Rings

Set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings', this series chronicles the events of the Second Age of Middle-earth. It follows an ensemble cast as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. The story explores the creation of the Rings of Power, the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron, and the epic tale of the last stand of the Elves. It delves into the forging of ancient alliances and the unexpected heroism of ordinary individuals.

The series received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise for its stunning visuals, expansive world-building, and ambitious scope. However, some critics noted issues with pacing and character development in its initial season. Audiences were more divided, with strong opinions on its faithfulness to Tolkien's lore and its narrative direction.

• Visually spectacular and epic in scale, capturing the grandeur of Middle-earth.

• Pacing and character depth were points of contention for some critics.

• A worthy, albeit sometimes slow-burning, expansion of Tolkien's universe.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the series' breathtaking visuals and faithful adaptation of the Middle-earth aesthetic. Many praised the ambitious storytelling and the introduction of new characters and plotlines within Tolkien's established lore. Some viewers found the narrative pacing to be a bit uneven, but the overall sentiment was positive, highlighting its potential for future seasons.

Nominated for 4 Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Series.

The series filmed its first season in New Zealand, returning to the iconic filming locations used for Peter Jackson's 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies.