From CBR · Jordan Iacobucci · · 1m 30s
Apple TV's 'Unfilmable' Series Beats Star Wars
Foundation's sci-fi storytelling outpaces Star Wars in streaming success.
In brief
Foundation's sci-fi storytelling outpaces Star Wars in streaming success. Apple TV's Foundation series sets a new standard for sci-fi television, outperforming Star Wars' limited series approach. Originally reported by CBR.
Foundation's Sci-Fi Success
Apple TV's Foundation series adapts Isaac Asimov's works with a complex story spanning millennia without losing the source material's impact.
“Foundation sounds complicated in its premise, but it is surprisingly palatable to the average viewer”
Star Wars' Streaming Struggle
Star Wars has struggled to keep audiences engaged with television content despite its blockbuster success in film.
“The Mandalorian was the gold standard, yet Star Wars has strayed from 'the way' ever since”
Foundation's Approach
Foundation follows psychohistorian Hari Seldon who predicts a galactic civilization collapse and works to preserve history for future generations.
“He then embarks on a mission to preserve important pieces of history and culture for the civilization to follow”
Star Wars' Limited Series
Star Wars has released several limited series on Disney+ but few have achieved cultural impact comparable to Foundation.
“The Mandalorian is by far the most culturally resonant live-action Star Wars show”
Foundation's Cultural Impact
Foundation has become one of the best sci-fi shows ever made with strong audience retention across multiple seasons.
“Foundation is now streaming on Apple TV”
Star Wars' Backtracking
Star Wars spun off The Mandalorian and Grogu into a theatrical film after their initial success on television.
“Star Wars has backtracked on the show's success by spinning off the duo into their own theatrically released film”
Foundation's Long-Form Story
Foundation uses the streaming model to tell long-form stories with multiple seasons and annual releases.
“Audiences want long-form stories with some of sci-fi's greatest TV heroes told across multiple seasons”
Star Wars' Future Challenge
Star Wars needs to embrace long-form storytelling to match Foundation's success in sci-fi television.
“For Star Wars to embrace the future of the sci-fi genre, it must make amends with the past”
Foundation's Legacy
Foundation sets a high bar for sci-fi television that Star Wars must follow to stay relevant.
“Foundation sets a high bar for what sci-fi television can be”
Star Wars' Path Forward
Star Wars should continue developing long-form series to maintain its cultural relevance in sci-fi television.
“Star Wars isn't broken, but it needs to change its approach before it gets left in the dust”
The short version
Apple TV's Foundation series sets a new standard for sci-fi television, outperforming Star Wars' limited series approach.
