Prime Video Is Doubling Down on Its $1 Billion Fantasy Series With a 5-Season Commitment

Prime Video is home to many epic series, but one notable story has been a hot topic lately. In 2022, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power brought the audience into J. R. R. Tolkien‘s Middle-earth as never seen before. Set in the Second Age, the series has a unique story based on the history Tolkien included in the appendices of his famous trilogy. There are currently two seasons released and a third on the way, but new reports claim that Amazon is committed to the show’s original five-season plan, despite the challenges it has faced.

While many epic fantasy shows were created in the wake of Game of Thrones, The Rings of Power is particularly expensive, and despite the high production cost, the series has been met with mixed reviews. This combination may leave some fans wondering why the streamer is so determined to fully release the series, especially when other popular Prime Video fantasy series like The Wheel of Time and My Lady Jane were canceled.

Why Is Prime Video So Committed to ‘The Rings of Power’?

The Rings of Power is an eventful series with lots of action and multiple storylines as it follows characters like Galadriel (Morfydd Clark), Sauron (Charlie Vickers), Elrond (Robert Aramayo), Isildur (Maxim Baldry), Elendil (Lloyd Owen), and more. While this opens up many opportunities for the story, it also ensures that the series is costly to make. The Rings of Power had an estimated budget of $465 million for Season 1, higher than other shows in the same genre. In fact, the series is rumored to be on track to cost over a billion dollars. In addition to the hefty cost, the series has faced a mixed reception from its audience. Although its official Rotten Tomatoes critics score sits at a comfortable 84%, the audience score has dipped to 48%. While the series has fallen prey to review bombing, there have been some valid criticisms, and it’s fair to say that The Rings of Power isn’t exactly Prime Video’s most popular series.

Despite the show’s struggles, Prime Video has reportedly confirmed its intention to release five seasons of The Rings of Power. According to The Ankler, there are two reasons that the streamer may be doubling down. Amazon boss Jeff Bezos apparently wants to continue the series no matter the cost, which protects it from cancellation. Additionally, it was previously reported that Amazon’s initial agreement with Tolkien’s estate included a shockingly high kill fee: $20 million for each season that isn’t released. That price tag would certainly be a motivator for the streamer, helping to prolong the series’ life at least until the original five-season plan is complete.

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‘The Rings of Power’ Still Has a Lot of Potential

The Rings of Power is in a good position to defy the odds, especially as streamers, including Prime Video, have a habit of cutting their shows short. Though it seems unfair that this series should continue when other cheaper and better-reviewed ones are canceled, it’s refreshing to know that it should reach a proper ending. The Rings of Power has set up many exciting stories, including the fall of Númenor and the Last Alliance of Elves and Men, which has the potential to create an epic ending for the series.

With Prime Video’s promise to see the series through, it seems fans have a lot to look forward to. In truth, more shows should be allowed to play out their planned story, even if they don’t become an instant and overwhelming success, because many only become better with time. Given the scope of the upcoming story, The Rings of Power could both follow that same trajectory and justify Prime Video’s overall decision.

Release Date

September 1, 2022

Network

Amazon Prime Video

Showrunner

John D. Payne, Patrick McKay, Louise Hooper, Charlotte Brändström, Wayne Yip

Writers

Patrick McKay, John D. Payne, J.R.R. Tolkien, Justin Doble, Jason Cahill, Gennifer Hutchison, Stephany Folsom, Nicholas Adams

Franchise(s)

The Lord of the Rings

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