Foundation moves forward again. Apple TV+ has already confirmed that the series will return for a fourth season, and the announcement came right before the finale of season three. The decision ended speculation and gave shape to the next step of one of the platform’s most prominent science fiction titles.
The confirmation also signaled how steady the show has become. Three seasons built a rhythm, each finding its own audience, and the streamer chose to secure that path for another round. The series was never treated as a small project. From the beginning it carried the weight of a large production, and the new chapter keeps that in motion.

Renewal confirmed
The renewal did not appear out of nowhere. Since the third season started, the show has held a strong position on the platform. Reports indicated that it stayed among the top three most watched on Apple TV+, even while other high-profile releases such as Chief of War, Invasion and Platonic arrived. The consistency of those numbers helped explain why the decision was made now.
Production and creative team
Production on season four is scheduled to start in early 2026. The same creative core remains. Ian Goldberg and David Kob continue as co-showrunners and executive producers. Alongside them are Bill Bost, Michael Satrazemis, Robyn Asimov, David S. Goyer and Lee Pace. Keeping this lineup provides stability, with familiar hands carrying the project forward.

Cast
Season three featured Jared Harris and Lee Pace in central roles. Both names have been tied to the identity of the show since its launch. Apple has not confirmed the official cast for the upcoming season, so at this stage the reference stays with the actors who led the most recent chapters. Their performances were essential in shaping the tone of the story so far.
Official statements
When the renewal was announced, Goldberg and Kob spoke about the uniqueness of Foundation and the chance to guide it into a fourth season. They expressed gratitude for the role and pointed to the goal of continuing the epic and emotional tone already established.
Matt Cherniss, who runs programming at Apple TV+, spoke about the renewal in simple terms. He said the series turned into a global phenomenon, with people watching from all over. The way he put it, every season picked up more strength, the energy never really dropped, it just kept climbing as the story opened up. His words made it clear Apple wants to keep walking inside this universe, not stop now.

Foundation season 3 performance
The most recent season showed the Foundation beyond its first steps. At the same time the Cleonic Empire entered decline, creating a backdrop of instability. In this setting, the Mule appeared. Played by Pilou Asbæk, the character aimed to take control of the galaxy using both military power and mind control.
That conflict placed Gaal and the Second Foundation at the center of resistance. The story played out like a strategic contest, each move shaping the survival of different groups. The season’s structure made the stakes clear and carried the tension right into the finale. The renewal announcement landed while these arcs were still unfolding, which gave the news additional impact.
Looking ahead
A release window has not been revealed. What is known is that filming begins in 2026, so the timeline for the premiere remains open. Apple has not released details on casting, plot directions or potential new characters.
Even with that uncertainty, the themes set across three seasons give a sense of continuity. Political power, collapse of empires and questions of survival defined the narrative so far. Those elements are expected to remain part of the framework moving forward. For now the focus is only on the start of production, leaving the rest to be revealed later.

Conclusion
Foundation is confirmed to continue. The fourth season is secured, the creative team remains in place, and production is on the calendar for 2026. The show has kept a steady audience presence and received strong backing from Apple TV+. With the renewal, it stays positioned as one of the leading science fiction stories on the platform.