Season 1 – Chief of War

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2:47

Aug 2025

History

Drama

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Popcornmeter

92%

Tomatometer

49 Reviews

84%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

Hawaii's four kingdoms are divided by war; to prevent further bloodshed, a Hawaiian war chief embarks on a mission to unite his people as an existential threat approaches their shores.

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Critics Consensus

Starring Jason Momoa at his ferocious best, Chief of War is a brutal epic that recreates Native Hawaiian history with commendable authenticity.

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David Opie

Empire Magazine

Aug 8

3/5

Momoa's magnum opus cuts a brutal swathe through epic chapters of Hawaiian history, long unseen and long overdue on screen — but you do wish the quieter moments carried as much weight as the barbaric battles.

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Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

Aug 6

3.5/4

Chief of War is invigorating, compelling and sweeping and also gives Momoa one of his meatiest roles yet.

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Rebecca Nicholson

Financial Times

Aug 5

4/5

Cut from a similar cloth to Shōgun, this grand, ambitious series deserves to call itself an epic.

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Neely Swanson

Beverly Hills Courier

Dec 22

This exquisitely produced period piece presents an account we know so little about. Although historical fiction, there is an authentic feel to this story that is magnetic.

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Mini Anthikad-Chhibber

The Hindu

Oct 13

With scrupulous attention to historical and cultural accuracy, this marvelously produced and acted tale of Hawaiʻi’s unification is equal parts thrilling and tragic

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Zosha Millman

IGN Movies

Sep 29

There’s a rightful sense of importance in every battle, every tradition, every connection forged, and lost, on screen. And a little too often that self-seriousness gets the better of the show.

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Kristin M.

@Hookemkm Feb 14

What a great show. I hope there are more seasons to come. It has a great story line.

Amy M.

@AmyMorgan Feb 9

Who thought of doing this in Hawaiian rather than English. I personally don’t want to read everything I watch. Good idea poor execution.

Tom F

Jan 29

Huge ambitions, sadly the execution is usually mundane.

E D

@EEEEEEEEEEE Dec 29

Fantastic show. Not perfect mind you, but a great piece touching on historical figures. The story of Hawaii's earlier days, it has plenty of character development, action, intrigue, and of course beautiful scenery. A very interesting show, would recommend as a watch although not for younger crowds for sure.

Peter T.

@wesbags Dec 27

Excellent historical epic.

Cade S.

@Bryan_Johnson_420 Dec 24

Stirring, powerful, thoughtful…..but still manages to be entertaining.

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Jason Momoa

Ka'iana

Temuera Morrison

King Kahekili

Luciane Buchanan

Ka'ahumanu

Te Ao o Hinepehinga

Kupuohi

Moses Goods

Moku

Siua Ikale'o

Nahi'

Episode 1

Aired Aug 1, 2025

The Chief of War

Ka'iana is summoned back home to Maui where he must decide whether to join King Kahekili in war.

Details

Episode 2

Aired Aug 1, 2025

Changing Tides

Fearing for their lives, Ka'iana and his family flee Oahu; an ally emerges with a promise of safe passage.

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Episode 3

Aired Aug 8, 2025

City of Flowers

Ka'iana arrives in a strange land; Ka'ahumanu takes her place beside Kamehameha.

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Episode 4

Aired Aug 15, 2025

City of Flowers Part ll

A dangerous power struggle emerges in the Kingdom of Hawaii; Kamehameha wrestles with his new responsibility; Ka'iana searches for Tony.

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Episode 5

Aired Aug 22, 2025

The Race of the Gods

Hawaii's four kingdoms are divided by war; to prevent further bloodshed, a Hawaiian war chief embarks on a mission to unite his people as an existential threat approaches their shores.

Details

Episode 6

Aired Aug 29, 2025

The Splintered Paddle

Kupuohi tries to keep the hope of peace alive as the drums of war grow louder; Ka'iana questions Kamehameha's leadership.

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Episode 7

Aired Sep 5, 2025

Day of Spilled Brains

A disagreement erupts about how to deal with the arrival of outsiders.

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Episode 8

Aired Sep 12, 2025

The Sacred Niu Grove

Hawaii's four kingdoms are divided by war; to prevent further bloodshed, a Hawaiian war chief embarks on a mission to unite his people as an existential threat approaches their shores.

Details

Episode 9

Aired Sep 19, 2025

The Black Desert

A great battle arrives as Kaiana and Kamehameha lead their army against the combined might of Maui and Keua.

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Chief of War: Season 1 Trailer