The wait is finally over for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power fans. Season 3 has officially landed on Prime Video, bringing Middle-earth back to our screens with a fresh batch of episodes. But as the new season premieres, it's making headlines for a different reason: it's now the lowest-rated season of the series on Rotten Tomatoes.
For those keeping score, the first two seasons of the epic fantasy series were well-received by critics, with Season 1 earning a solid 84% and Season 2 improving slightly to 85%. However, Season 3 has opened to a 79% score based on 29 reviews at the time of writing. While that's still a 'fresh' rating, it marks a new low for the show—a talking point that's sure to spark debate among fans and critics alike.
But numbers don't tell the whole story. Collider's own Therese Lacson gave the new season a glowing 8/10 in her review, declaring that the show 'finally reaches its peak.' ScreenRant's Graeme Guttmann also awarded it an 8/10, praising the season for feeling 'more focused' than its predecessors. On the flip side, CBR's Jamie Parker was less impressed, handing it a 5/10 and noting that 'Season 3's war falls frustratingly flat.'
So, what's the verdict? It seems the critics are divided, but the general consensus is that the show is still delivering the epic scale and character drama that fans have come to expect. The new season picks up after the dramatic events of Season 2, with the first three episodes now streaming. Episodes 5 and 6 will arrive next Wednesday, and the final two episodes are confirmed to drop on November 25.
For those who need a refresher, our Season 2 recap covers all the key twists you'll want to remember before diving into the new episodes. And if you're curious about the lore, the show has already revealed some major surprises, including the identity of the Dark Wizard and Gandalf's secret fire.
Looking ahead, Prime Video hasn't officially renewed the show for Season 4 yet, but the signs are promising. A writers room for Season 4 has already been opened, and plans are in place to shoot the next season sometime in 2027. That would put a potential Season 4 release in 2028, assuming the renewal goes through in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, fans have plenty to keep them busy. The franchise is also gearing up for a big-screen return with The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, directed by Peter Jackson, which hits theaters on December 17, 2027. That's the same day as Avengers: Secret Wars, setting up a box office showdown for the ages.
For now, all eyes are on Season 3. Whether you're a die-hard Tolkien fan or a casual viewer, the new episodes are available to stream on Prime Video. And if you're wondering how the show fits into the broader streaming landscape, check out our piece on Prime Video's anime dominance.
Stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of The Rings of Power as the season unfolds.
