Season 1 – Chief of War

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2:47

Aug 2025

History

Drama

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Tomatometer

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, 2025

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, 2025

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, 2025

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, 2025

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, 2025

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

Sep 29, 2025

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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Michael T

@TurnerMichael86 Oct 19, 2026

One of the best shows I've seen in the last decade. Loving every second of it

Trina M

@Trina861 Aug 2, 2026

The scenery is gorgeous, the action is brutal when it needs to be, and hearing so much Hawaiian made it feel unique. After two episodes I was completely on board.

Kerri B

@Kerriberri Jul 29, 2026

It's not a subject that I have a particular interest in, but I like historical shows and was pleasantly surprised by this one. The series has gorgeous scenery, a Hans Zimmer soundtrack, good pace and a fair bit of action and brutality.

Sherrie G

@RT56790953211 Jul 23, 2026

The production value is amazing. You can tell a lot of care went into the historical setting, and Jason Momoa absolutely carries the show.

Caroline F

@Carothecat Jul 16, 2026

The cinematography is incredible. It feels much more ambitious than I expected, and Jason Momoa clearly poured a lot into this project.

Rosie C

@RosieGo Jun 13, 2026

Not the next Shogun, but good in its own way. It will force you to watch and not second screen it. I recommend watching the show.

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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.

Details

Episode 3

Aired Aug 8, 2025

City of Flowers

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

Details

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.

Details

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.

Details

Episode 7

Aired Sep 5, 2025

Day of Spilled Brains

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

Details

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.

Details

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Chief of War: Season 1 Trailer