Prime Video has made it clear over the last few years that fantasy is a major piece of its puzzle of success, and one of its best fantasy epics is only getting better as it continues on the streamer. Prime Video’s programming strategy has gotten interesting in recent years, leaning into large-scale worlds and recognizable IP that allows for the development of expansive lore.

This approach may not always be the key to the platform’s success, but it’s been able to move the needle and compete in a crowded market, offering fantasy shows that feel cinematic in scope without the involvement of a film studio. Prime Video has been willing to invest in their projects, even if they take time to find their footing, which sets it apart from other platforms.

Fantasy, more than other genres, often requires patience from those backing the series. Once it finds its niche however, well-made fantasy shows are able to captivate large audiences and return on their investment. Having a long-term mindset has paid off for Prime Video, and with The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power, steady growth has allowed the series to bloom into something exceptional.

The Rings Of Power Season 2 Was A Big Improvement

After a somewhat slow first season, The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power season 2 was a vast improvement. With clear growth in nearly every weak aspect, the show has been able to figure out issues it had with pacing, character, and its specific visual language. The Rings Of Power season 2 focused its key stories rather than sprawling details, which ultimately fixed its pacing.

With its changes of pace, The Rings Of Power season 2 told more character-driven stories, grounding its stories in motivation and allowing the world to feel a bit more defined. The series also chose to use its visual elements in a more purposeful way, avoiding spectacle for the sake of spectacle and attaching it to story, instead. The Rings Of Power season 2 felt more confident overall.

The Rings Of Power Needed To Find The Right Audience First

From its start, The Rings Of Power was going to be a gamble for Prime Video. As a piece of The Lord Of The Rings franchise, The Rings Of Power needed to find an audience that understood the complicated world of the Tolkien landscape. With such an intense prerequisite, the show needed to find the right audience to be able to work its charm.

How The Rings Of Power Season 3 Can Be Even Better

Looking ahead, The Rings Of Power season 2 was just the beginning for the show’s upward climb, as it’s poised to continue to do well in the future. While it doesn’t appear to be returning until 2027, The Rings Of Power season 3 finally has the deep character arcs, intentional relationship with spectacle, and ability to pace itself that it needs to be a success.

Release Date

September 1, 2022

Network

Amazon Prime Video

Showrunner

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

Directors

J.A. Bayona, Sanaa Hamri

Writers

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