Apple TV+’s hit sci-fi series Foundation is back with its third season, bringing new twists, characters, and galactic conflicts. Here’s everything you need to know about the release dates, episode titles, cast updates, and major plotlines.
Foundation Season 3 Release Schedule
The third season of Foundation premiered on July 11, 2025, with new episodes dropping weekly on Apple TV+. The season consists of 10 episodes, concluding on September 12, 2025. Episodes are released at 12:00 a.m. PT (3:00 a.m. ET). However, in the U.S., episodes often drop early at 9:00 p.m. ET the night before the official release date.
Here’s the full episode schedule:
- Episode 1: A Song for the End of Everything – July 11
- Episode 2: Shadows in the Math – July 18
- Episode 3: When a Book Finds You – July 25
- Episode 4: The Stress of Her Regard – August 1
- Episode 5: Where Tyrants Spend Eternity – August 8
- Episode 6: The Shape of Time – August 15
- Episode 7: Foundation’s End – August 22
- Episode 8: Skin in the Game – August 29
- Episode 9: The Paths That Choose Us – September 5
- Episode 10: Title TBA – September 12
What’s New in Season 3?
The story jumps 152 years after Season 2, with the Cleonic Dynasty weakening while the Foundation grows stronger. The biggest threat this season is The Mule, a telepathic warlord played by Pilou Asbæk (replacing Mikael Persbrandt from Season 2).
Key new characters include:
- Cherry Jones as Ambassador Quent
- Brandon P. Bell as Han Pritcher, the Foundation’s intelligence officer
- Alexander Siddig as Dr. Ebling Mis, a psychohistorian
- Troy Kotsur as Preem Palver, leader of a psychic planet
Major Plotlines
- The Mule’s Rise: A ruthless conqueror using mind control to dominate the galaxy.
- Cleon’s Decline: Lee Pace’s Brother Day (now Cleon XVIII) has become disengaged from ruling, while Terrence Mann’s Brother Dusk faces his impending death.
- Gaal & Hari’s Mission: Lou Llobell and Jared Harris continue guiding the Second Foundation against The Mule.
- Demerzel’s Secrets: The robot Laura Birn faces new dilemmas as the Empire crumbles.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
Fans are excited about the new season, especially The Mule’s introduction. Some book readers have noted differences, but the show’s bold storytelling keeps audiences hooked.
“I never would have imagined I would have been able to play the Emperor of the galaxy in this way. But as it fits into the story that we’ve earned now, after making it to this third season, it makes total sense to me.” – Lee Pace
Will There Be More Seasons?
A line in Episode 2 hints at eight major crises the Foundation must face. With only three covered so far, the show could run until Season 8. However, given its two-year production cycle, this would mean new seasons until 2035.
How to Watch
Foundation is exclusive to Apple TV+, available for $9.99/month with a free trial for new subscribers. Previous seasons are also streaming.
Also read: Foundation Season 3 Release Schedule: All 10 Episodes and Key Details You Need to Know
Credits: Information sourced from Apple TV+, IMDb, and entertainment news reports.
