This Sci-Fi Series Inspired ‘Star Wars’—but I Think It's Even Better (and There Are 2 Seasons to Binge!)

I like that Foundation trusts that its audience is smart. Explanations are not handed over on a silver expository platter and characters are neither starkly good or bad, which I have to say, the Star Wars binary gets a little gimmicky. The show explores big themes like order vs. chaos and destiny vs. free will through subtle character development, making it more like a prestige-TV experience (think: Don Draper in space) and less space cowboys, which your girl appreciates.

Three of the main characters in Foundation are women, and they're awesome. They're each deeply complicated, smart, surprising and integral to the plot. I also like that in the world created by Asimov, we're not confined by typical gender roles. Sure, aspects of that stuff exist, but when a woman leads a security team in Foundation we don't waste screentime with any "BUT A WOMAN?!?!" reactions.

One of the coolest tricks Foundation uses is with the triumvirate of Emperor Cleon clones. I'll explain. The empire is run by the "genetic dynasty," or clones of the original Emperor Cleon. The idea is to instill continuity throughout the galaxy. To that end, three clones are in circulation together: Brother Day, a Cleon clone in his prime; Brother Dusk, a retired, older Cleon; and Brother Dawn, a young Cleon-in-training. (Like I said, heady.) And because the saga takes places over centuries, we get to see various Brother Days, all played by Lee Pace. Not only is he one of the most attractive men in the world (fact), but he gets to show off some serious acting chops, slightly tweaking the personalities of Brother Days throughout the series.

Interested in hopping on this multiple-timeline space saga? Seasons one and two are available for streaming on Apple+, and season three is apparently set to premiere in 2025.