lead the series alongside Lou Llobell. They were joined by new stars including Emmy Award winner Cherry Jones, Alexander Siddig, Academy Award winner Troy Kotsur, and Pilou Asbæk, as well as returning cast members Laura Birn, Cassian Bilton, and Terrence Mann.
In season three, an uneasy alliance formed between the established Foundation and the dwindling Cleonic Empire. This fragile peace was shattered by the rise of a fearsome warlord known as “The Mule,” whose mentalic powers and military might posed a threat to the entire galaxy. As Hari Seldon, Gaal Dornick, the Cleons, and Demerzel played a deadly game of intergalactic chess, the fate of humanity hung in the balance.
In this week’s explosive finale, “The Darkness,” Gaal and the Second Foundation take the fight directly to the Mule as the Emperor’s legacy suffers a catastrophic blow.
“Foundation” is produced for Apple by Paramount Television Studios. Goldberg and Kob serve as co-showrunners and executive producers alongside Bill Bost, Pace, Michael Satrazemis, Robyn Asimov, and David S. Goyer.