To the surprise of no one, The Rings of Power is Amazon's most-watched show ever

Galadriel in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
(Image credit: Amazon)

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is Amazon Prime Video's most-watched show ever, according to Amazon Studios boss Vernon Sanders. 

The streamer has already shared that the first two episodes – released together – brought in a massive 25 million global viewers in their first 24 hours available, which marks Amazon Prime Video's biggest ever premiere. 

"We green-lit this, we made this investment, just on the rights, so long ago, that I don't even know what the hopes were," Sanders told Collider. "But it has been a tremendous success. It is, by far, our most-watched show, first-season scripted series, by far. It's our most acquisitive show. We still have millions of people coming to this show within the last month, millions and millions of people coming to the show for the first time, even in the last month."

He added: "So, it's just been a powerhouse for us. And, as big of an investment as it's been, it has more than paid off for us. So, we're thrilled."

The Lord of the Rings show's popularity is definitely good news for the streamer; the series is already confirmed to run for five seasons. The Rings of Power season 2 is in production at the moment, though there's no release date just yet. 

One major change for the next installment has already been confirmed, though: Adar has been recast and will now be played by Sam Hazeldine. The character was previously played by Joseph Mawle.  

While you wait for more from Middle-earth, check out our guide to all the upcoming TV shows coming soon for everything else to get excited about. 

Molly Edwards
Senior Entertainment Writer

I'm a Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, covering all things film and TV for the site's Total Film and SFX sections. I previously worked on the Disney magazines team at Immediate Media, and also wrote on the CBeebies, MEGA!, and Star Wars Galaxy titles after graduating with a BA in English. 

Read more
Annatar and Celebrimbor in Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2, episode 7
The Rings of Power season 2 had a steep decline in viewership from season 1, but it's not the only show that struggled
Annatar and Celebrimbor in Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2, episode 7
The Rings of Power has been renewed for season 3 – and the show is jumping ahead several years
Charlie Vickers as Annatar and Morfydd Clark as Galadriel in The Rings of Power season 2 finale (2024)
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 3 release date speculation, cast, plot, and more news
Lord of the Rings in order: Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings The Fellowship of the Ring.
How to watch The Lord of the Rings movies and shows in order (release date and chronological)
Jamie Campbell Bower in Stranger Things 4
Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 3 adds Stranger Things star and Eddie Marsan to cast
Alan Ritchson as Reacher in Reacher season 3
Reacher season 3 breaks a new record for Prime Video as the action show becomes its most-watched returning season of television ever
Latest in Lord of the Rings TV Shows
Jamie Campbell Bower in Stranger Things
The Rings of Power newcomer Jamie Campbell Bower has 'revealed' his season 3 character – but it could be a Sauron-style misdirect
Jamie Campbell Bower in Stranger Things 4
Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 3 adds Stranger Things star and Eddie Marsan to cast
Annatar and Celebrimbor in Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2, episode 7
The Rings of Power season 2 had a steep decline in viewership from season 1, but it's not the only show that struggled
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
You probably missed this heartbreaking Celebrimbor detail in The Rings of Power
Elrond in Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2, episode 7
The Rings of Power season 2, episode 7 is the show's version of The Two Towers – and it's the best episode of TV released all year
Annatar in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 episode 5
The Rings of Power season 3 has a "strong" story as showrunners give an update on writing: "We're hoping to turn it around as fast as possible"
Latest in News
Minecraft movie image of Jack Black as steve
Don't expect Minecraft to go free-to-play anytime soon, as Mojang says "It doesn't really work with the way we built it"
Yasuke looking over the water to a shrine during sunset in Assassin's Creed Shadows
Assassin's Creed Shadows has an entire island stuffed with adorable kittens you need to check out, and it's based on an actual Japanese cat paradise
phase zero key art showing zombies in a hallway
Former Witcher 3 and Dying Light devs reveal their Resident Evil homage, complete with PS1-style fixed cameras
Shadow of Mordor's Nemesis System was only created because WB Games wanted something to combat Batman Arkham Asylum's second-hand sales, exec says
First-person screenshot from ASYLUM, showing the protagonist's hand holding up a notebook while walking through a dark corridor.
After 15 years and a $120,000 Kickstarter push, this cult horror dev has finally released a successor to their 2006 breakout game
screenshot from Rogue Light Deck Builder showing a claymation figure sitting behind a desk.
With 97% positive reviews on Steam, Rogue Light Deck Builder is a hilarious $3 parody game that takes its name very literally