Lord of the Rings Officially Returns to Prime Video This Week as Season Three Nears

A third season approaches

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is set to continue with a third season on Prime Video. The fantasy prequel draws on J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings and has aired two seasons so far.

The next season is framed as a pivotal chapter in Middle-earth history. The show has received positive reviews, but has not become the culture-defining hit its platform hoped for.

Audience scores trail critics

The series has a 48% overall audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, compared with an 84% critics’ score. Its second season, which aired in 2024, has an 85% critics’ score and a 58% audience score. The site’s consensus says the second season finds new strengths while keeping some earlier weaknesses, making for a more energetic journey through Tolkien’s world.

Fan pushback and retention concerns

The show has faced opposition from a contingent of fans, with the article describing some of it as bordering on review bombing. Such campaigns seek to affect ratings on sites including Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb.

Audience-retention figures point to substantial drop-offs during both seasons. Prime Video, however, says the series’ viewership has set records for the platform.

Production and reported costs

For the second season, production moved from New Zealand to the United Kingdom. Reports put the first season’s budget at $465 million. Amazon reportedly acquired the rights to the series for $250 million. The reported costs add to concerns around the show’s performance and audience retention.