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Apple TV+’s adaptation of Foundation is possible thanks to the success of great sci-fi/fantasy shows that came before it.
Issac Asimov’s Foundation saga is one of the most influential works of science fiction in the modern era. The book series was published as a series of short stories between 1942 and 1950 and eventually came to influence works like Stars Wars and Dune. It’s the first iteration of a massive Galactic Empire spanning the galaxy, governing over millions of planets. The series follows the events set in place by the mathematician Hari Seldon, who creates the Foundations — two groups of scientists and engineers whose jobs are to preserve all knowledge and experiences of humanity during a dark age for the Galactic Empire.
Apple TV+’s adaptation of this massive sci-fi story is an absolute feat, with promising casting and an enticing trailer so far. But it’s an awful lot to take on in terms of an adaptation, especially if the writers intend to be faithful to the source material. Good thing there have been several successful science fiction and fantasy TV shows already to pave the way for this one. Here are a few relevant TV series that have carved a place for Foundation in its television adaptation.
Game Of Thrones Is a Record-Breaking Fantasy Series
HBO’s Game of Thrones was easily one of the most successful fantasy adaptations ever in television history, despite its controversial ending. With its massive budget and notable design, Game of Thrones made a name for the fantasy genre on television. It dealt with large-scale conflict, though not as large as Foundation will. Its popularity spilled over for fans who didn’t initially like the fantasy genre — but Game of Thrones made sure to include elements from drama, comedy and even action to balance out its eight seasons.
While the content of Game of Thrones and Foundation vastly differ, Game of Thrones made fantasy more accessible for viewers and opened up the genre to a new audience.
Stranger Things Combines Sci-Fi & Horror to Great Success
While at first glance Stranger Things seems like an unrelated series to something like Foundation, its influence is one of the reasons that the Foundation adaptation is possible. Stranger Things is another series that redefines the sci-fi/fantasy genre and was met with enormous success and popularity.
With its unique aesthetic and nerd-driven story, it’s an uplifting show that encompasses the dark intensity of a good science-fiction novel. While Stranger Things draws inspiration from other works, its major success is what makes a massive adaptation like Foundation even possible in the eyes of producers and writers.
The Expanse Is a Cult-Favorite Series With Similar Themes to Foundation
The Expanse is another super successful science fiction series that’s been adapted from novels. Its content is more similar to that of Foundation, covering the story of humanity when they have colonized the Solar System in the future. Like Foundation, The Expanse has a heavy focus on politics, which is inherent when dealing with control over multiple planets.
Because a show like this achieves such success, it makes it possible for something even grander, and possibly denser, to have a chance in the limelight.
Black Mirror Integrates Technology Into Intriguing Storylines
While the science fiction genre is not for everyone, Black Mirror certainly tried to appeal to everyone with its various stories that range in content and theme. Some episodes are more on the nose with the sci-fi element, while others use it more subtly. Even though Black Mirror doesn’t have a linear storyline and relies on standalone episodes, it was hugely successful and even launched an interactive episode, involving the viewer in the decisions of the story.
Foundation will deal with elements of psychology and social science, which Black Mirror touches upon in various episodes. This combination of humanity with the scientific element is one of the reasons that Black Mirror is so accessible to a wide audience — even if the viewers don’t necessarily love science fiction, the underlying humanity of the story is what draws them in.
Doctor Who Shows That Sci-Fi Can Endure for Decades
Finally, no science fiction or fantasy show would be possible without the enduring success and impact of BBC’s Doctor Who. It’s been around since 1963 and has gone through 13 iterations of the Doctor since then. Because the premise is that the Doctor can travel anywhere in time or space, the story possibilities are literally endless. It’s such a grand show that tackles topics like politics, love, war, and most importantly, kindness.
No other science fiction TV series would’ve been possible without the incredible success of Doctor Who, which shows that science fiction can be massively popular for years on end. Doctor Who is still running and is a testament to the science fiction genre, and television in general.
Foundation premieres on Apple TV+ on Sept. 24, 2021.
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