Foundation season 4: everything we know so far about the Apple TV+ show's return
Foundation season 4 was greenlit by Apple in mid-September
· TechRadarNews By Tom Power published 13 September 2025
What awaits Gaal Dornick in season 4 after its predecessor's shocking finale? (Image credit: Apple TV+) Jump To:
Foundation season 4: key information
- Announced in mid-September
- In development with two new showrunners
- No release date or trailer revealed yet
- Filming will begin in early 2026
- Most of its main cast expected to return
- Three actors from season 3 might not be back
- Book series namesake provides some details on its possible plot
- Unclear if it'll still run for eight seasons
Foundation season 4 is officially in development. And, with plenty more story left to cover from Isaac Asimov's 'Foundation' book series, it would be a huge shame if Apple's sci-fi epic had been canceled after three seasons.
So, what do we know about the Apple TV+ series' next outing? This guide is your one-stop shop to everything we know so far about Foundation's return. From next season's likely cast and where its plot could go, to my prediction about a plausible release date, here's the latest information about Foundation season 4.
Foundation season 4 release date speculation
Unsurprisingly, there's no confirmed launch date for the show's next 10-episode entry. However, Foundation season 4 was officially confirmed on September 11, so we know another installment is on the way.
Before that announcement, very few people knew if it would be back. Speaking to me in late June before season 3 debuted in mid-July, stars Jared Harris and Lou Llobell said they didn't know if Foundation would get a fourth season. Llobell and fellow actor Tómas Lemarquis provided another disappointing season 4 update ahead of last season's finale, too – the pair reconfirming they'd heard nothing about whether the series had been renewed.
That said, in February, Deadline indicated Foundation season 4 was in the works with a new showrunner, so it seemed to be a case of when, not if, it would be announced.
As for when season 4 could be released, that's difficult to predict. Development on seasons 1 and 3 was impacted by the pandemic and the 2023 Hollywood strikes, respectively, so they arrived later than anticipated.
On average, new seasons of Foundation take two years to make. And, even though principal photography is set to begin in early 2026, I don't expect it to air until mid- to late 2027.
Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox
Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more.
Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors