The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

What it’s about

In the Second Age of Middle-earth, an uneasy peace holds across scattered realms. From the elven forests of Lindon to the island kingdom of Númenor, the re-emergence of a long-dormant evil forces kingdoms and characters to confront a growing darkness. The central conflict pits the last alliance of elves and men against the rising power of Sauron, who seeks to dominate Middle-earth through the forging of magical rings.

What hooks you

The series draws on a rich ensemble cast, with Morfydd Clark as the elven warrior Galadriel and Charlie Vickers as the mysterious Halbrand, a man whose true nature is central to the unfolding threat. Directors Wayne Che Yip, J. A. Bayona, Louise Hooper, Charlotte Brändström, and Sanaa Hamri helm the production, which has earned Saturn Award nominations for best fantasy television series. The show’s commitment to practical effects is evident in its use of actors in makeup for orcs, aiming for a grounded realism. Behind the scenes, the production went to extraordinary lengths to keep plot details secret, including fingerprint-locked doors and guarded writer’s rooms.

Who it’s for

It will appeal to those who enjoy epic fantasy with intricate world-building and a slow-burning sense of dread. Those who appreciate stories about the corrupting influence of power and the forging of alliances will find much to savour.