Apple TV has already renewed Foundation for season 2 – could 8 seasons happen?

Lee Pace as Brother Day in Foundation episode 2 on Apple TV Plus
(Image credit: Apple TV Plus)
Foundation explained

Foundation

(Image credit: Apple TV Plus)

Don't miss our recaps of Foundation episode 1, Foundation episode 2, Foundation episode 3 and now Foundation episode 4

Big budget Apple TV Plus sci-fi drama Foundation has been renewed for season 2, just as episode 4 hits the streamer this weekend. The show, which is executive produced by David S. Goyer and stars Lee Pace and Jared Harris, is largely considered Apple's biggest bet yet in the streaming space. 

As reported by THR, this renewal takes the show one step closer to an eight-season goal of Goyer's. The writer and director says he's "playing the long game with Foundation", and he clearly hasn't taken the job of adapting Isaac Asimov's work lightly. 

Our take on the show is that it's had a bit of a slow start, which is inevitable when the story spans so many years and characters. When it has a big moment, though, it really pays off – this is a show you can't half-watch while you're looking at your phone like so many overly long prestige dramas. If you're not paying attention, you will miss something important. That's a testament to how impressively intricate it is. 

Apple's Adam Cherniss says they "can’t wait to showcase even more of the richly layered world, compelling storytelling and stunning world-building in season 2."

It's unclear when a second season would roll out – reports have been circulating since early this year that Apple had renewed the show early. Given the extensive effects work required to make a show like this, though, we think you're looking at a late 2022 release date at the earliest. 

Analysis: Apple TV Plus is finally taking shape

Like all new streaming services eventually do, Apple has started cancelling its original TV shows – presumably due to a lack of interest in some series (the company doesn't release viewing figures). Little Voice and Joseph Gordon-Levitt's Mr Corman are the first to hit the scrapheap. 

Meanwhile, shows like For All Mankind, See and now Foundation are all coming back for more. 

Ultimately, compared to other streamers, Apple arguably has less reasons to cancel its series. The streaming service has no library other than its own originals – it's not like you sign up to watch The Simpsons like you did on Disney Plus. Whatever it's made is whatever you've got to watch, and a deep library is ultimately what a service needs in the long term to succeed. 

Having eight seasons of a sci-fi epic to dig into might be a good goal for Apple TV Plus. Like the books themselves, people could discover the series years down the line – it always gives curious viewers a reason to subscribe.

Samuel Roberts

Samuel is a PR Manager at game developer Frontier. Formerly TechRadar's Senior Entertainment Editor, he's an expert in Marvel, Star Wars, Netflix shows and general streaming stuff. Before his stint at TechRadar, he spent six years at PC Gamer. Samuel is also the co-host of the popular Back Page podcast, in which he details the trials and tribulations of being a games magazine editor – and attempts to justify his impulsive eBay games buying binges.

Read more
A close up of Brother Day smiling while bathed in sunlight in Foundation season 2
Foundation season 3 isn't out yet on Apple TV+, but a fourth season is reportedly on the way with a new showrunner
Juliette Nichols wearing a spacesuit and walking across an arid plain in Silo season 2
Silo scores a two-season renewal for the hit Apple TV Plus show and I can’t wait to dig up more mysteries
Mark S standing in a sterile white walled room in Severance season 2
Severance creator 'has a sense' of what the Apple TV Plus show's final scene will be – and how many seasons would be 'ideal' to reach it
Mark S holding a red ball while smiling and sitting down in Severance season 2
Severance season 2: release date, trailer, confirmed cast, plot synopsis, and more news on the hit Apple TV Plus show's return
Helly and Mark looking confused and worried in Severance season 2 episode 3
Severance director Ben Stiller says work is underway on season 3's scripts – and he hopes it won't take three years to make
A collage image showing Seth Rogen in The Studio, Adam Scott in Severance season 2, and Brian Tyree Henry in Dope Thief
Everything new on Apple TV+ in March 2025: Severance season 2 finale, Dope Thief, The Studio, and more
Latest in Apple TV +
Brad Pitt looks over his right shoulder with 'F1' written behind him
Apple Original Films will take you behind-the-scenes of a racing cockpit in this new thrilling F1 movie trailer
Jason Sudeikis' Ted Lasso pointing at someone in Ted Lasso season 2
Believe it, baby: Ted Lasso season 4 is officially in development for Apple TV+ and Jason Sudeikis will reprise his role as the titular soccer coach
Mark and Devon sitting in a car in Severance season 2 episode 9
Severance season 2 episode 9 recap: 7 new theories I have about 'The After Hours', and answers for Mr Bailiff, devour feculence, Svalbard, and more
A close up of Gemma sitting down in Severance season 2 episode 7
'I'm like Gemma – I'm in the dark': Severance season 3 gets disappointing filming update from Apple TV+ star Dichen Lachman
Seth Rogen as Matt Remick looking worried in The Studio.
The Studio already has 100% on Rotten Tomatoes – here are 3 more highly-rated comedies to watch before it's released on Apple TV+
Harmony Cobel standing a dock in Severance season 2 episode 8
Severance season 2 episode 8 just revealed four big details about Harmony Cobel's past – and spawned two new theories about Cold Harbor and Kier Eagan
Latest in News
Super Mario Odyssey
ChatGPT is the ultimate gaming tool - here's 4 ways you can use AI to help with your next playthrough
Brad Pitt looks over his right shoulder with 'F1' written behind him
Apple Original Films will take you behind-the-scenes of a racing cockpit in this new thrilling F1 movie trailer
AI writer
Coding AI tells developer to write it himself
Reacher looking down at another character from the Prime Video TV series Reacher
Reacher season 3 becomes Prime Video’s biggest returning show thanks to Hollywood’s biggest heavyweight
Finger Presses Orange Button Domain Name Registration on Black Keyboard Background. Closeup View
I visited the world’s first registered .com domain – and you won’t believe what it’s offering today
Image showing detail of the Leica D-Lux 8
Still can't get a Fujifilm X100VI? This premium Leica compact costs less, and it's in stock