The Rings of Power season 2 ended with over 55 million people having watched the series since the new episodes began their release, putting the show into the top five original series produced by Prime Video. While it's unclear how this translates in of viewer retention and minutes watched, reports indicate the show is on track for a season 3 confirmation soon.
Speaking with Variety, Salke expressed happiness regarding the success of The Rings of Power season 2, explaining the show has reached 150 million viewers since it first began in 2022. The Amazon MGM Studios head also indicated the series had a 50-episode commitment that they plan to continue with, though it's also something that will require numerous viewers to maintain justification for making the show. Check out what Salke had to say below:
Obviously [The Rings of Power season 2 had] very different marketing levels and all of that [to Season 1]. But that being said, over 55 million people at this point have engaged since Season 2 launched. And if you look at the long-term trajectory, which is how this company looks at an asset like that, this is a long-term investment in that franchise. […] There’s well over 150 million viewers watching and engaging with the show. So I feel really good. I think we all do.
[Regarding if there will be any change to Amazon's 50-episode commitment] I don’t think so. [That] commitment is never the thing that’s driving what we’re doing. We’ll continue to make the show as long as we see global customers loving it and watching it to the point where — it is a business. Obviously, we need a large amount of people showing up. And there are a large amount of people, so there’s no debate about whether or not the show will continue.
What Salke's Comments Mean For The Rings Of Power Season 3 & Beyond
The Show Seems Poised To Continue For 34 More Episodes
Before Salke's comments on the show's possible continuation, it was previously reported that The Rings of Power season 3 might be renewed by the end of this month. Given her positive comments about the show, it appears not only will it likely get renewed, but its original planned storyline will also come to fruition. This means showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay are likely going to see the fantasy series through to the end, the rise of Sauron across Middle-earth and the creation of the One Ring not far from happening.
10 Lord Of The Rings Mysteries The Rings Of Power Answered In Season 2
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 burst open some Lord of the Rings mysteries, providing mind-boggling original material to explain.
What's interesting to note is that, despite reports of plans through season 5, Salke confirmed a 50-episode plan was in place instead. Since every season so far has been eight episodes, it's possible The Rings of Power will run through season 6, bringing the total to 48 episodes, with two extras still needing to be ed for. While it's unclear what this means for the cast of The Rings of Power, who might be in their roles for another decade given the current release schedule, it does indicate a much larger story than originally thought.
Our Take On The Rings Of Power's Season 3 Renewal Chances
The Show Is Probably Going To Continue Until The End
With another 34 episodes left to portray [Sauron's] rise, the show seemingly has plenty of room left to depict all the events that are yet to unfold.
Since Salke is extremely positive about the viewership of The Rings of Power, it seems like the show is going to get renewed for season 3, alongside following through its 50-episode plan. Although the series had a low viewership retention rate in season 1, the overall performance of season 2 likely won't be clearer to the public for some time. Even so, the Amazon MGM Studios boss seems happy with the show's overall performance, meaning there's a strong chance it will continue for many years to come as long as viewership remains steady.
Other projects from The Lord of the Rings include the anime movie The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim and the live-action film The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.
As far as the storyline itself is concerned, The Rings of Power's timeline is set during the Second Age of Middle-earth, concerning the rise of Sauron, the creation of the Rings, and his eventual defeat, leading into The Lord of the Rings. With another 34 episodes left to portray his rise, the show seemingly has plenty of room left to depict all the events that are yet to unfold. However, lengthy waits between seasons could be the show's detriment if going until season 6 is in the cards, with the series not finishing until 2032 on its current release schedule.
Read More About The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power
The Show's Future Has Already Been Hinted At
Everything from The Lord of the Rings' timeline.
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The Rings of Power season 2 had several fantastic moments, from the giant Siege of Eregion to smaller moments of character and sacrifice.
Since the show has a sprawling story covering everything from the The Rings of Power season 2 reviews have critiqued the show's slow pacing and churning storytelling, it's unclear if viewer retention rates can be maintained should its rather glaring problems continue to grow. But, given the tens of millions of people the series has reached, it doesn't sound like it an issue for the series to justify its existence should it keep loyal viewers invested.
Key Background
- Amazon acquired TV rights to The Lord of the Rings from the Tolkien Estate in 2017.
- Made a production commitment through season 5, with a total cost of at least $1 billion.
- Episodes of The Rings of Power reportedly cost over $50 million each, making it the most expensive TV series ever made.
Source: Variety
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
- Release Date
- September 1, 2022
- Network
- Amazon Prime Video
- Showrunner
- John D. Payne, Patrick McKay, Louise Hooper, Charlotte Brändström, Wayne Yip
Cast
Galadriel
Halbrand
WHERE TO WATCH
Set in the Second Age of Middle-earth, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power explores the forging of the iconic rings, the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron, and the epic events leading up to the stories in J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novels. The series chronicles the creation of legendary characters and the historic alliances and rivalries that shape the fate of Middle-earth.
- 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
- Franchise(s)
- The Lord of the Rings
- Seasons
- 2
- Streaming Service(s)
- Amazon Prime Video
- Main Genre
- Fantasy
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