# Apple TV's 'Unfilmable' Series Beats Star Wars

> Foundation's sci-fi storytelling outpaces Star Wars in streaming success.
- Title: Apple TV's 'Unfilmable' Series Beats Star Wars · CBR
- Summary: Foundation's sci-fi storytelling outpaces Star Wars in streaming success. Apple TV's Foundation series sets a new standard for sci-fi television…
- Keywords: foundation, apple tv, star wars, the mandalorian, disney plus, isaac asimov, foundation series, sci fi television, streaming shows, cleonic dynasty, entertainment, culture
- Source: CBR — https://cbr.com/apple-tv-foundation-better-sci-fi-than-star-wars
- Author: Jordan Iacobucci
- Published: 2026-11-03T04:30:11+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: foundation, apple tv, star wars, the mandalorian, disney plus, isaac asimov, foundation series, sci fi television, streaming shows, cleonic dynasty, entertainment, culture
## 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
## Key takeaway

Apple TV's Foundation series sets a new standard for sci-fi television, outperforming Star Wars' limited series approach.