The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Beginning in a time of relative peace, we follow an ensemble cast of characters as they confront the re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains, to the majestic forests of Lindon, to the breathtaking island kingdom of Númenor, to the furthest reaches of the map, these kingdoms and characters will carve out legacies that live on long after they are gone.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022-2024) is an American high fantasy prequel series created by Patrick McKay and John D. Payne for Prime Video. Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) searches for the lingering evil that the realm of Middle-earth has long feared, while Elrond (Robert Aramayo), Durin IV (Owain Arthur), Disa (Sophia Nomvete), and the mysterious Halbrand (Charlie Vickers) each pursue their own ambitions across distant kingdoms. Arondir (Ismael Cruz Cordova) and the harfoot Nori (Markella Kavenagh) add grounded perspectives from the margins of the map. Across two seasons of eight episodes each, the series moves between forest realms, dwarven halls, and the island kingdom of Numenor, with each storyline building toward a larger confrontation. Its engine is slow accumulation rather than brisk action: alliances forming, kingdoms wavering, and old rivalries reigniting. The tone is majestic and earnest, with lush, colorful scenery and a melancholic undercurrent of courage and loss. Fans of Game of Thrones and Wheel of Time will find resonance in its large ensemble and mythic scale, while Tolkien devotees will recognize the legendarium's grandeur. Reception has been mixed, with viewers praising its visuals and divided over its pacing and faithfulness.

Audiences find the series visually impressive and enjoy its world building, but many fault it as a slow, hollow departure from Tolkien's themes and tone.

• Game of Thrones
• Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
• Wheel of Time

Created by

Patrick McKay, John D. Payne

Release Date

2022-09-01

Episode runtime

72 min

Rating

6.8 / 10 (3973)

What is The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power about?

A sprawling high fantasy prequel following elves, dwarves, harfoots and men as an ancient evil stirs across Middle-earth.

What is The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.

Is The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power violent?

Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power as moderate.

What did critics think of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power?

Audiences find the series visually impressive and enjoy its world building, but many fault it as a slow, hollow departure from Tolkien's themes and tone.

Which shows are like The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power?

Shows with a similar feel include Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, and Wheel of Time.

How long is The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power?

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: 3 seasons, 24 episodes.

Is The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power still running?

Yes, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is still running.

Where can I watch The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power?

In United States, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power streams on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.