Abstract　 　 
The Herschel Space Observatory is currently providing an unprecedented view of the far-infrared sky. Herschel's unique spectral and imaging capabilities in this key wavelength region are revolutionizing our views of star and planet formation. In this talk, I will review Herschel discoveries on protostellar evolution, beginning with the structure of cold molecular clouds and the initial collapse of a protostar, continuing with envelope and disk evolution, and finally ending with the structure and chemistry of protoplanetary disks.