The centuries-spanning story of Foundation isn’t slowing down. Apple TV+ has officially renewed its sci-fi epic, based on Isaac Asimov’s award-winning stories, for a fourth season—just as the season 3 finale, The Darkness, debuts globally today, Friday, September 12, 2025.
Production on season 4 is slated to kick off in early 2026, with Foundation continuing to serve as one of Apple’s flagship genre series, celebrated for its high production values and ambitious storytelling.
The third season saw the Foundation expand its influence across the galaxy, even as the Cleonic Dynasty’s Empire faltered. Both factions forged an uneasy alliance in the face of a larger threat: The Mule, a warlord who uses force and mind control in his quest for power. With the season finale leaving Hari Seldon, Gaal Dornick, Demerzel, and the Cleons in a precarious fight for survival, season 4 is poised to deepen the stakes.
Season 3 introduced new faces like Cherry Jones, Brandon P. Bell, Synnøve Karlsen, Cody Fern, Tómas Lemarquis, Alexander Siddig, Academy Award winner Troy Kotsur, and Pilou Asbæk, alongside returning stars Jared Harris, Lee Pace, Lou Llobell, Laura Birn, Cassian Bilton, Terrence Mann, and Rowena King. While the full cast for season 4 hasn’t been confirmed, the show’s central figures are expected to return.
The Bigger Picture
Originally envisioned as an eight-season arc, Foundation continues to carry Asimov’s legendary saga into new territory. Continuously praised as “visually stunning,” “breathtaking,” and “one of TV’s most expansive sci-fi epics,” the series has carved out a place as the “gold standard for science fiction programming” on streaming.
A New Creative Era
Ian Goldberg (Fear the Walking Dead) and David Kob will step in as co-showrunners for season 4, taking the reins from David S. Goyer, who remains attached as an executive producer. “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,” Goldberg and Kob said in a 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.”
Matt Cherniss, head of programming at Apple TV+, praised the series’ global reach and growing momentum: “It’s been fantastic to watch Foundation become such a global phenomenon, with fans tuning in from every corner of the world. 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.”
Produced by Paramount Television Studios, Foundation season 4 will be executive produced by Goldberg, Kob, Bill Bost, Lee Pace, Michael Satrazemis, Robyn Asimov, and David S. Goyer.
The future of the galaxy is far from settled—and Apple TV+ is making sure the story continues.