Jason Momoa’s Apple TV+ Series Chief of War Matches Game of Thrones’ Rotten Tomatoes Score

Jason Momoa’s Apple TV+ series, Chief of War, has launched with notable success, earning an 89% score on Rotten Tomatoes, matching the rating of Game of Thrones. Premiering on August 1st, the show is set in late 18th-century Hawai’i and explores the efforts of a war chief striving to unite fractured kingdoms amid the looming threat of European colonization.

Plot and Setting Focus on Hawaii’s Divided Kingdoms and Approaching Danger

Chief of War unfolds during a turbulent period when Hawai’i’s four kingdoms are embroiled in conflict. The title character, Ka’iana, played by Momoa, takes on the challenge of preventing further violence as the threat of European invasion grows. This richly detailed story shines a light on a lesser-known chapter of American history through an epic tale of war and unity, trading fantasy elements often associated with Game of Thrones for historical drama.

Temuera Morrison, a familiar collaborator of Momoa, co-stars as King Kahekili, a powerful monarch who holds authority over Ka’iana. Morrison and Momoa have previously worked together on the series Frontier and shared roles as father and son in the DC Extended Universe’s Aquaman films, deepening their onscreen chemistry in Chief of War.

Positive Critical Response Highlights Authenticity and Momoa’s Impact

Critics have responded strongly to Chief of War, praising Momoa’s performance alongside the series’ cultural and historical authenticity. Nina Metz of the Chicago Tribune pointed out,

“none of [the show] would work without Momoa’s considerable screen presence”

—underscoring the actor’s significance in the project, which he describes as a personal passion rooted in his Hawaiian heritage.

The Wrap’s Adam Davidson noted,

“Momoa and [co-creator] Thomas Pa’a Sibbett have got something special on their hands”

in this carefully crafted epic. USA Today’s Kelly Lawler added that

“Filmed with a nearly all-Polynesian cast and often told in the Hawaiian language, the series is transportive, immersive and enlightening – the prettiest and bloodiest history lesson you’ll get all year.”

These perspectives emphasize the series’ commitment to representation and immersive storytelling.

Subtitles Present a Viewing Challenge for Some Audiences

While critics have largely embraced the show, the audience reception reflects some frustration due to the extensive use of Hawaiian-language dialogue requiring subtitles. The Rotten Tomatoes audience score stands at 74%, lower than the critics’ score, mainly because some viewers find the subtitles difficult to follow throughout the episodes.

User Jeff V. commented,

“It’s just too hard on my eyes to read subtitles for the entire series,”

highlighting the accessibility challenge that subtitles pose to a segment of the audience. This hurdle may be temporary, as future episodes are expected to include more English dialogue with the introduction of European colonizers into the story.

Series Release Schedule and Future Expectations

Currently, two episodes of Chief of War are available for streaming on Apple TV+, with new episodes set to premiere weekly until September 19th. The show’s early success on Rotten Tomatoes, combined with Jason Momoa’s star power and dedication, suggests that Chief of War could become a major historical epic that resonates with viewers seeking diverse and authentic storytelling.

Momoa’s involvement as both lead actor and co-creator adds a personal layer to the project, promising more compelling narratives connected to Hawaiian history. As the series progresses, it will be interesting to see how the audience reception evolves, particularly as the story introduces more complex conflicts and characters.