Watch Foundation on Apple TV+ for free if you have a PS5

The Foundation series by Isaac Asimov is a classic bit of space opera. It’s all about a scientist who predicts the fall of civilisation (much to the annoyance of those currently in charge). I read the books ages ago. The first three titles (Foundation, Foundation and Empire, Second Foundation) are excellent. But after that I got the impression that the series had less and less to say and turned into a franchise. They might as well have used titles like “Foundation and New Car” or “Foundation and Beach House”.

Anyhoo, Apple TV has taken a swing at making a TV series based on the original books. It looks awesome. The story has been tweaked a bit for a more contemporary feel and everyone plays their part with conviction and gravitas. The first three episodes are out at the moment and although they can be a bit ponderous in places it looks like the pace is hotting up now that the characters have been established. It’s well worth a look whether you’ve read the books or not.

You can watch it for free if you have a PlayStation 5. Apple will let you have 6 months of Apple TV+ for free if you download the Apple TV app for the console and sign up. You can find out more here.

Another good version of the story was made in the 70’s by the BBC (in stereo - which was quite a thing on radio back then). t’s delivered as 8 one hour episodes and I think it is a classic. You can find it here.