The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

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Season 1
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
3.0

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 2938 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 711 out of 2938
  2. Mixed: 141 out of 2938
  3. Negative: 2,086 out of 2938

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User Reviews

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  1. Fixer84
    Mar 16, 2023
    8
    We are not at the level of the movies, that's for sure. But it's not all as bad as many say either.
  2. Juddee
    Jan 28, 2023
    9
    Don't listen to all the review bombers. Go and watch this show if you haven't already. The production all around is amazing.
  3. CarlElmore
    Jan 23, 2023
    7
    It's weak and there are definitely some story issues but the production, visuals, acting are all great. This show is overhated.
  4. geewah
    Jan 3, 2023
    7
    While the first few episodes are all about world building and character development, the show does suffer as it takes a while for it to find it's feet.
    The last few episodes are where things really pick up and it's perfectly set up for a strong 2nd season.
  5. wartext
    Nov 13, 2022
    7
    I watched it without any background knowledge of the books. I have seen the films. I went in not expecting much and wanted to make the most out of my free amazon prime trial. I quite enjoyed the show, it reminded me of the Witcher 3 game. I was expecting some extreme gender politics and left agenda rammed down my throat but I was pleasantly surprised there wasn't any, so refreshing to seeI watched it without any background knowledge of the books. I have seen the films. I went in not expecting much and wanted to make the most out of my free amazon prime trial. I quite enjoyed the show, it reminded me of the Witcher 3 game. I was expecting some extreme gender politics and left agenda rammed down my throat but I was pleasantly surprised there wasn't any, so refreshing to see in this day and age. Beautiful sets, vibrant and a decent story. Worth a watch if you are a fan of fantasy genres and rpg games.… Expand
  6. meydianarizki21
    Nov 9, 2022
    10
    As a huge LoTR and the Hobbit fan, I absolutely love this series. I am also an avid reader and have purposely held back from reading the books because in my opinion, the books are ALWAYS better.
  7. noodles9
    Oct 24, 2022
    9
    Seems like the people who hate it thought it should be an exact match to the picture they had in their head. The acting, sets, and music were absolutely top notch, can't wait for season 2!
  8. Mneisme
    Oct 24, 2022
    10
    I absolutely love it. It's very entertaining. Don't listen to the negative reviews, this show is perfect. I love Morfydd Clark is amazing and too beautiful for words. All the actors and the characters they play are amazing. I love it and I pray they continue this story to it's proper conclusion
  9. omcpero
    Oct 22, 2022
    10
    An awesome character build, music, acting. At last one great series. Could not be better
  10. PreyingOcelot
    Oct 22, 2022
    10
    Literally the best TV show ever conceived. Way better than the books. A+++++++
  11. Noktaerien
    Oct 18, 2022
    10
    Очень понравился сериал. История показана немного необычно, но видно что создатели старались следовать канону, насколько это возможно в их случае. Хорошая интрига в конце сезона.
  12. mitrandir77
    Oct 17, 2022
    7
    Amazing visuals on many of Second Age locations! Delight to watch! Some of the characters are very well written characters (Adar, Halbrand) others are not. Some inconsistencies with the books (but that's expected nowadays).
  13. sageev
    Oct 15, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The makers of this show should be proud of the world that they have brought to life. This show actually made a wonderful story out of the Silmarelleon, which was written more as a Bible and history book. For the haters of Galadriel: she was not born the mature woman that Cate Blanchett so excellently portrayed: she was a fiery, angry warrior, and it was only the events of the Long War that tempered her.

    Also, how can people not love the Harfoots? They are very much the true ancestors of the Hobbits, and to see the origin story of Gandalf brought tears to my eyes ... This show actually explained why he adores the Hobbits so.

    And, by the Gods! Sauron! His introduction/reveal was perfection.

    All you haters, go suck a lemon. You have finally seen the history of Middle Earth brought to life and all that you can do is bring your hatred of feminists and "being Woke". Just ENJOY!    … Expand
  14. kingt34
    Sep 4, 2022
    10
    This show so far is quality and brimming with the LOTR energy while being it’s own thing. Really fun watch so far, so excited to see where it goes.
  15. XsauroxGamer
    Oct 9, 2022
    10
    I like the show so far, good characters and interesting plot. Can't wait to watch the season finale and season 2!
  16. Darksabre812
    Oct 3, 2022
    10
    The series surprised me, it has strong acting, excellent writing, and interesting characters. There isn't any hidden agenda, just some strong female characters (That wouldn't have irked so many small minded people had these same characters been male).
    Best thing about the show is that it doesn't try and pull off a Meme every week. It doesn't end with some shock for shock value or blood    The series surprised me, it has strong acting, excellent writing, and interesting characters. There isn't any hidden agenda, just some strong female characters (That wouldn't have irked so many small minded people had these same characters been male).
    Best thing about the show is that it doesn't try and pull off a Meme every week. It doesn't end with some shock for shock value or blood and boobs to boost internet chatter. It just tells a solid story and is absolutely worth watching for any fantasy fan.    … Expand
  17. moth3
    Sep 26, 2022
    10
    Wow, they weren't kidding about the review bombing. I love everything about this show. Forget the babies in the comments who live off of hate. This is 100% worth your time if you loved the books.
  18. blufnx
    Sep 24, 2022
    8
    Still waiting for it to become more engaging but I still have hope. And at least visually it gorgeous.
  19. LeChvck
    Sep 24, 2022
    8
    The highlight is undoubtedly the beautiful scenery and effects and it's worth a watch just for that. The acting is really good as well, the plot is interesting but a little slow for now, I hope it improves in the second part of the season.
  20. swiftouch
    Sep 24, 2022
    8
    I don’t generally like origin stories but this is intriguing. There are so many! There's so much going on I’ve had to watch episode guides to keep track of it all.
  21. TrickyRikke
    Sep 22, 2022
    9
    I am loving this show so far. As a cinematic universe based off Tolkiens writings it has the look, feel, and charm of the movies that have come before it. As someone with bookshelves stocked with fantasy prose from wall to wall, I think the writing is great, the world building is wonderful, and the characters and cast are fantastic. Everything feels thought-out, natural and lively. If theI am loving this show so far. As a cinematic universe based off Tolkiens writings it has the look, feel, and charm of the movies that have come before it. As someone with bookshelves stocked with fantasy prose from wall to wall, I think the writing is great, the world building is wonderful, and the characters and cast are fantastic. Everything feels thought-out, natural and lively. If the season keeps up as good as the first half then this review will remain a 9/10.… Expand
  22. LOTR1
    Sep 2, 2022
    9
    Very good actors. Simply amazing (sarcasm). I am for maximum closeness to the original source and authenticity.
  23. Alycia_Franey
    Sep 20, 2022
    10
    I've read the criticism and some are valid however given that this is the second age, not much is known even by Tolkien himself. I rather enjoy the show and look forward each week to watching it.
  24. DwightLangosh4
    Sep 20, 2022
    10
    Estou Gostando bastante Acredito que o grande Publico ja queria ver lutas guerras etc . Começou de Forma Explicativa , alias são 5 temporadas as coisas tem que se construir aos poucos, personagens, lugares etc não é um filme como a trilogia que tudo tem que ser jogado em 2 horas . até agora estou gostando bastante ,
  25. Doylekatiekuhic
    Sep 20, 2022
    10
    Great production values, good performances, generally, good writing. Didn't really care for using the dwarves as comic relief, it jars with the tone of the rest of the story. this isn't The Hobbit and the worst of Jackson's work should be left behind.
  26. DrMister
    Sep 20, 2022
    8
    As a fan of all Tolkiens writings its sad to see the condensed timelines and lore rewrites, but I understand the issues with obtaining the Silmarilion IP and the 3000 years the show needs to cover. I like the visuals and the acting, the cast is doing a good job with what they got but I cant give it 10/10 with the extreme lore inaccuracy.
  27. Benton-Rutherfo
    Sep 20, 2022
    8
    I read all the negative reviews and was a little disheartened, but I mustered up the courage and watched it anyway. I loved every bit of it. Been a Tolkien fan since i was 12 and I know the lore in my sleep. I know that there is no way you can adapt thousands of years into a show without changing timelines and adding characters. Needless to say, I am a big fan of what they did so far. II read all the negative reviews and was a little disheartened, but I mustered up the courage and watched it anyway. I loved every bit of it. Been a Tolkien fan since i was 12 and I know the lore in my sleep. I know that there is no way you can adapt thousands of years into a show without changing timelines and adding characters. Needless to say, I am a big fan of what they did so far. I look forward to the next 5 seasons.… Expand
  28. Elmo98
    Sep 20, 2022
    7
    I have not read the books but have enjoyed RoP thus far. Not sure why all the hate. A good story takes time to tell and they need to build up the world first before diving in head first. Give it till the end of season 1 before you can really know.
  29. Roahim
    Sep 20, 2022
    7
    I don't get the trolling of this show since it's enjoyable to watch. Even if you don't like it the production is beautiful. It is leaving me guessing as to what's going to happen next.
  30. bettercallmaul
    Sep 20, 2022
    10
    Ok, I don't get the hate this show is getting. Watched the first episode with my family and everyone loved it. This included people who loved the LoTR movies. The cinematography and set pieces are beautiful and the cast was fine. If you're a fan of fantasy, just go in and enjoy the world building and the story development. It'll take time to introduce new characters. Americans just wantOk, I don't get the hate this show is getting. Watched the first episode with my family and everyone loved it. This included people who loved the LoTR movies. The cinematography and set pieces are beautiful and the cast was fine. If you're a fan of fantasy, just go in and enjoy the world building and the story development. It'll take time to introduce new characters. Americans just want every episode to have action or to end in some cliffhanger. For a fantasy series to explore as much as possible of its world, it needs time. You can't expect the action of a 3hr movie in a 8+ hr series (or possibly more, if there are more seasons to come). I've watched foreign series from Asia that are 40 hour+ long and it takes a while for the story to develop and there may be a lot of miscellaneous mini-adventures or non-essential story lines mixed in, but in the end, things feel epic. I have no worries about this series at its current rate. Looking forwards to more of it!… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Most Discussed TV Season of 2022

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Jo Livingstone
    Sep 16, 2022
    80
    Adar’s début drips with signifiers. ... When Adar informs Arondir in Episode 4 that he has been told many lies, some that “run so deep even the rocks and roads now believe them,” it is still a thrill. Tolkien succeeded in creating a mythic world, one that has now grown vast enough through acts of typological repetition and imitation to conquer television, too.
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  2. Slant Magazine
    Reviewed by: Chris Barsanti
    Sep 16, 2022
    63
    With war brewing and the forging of the rings seemingly still far off, the first half of The Rings of Power’s first season constitutes little more than stage-setting for the struggle to come. Given the lack of quests and central commanding figures, it often makes for less-than-gripping drama. However, given that there are four more seasons already planned, and potentially dozens of new characters to be introduced, the slow and throat-clearing build is possibly a good sign.
    Read full review
  3. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Sep 9, 2022
    90
    The Rings of Power is a reminder of what drew many of us to epic fantasy in the first place: wonder. ... This series set in an ancient realm displays one dazzling and painterly landscape after another. Power also doesn't skimp on action. [12 - 25 Sep 2022, p.10]
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