Ever since Game of Thrones went from being the jewel of television to a global disappointment, viewers have been searching for something to fill that void. Some turned to Vikings, others tried The Witcher, and more recently, Shogun gathered its fair share of followers. But the latest contender isn’t on Netflix or HBO—it’s on Apple TV+. The series Chief of War has quickly become a sensation, topping charts in more than 60 countries.
Launched on 1 August, the show dropped its first two episodes together, before moving into a weekly release. Barely three weeks in, and with only three episodes available, it has already conquered audiences. According to data firm FlixPatrol, it ranks first among the most watched series on Apple’s streaming platform. Over on Rotten Tomatoes, the critics’ score hovers at 92%, with viewers giving it a solid 81%. Not bad for a drama still finding its footing.
Jason Momoa’s ambitious Hawaiian tale
So what’s behind all the hype? Chief of War is the brainchild of Jason Momoa and Thomas Paʻa Sibbett. If Momoa’s name rings a bell, it’s not just because he once ruled the screen as Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones. This time, he isn’t simply in front of the camera—he’s also co-creator and co-writer.
The story focuses on Kaʻiana, a Hawaiian chief who famously turned against King Kamehameha I during the battle for Oahu in 1795. Forget dragons and sorcery; here the magic lies in history itself. It’s a world rarely explored on screen, which makes the show feel both fresh and immersive.
Momoa also plays the lead, lending his usual intensity to a role deeply connected to his own heritage. To ensure authenticity, the creators worked with Hawaiian language experts and cultural advisers throughout production. That care shows, from the dialogue to the landscapes, offering viewers a drama that feels both epic and grounded.
Why Chief of War is one to watch
What makes Chief of War stand out is not only its sweeping battles and political intrigue but also its cultural depth. For viewers weary of the endless cycle of medieval fantasies, this is something different: a story rooted in real history, told with the scale and ambition of the best prestige dramas.
And then there’s the personal connection. Watching Momoa channel the strength and resilience of a Hawaiian leader feels more than just performance—it’s a passion project. That authenticity resonates, much like Chernobyl did when it pulled back the curtain on a past few truly knew.
With glowing reviews, a star who believes in every frame, and the momentum of topping the charts worldwide, Chief of War is shaping up to be Apple TV+’s most ambitious project yet. Whether it becomes a cult classic or simply the next watercooler hit, one thing is clear: this is a show you don’t want to miss.
So if you’ve been chasing that elusive mix of grandeur, grit and gripping storytelling since the fall of Game of Thrones, you might just find it here. And with Momoa at the helm, it’s fair to say that Chief of War could well be the series to beat.
