"Every translation is a treason," and adapting books to the screen — small or large — is a form of translation.
The Foundation saga is one of the most ambitious works in science fiction. Beyond the original trilogy (later expanded to five books), Asimov used it to connect many of the stories and ideas he had developed over decades.
The timeline spans centuries, the story unfolds across numerous worlds, and the cast of characters is constantly changing.
Adapting such a masterpiece into a television series is a tremendous challenge, and to me, the result is wonderful.
If you are a fan of Asimov expecting a scene-by-scene recreation of what you read, you may be disappointed, perhaps even feel betrayed. However, if you accept that every adaptation requires creative liberties, or if you have never read Asimov at all (which I believe you should remedy), this series is a must-watch.
The cast is excellent, the direction is consistent, the sets are beautiful, and the CGI is of such quality that you stop noticing it once you're immersed in the story.
Bringing figures such as Hari Seldon (Jared Harris), the Emperor (Lee Pace, Terrence Mann, Cassian Bilton), and Demerzel (Laura Birn) to life required exceptional casting, and the series succeeds admirably.
The writers occasionally twist or expand Asimov's original ideas, but that is the privilege and the challenge of every new generation of storytellers. A living language evolves without losing its identity, and I see this adaptation in the same way. Asimov's universe is not a dead language frozen in time; it remains alive, changing its form while preserving its essence.
Summary: 80%. Recommended. Currently watching it for the third time.