Foundation backdrop
Sci-Fi & Fantasy•Drama

The Worst Episodes of Foundation

Every episode of Foundation ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of Foundation!

Binge this in 1d 2h•Peaking at 9.2/10

Follow a band of exiles on their monumental journey to save humanity and rebuild civilization amid the fall of the Galactic Empire.

Airs on
Apple TV
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons3

All123

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Worst Episode
    Click to reveal
    Foundation Season 1 Episode 3 - The Mathematician's Ghost
    6.9/10(5230 votes)

    #1 - The Mathematician's Ghost

    S1:E3

    Brother Dusk reflects on his legacy as he prepares for ascension. The Foundation arrives on Terminus and finds a mysterious object.

    Director:Alex Graves
    Writer:Olivia Purnell

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. Foundation Season 1 Episode 6 - Death and the Maiden
    7.0/10(4124 votes)

    #2 - Death and the Maiden

    S1:E6

    Brother Day meets Zephyr Halima—a would-be leader who opposes the Empire. Brother Dusk grows suspicious of Brother Dawn.

    Director:Jennifer Phang
    Writer:Marcus Gardley

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. Foundation Season 2 Episode 2 - A Glimpse of Darkness
    7.1/10(2884 votes)

    #3 - A Glimpse of Darkness

    S2:E2

    Gaal has a disturbing vision. Day's bond with Queen Sareth grows stronger. The Vault opens and reveals a cryptic message.

    Director:David S. Goyer
    Writers:David S. Goyer, Jane Espenson

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Foundation Season 2 Episode 3 - King and Commoner
    7.2/10(2904 votes)

    #4 - King and Commoner

    S2:E3

    The Empire recruits Bel Riose to investigate the resurgent Foundation. Hari leads Gaal and Salvor to a desert planet.

    Director:David S. Goyer
    Writers:Jane Espenson, Leigh Dana Jackson

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. Foundation Season 1 Episode 2 - Preparing to Live
    7.3/10(6080 votes)

    #5 - Preparing to Live

    S1:E2

    The Foundation makes the long journey to Terminus as Gaal and Raych grow closer. The Empire faces a difficult decision.

    Director:Andrew Bernstein
    Writers:David S. Goyer, Josh Friedman

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. Foundation Season 1 Episode 4 - Barbarians at the Gate
    7.3/10(4477 votes)

    #6 - Barbarians at the Gate

    S1:E4

    Salvor faces off with an enemy of the Empire. Brothers Day and Dusk are at odds, while Brother Dawn wrestles with his truth.

    Director:Alex Graves
    Writer:Lauren Bello

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of Foundation

    READ
  7. Foundation Season 1 Episode 5 - Upon Awakening
    7.3/10(4355 votes)

    #7 - Upon Awakening

    S1:E5

    A flashback reveals the origin of Gaal’s conflict between faith and science. The standoff on Terminus takes an unfortunate turn.

    Director:Alex Graves
    Writer:Leigh Dana Jackson

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. Foundation Season 2 Episode 1 - In Seldon's Shadow
    7.3/10(3243 votes)

    #8 - In Seldon's Shadow

    S2:E1

    Hari finds himself trapped in a mysterious prison. An assassination attempt leaves Day shaken. Gaal and Salvor devise an escape plan.

    Director:Alex Graves
    Writers:David S. Goyer, Jane Espenson

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. Foundation Season 1 Episode 7 - Mysteries and Martyrs
    7.4/10(3881 votes)

    #9 - Mysteries and Martyrs

    S1:E7

    The Anacreons and their hostages board the fabled Invictus warship. The bond between Brother Dawn and Azura intesifies.

    Director:Jennifer Phang
    Writer:Caitlin Saunders

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. Foundation Season 2 Episode 4 - Where the Stars Are Scattered Thinly
    7.5/10(2554 votes)

    #10 - Where the Stars Are Scattered Thinly

    S2:E4

    Queen Sareth and Dawn share a moment as she tries to learn more about Day. Brothers Constant and Poly bring Hober Mallow to Terminus.

    Director:Mark Tonderai
    Writers:David S. Goyer, Leigh Dana Jackson

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. Foundation Season 2 Episode 5 - The Sighted and the Seen
    7.5/10(2436 votes)

    #11 - The Sighted and the Seen

    S2:E5

    Gaal, Salvor, and Hari arrive on Ignis and meet the source of the strange signal they've been tracking. Dawn and Dusk are suspicious of Day.

    Director:Alex Graves
    Writers:Jane Espenson, Joelle Garfinkel

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. Foundation Season 3 Episode 2 - Shadows in the Math
    7.6/10(1852 votes)

    #12 - Shadows in the Math

    S3:E2

    Gaal and Hari advance their plans on Ignis. Empire grapples with an unforeseen prediction. Pritcher enlists help to investigate the Mule.

    Director:Tim Southam
    Writers:Leigh Dana Jackson, Caitlin Parrish

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. Foundation Season 1 Episode 8 - The Missing Piece
    7.9/10(4114 votes)

    #13 - The Missing Piece

    S1:E8

    Brother Day embarks on a journey that no other Cleon has ever attempted. Salvor prepares to make the ultimate sacrifice to return home.

    Director:Roxann Dawson
    Writer:Sarah Nolen

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. Foundation Season 1 Episode 9 - The First Crisis
    7.9/10(3871 votes)

    #14 - The First Crisis

    S1:E9

    On Terminus, Salvor witnesses how powerful the null field has become. Brother Dawn makes a daring choice.

    Director:Roxann Dawson
    Writer:Victoria Morrow

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. Foundation Season 1 Episode 10 - The Leap
    7.9/10(4035 votes)

    #15 - The Leap

    S1:E10

    An unexpected ally helps Salvor broker an alliance. A confrontation between the Brothers leads to unthinkable consequences.

    Director:David S. Goyer
    Writers:David S. Goyer, Josh Friedman

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. Foundation Season 2 Episode 6 - Why the Gods Made Wine
    7.9/10(2660 votes)

    #16 - Why the Gods Made Wine

    S2:E6

    Day and Queen Sareth make an announcement. Tellem sows seeds of distrust between Gaal and Hari. Hober Mallow reaches his destination.

    Director:Alex Graves
    Writers:David S. Goyer, Jane Espenson

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. Foundation Season 2 Episode 7 - A Necessary Death
    7.9/10(2621 votes)

    #17 - A Necessary Death

    S2:E7

    Salvor begins to question the Mentalics' motives. Hober Mallow’s proposal to the Spacers meets resistance. Brothers Constant and Poly stand trial.

    Director:Mark Tonderai
    Writers:David Kob, Eric Carrasco

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. Foundation Season 3 Episode 1 - A Song for the End of Everything
    7.9/10(2247 votes)

    #18 - A Song for the End of Everything

    S3:E1

    A mysterious new pirate with terrifying abilities—known as the Mule—catches the attention of the Foundation and Empire.

    Director:David S. Goyer
    Writers:David S. Goyer, Jane Espenson

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. Foundation Season 3 Episode 7 - Foundation's End
    8.0/10(1631 votes)

    #19 - Foundation's End

    S3:E7

    Chaos and destruction rain down on New Terminus. Back on Trantor, Dusk and Quent unite to assess the state of the galaxy.

    Director:Christopher J. Byrne
    Writers:Jane Espenson, Greg Goetz

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. Foundation Season 1 Episode 1 - The Emperor's Peace
    8.1/10(7448 votes)

    #20 - The Emperor's Peace

    S1:E1

    Gaal Dornick leaves her life in Synnax behind when the galaxy's greatest mathematician, Hari Seldon, invites her to Trantor.

    Director:Rupert Sanders
    Writers:David S. Goyer, Josh Friedman

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. Foundation Season 3 Episode 3 - When a Book Finds You
    8.1/10(1839 votes)

    #21 - When a Book Finds You

    S3:E3

    An unexpected alliance is formed. Pritcher, Bayta, and Toran come face-to-face with the Mule. Demerzel seeks spiritual guidance.

    Director:Tim Southam
    Writers:Eric Carrasco, Gregory Goetz

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. Foundation Season 3 Episode 4 - The Stress of Her Regard
    8.1/10(1789 votes)

    #22 - The Stress of Her Regard

    S3:E4

    Demerzel struggles with the paradox of her programming. Pritcher's true loyalties are revealed. Day sets off on a quest for answers.

    Director:Roxann Dawson
    Writers:Jane Espenson, David Kob

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. Foundation Season 3 Episode 8 - Skin in the Game
    8.1/10(1522 votes)

    #23 - Skin in the Game

    S3:E8

    Gaal and the Second Foundation reckon with the fall of New Terminus. Day faces judgment on Mycogen. Dusk's ascension looms.

    Director:Roxann Dawson
    Writers:Caitlin Parrish, Tyler Holmes

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. Foundation Season 3 Episode 6 - The Shape of Time
    8.2/10(1618 votes)

    #24 - The Shape of Time

    S3:E6

    A long-awaited reunion turns violent. Day looks for Song. On New Terminus, the Vault opens—and the Mule takes aim.

    Director:Christopher J. Byrne
    Writers:David S. Goyer, Eric Carrasco

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. Foundation Season 3 Episode 9 - The Paths That Choose Us
    8.4/10(1572 votes)

    #25 - The Paths That Choose Us

    S3:E9

    Gaal confronts the power of the Mule's conversions. Dusk resorts to drastic measures. Demerzel searches for clarity about the future.

    Director:Roxann Dawson
    Writers:Jane Espenson, Eric Carrasco

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Worst Episodes Summary

"The Mathematician's Ghost" is the worst rated episode of "Foundation". It scored 6.9/10 based on 5230 votes. Directed by Alex Graves and written by Olivia Purnell, it aired on 10/1/2021. This episode scored 0.1 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Death and the Maiden".