The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on August 29, 2024. The second installment of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will focus on the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron and the establishment of more rings of power.
Based on J.R.R. Tolkien's work and created by J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, the fantasy show's first season was set before the events of the novels The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. It tells the story of the important events of Middle-earth's Second Age.
The series received favorable reviews for its ambitious scale, beautiful costumes, gorgeous locations, and its poetic and mythic nature. So, for those who have finished the first season and are hungry for more fantasy worlds, here are five fantasy shows to watch while you wait for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2.
House of the Dragon, The Witcher, and other shows to watch while waiting for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2
1) The Witcher - Netflix
Created by Lauren Schmidt Hissrich, this fantasy-drama is based on a series of books by Andrzej Sapkowski. The show stars Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, Freya Allan, and revolves around Geralt of Rivia (Cavill), a monster hunter. He is bound to Princess Cirilla of Cintra (Allan), who has magical powers and needs protection.
Along the way, he falls for a quarter-elf sorceress, Yennefer (Chalotra), whose past is intertwined with the princess. The show has multiple seasons, and Geralt must protect Cirilla from evil pursuers who want to use her magic for nefarious purposes. For those waiting for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2, The Witcher is sure to satisfy fantasy cravings.
2) The Wheel of Time - Amazon Prime Video
Based on a book series by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson, and developed by Rafe Judkins, this fantasy series has an ensemble cast featuring Rosamund Pike, Daniel Henney, Kate Fleetwood, and others. The show revolves around Moiraine (Pike), a powerful leader of an all-women organization called the Aes Sedai.
After a prediction dictates that an evil power called the Dark One will soon be unleashed to destroy society, Moiraine decides to call upon five young people from a secluded village, one of whom she believes is the Dragon Reborn. This person can either save the world from the Dark One or lead to its destruction. Just like the upcoming The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2, The Wheel of Time features great visuals and action scenes for fantasy fans.
3) House of the Dragon - HBO Max
A prequel to Game of Thrones, this fantasy show is created by George R.R. Martin and Ryan Condal, and is based on Martin’s book, Fire & Blood. The show has been much-hyped and is on the same grand and epic scale as the upcoming The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2. The show is set after the Seven Kingdoms are united by the Targaryens and 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones.
The series explores the power and influence of the Targaryens and the reasons behind the royal house’s eventual demise. The cast includes Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke, and others. With just one season in, the show has already received praise for its character development and visuals.
4) His Dark Materials - Amazon Prime Video
Based on Philip Pullman’s trilogy of novels, His Dark Materials is set in a world where every human has an animal counterpart called a daemon that reflects their soul. The show revolves around a young girl, Lyra, who uncovers a conspiracy involving a secret Church project that abducts children.
On her quest to find her friend, Lyra and her daemon, Pan, discover a host of parallel worlds filled with fantastical creatures and a mysterious force known as the Dust. For those looking for family-friendly and grounded material before The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2, His Dark Materials is a great option.
5) Shadow and Bone - Netflix
Developed by Eric Heisserer and based on the works of Leigh Bardugo, this fantasy show revolves around an orphan, Alina, who discovers after an accident that she is a Grisha—people with magical powers. She also learns that she is the most powerful Grisha who can control light and is fated to destroy the dark and evil territory called the Fold.
While dark forces are out to stop her, she joins forces with a general, Alexander, who claims to be a descendant of the Grishas that created the Fold. For those waiting for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2, Shadow and Bone is worth a try, as it has received praise for its world-building and exploration of mature themes.
Fantasy fans need not worry after finishing The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 1, as they can enjoy any of these shows while awaiting season 2.