Amazon has announced the debut episode of Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power made its debut to 25 million viewers, making it Prime Video's biggest premiere ever.
It comes after HBO said its own fantasy blockbuster, House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones, shattered its own records, with 10 million viewers in the US alone.
Based on the works of JRR Tolkien, the show has been touted as one of the most expensive to ever be made, with Amazon making a five-season production commitment estimated at $1 billion.
The big-budget TV series, which broadcast its first two episodes in the UAE on Friday, weaves together material from across Tolkien's novels and their appendices, but has not been directly adapted from any of the source materials. Amazon acquired the rights to the material for $250 million, and has already dropped $465m on the first season alone.
Reflecting on the show's successful debut, Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios said: "It is somehow fitting that Tolkien's stories — among the most popular of all time, and what many consider to be the true origin of the fantasy genre — have led us to this proud moment."
Speaking at a virtual press conference ahead of the show's launch, co-creator Patrick McKay, said: “When you think about the breadth and depth of that mythology Tolkien created, it's vast and bottomless. It’s an ocean of ideas.
“You have these iconic rings: three for the Elves, seven for the Dwarves, and nine for the Men, and we asked what these cultures were like before the rings,” McKay says. “What would have happened in them that would make the rings an attractive offer? What problems were the rings solving?”
The emerging rivalry between the world's two pre-eminent fantasy prequels, The Rings of Power and House of the Dragon raises the stakes in the streaming wars. Both shows will be screened weekly, to an audience hoping to wash away the bittersweet taste of the final season of Game of Thrones, which drew a mixed reception — dropping from highs of more than 90 per cent on reviews aggregator Rotten Tomatoes to only 55 per cent.
For now, it appears that interest remains high for both shows. How their success will affect the increasingly crowded streaming landscape, amid Disney+ and Netflix, remains to be seen.
Scroll through images of real-life Hobbit holes below
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The circular door of this real-life hobbit house in Texas reflects Bag End, the home of Bilbo Baggins. Photo: Dasha Wright -
Formerly an old wooden shed, the hobbit house has been converted using all natural materials. Photo: Dasha Wright -
A wooden chair and table beneath a map of Middle Earth. Photo: Dasha Wright -
Furniture and accessories were sourced from flea markets and fairs across Dallas. Photo: Dasha Wright -
'People tell me that as soon as they open the door they enter into another reality,' says Maria Gold. Photo: Dasha Wright -
Cynthia and Pepper Clayton have created a Middle Earth home in the US. Photo: Cynthia Clayton -
The hobbit house in Vermont cost the couple $350,000 and 6,000 hours in labour. Photo: Cynthia Clayton -
The interior of the cosy bar. Photo: Cynthia Clayton -
The finished cottage boasts a full kitchen, dining room, lounge and library. Photo: Cynthia Clayton -
It is built into the hillside of their 5-hectare estate in Middletown Springs, Vermont. Photo: Cynthia Clayton -
The view from the circular front door across the Vermont countryside. Photo: Cynthia Clayton -
'Lord of the Rings' fans can also stay in this real-life hobbit home in the UK countryside. Photo: Jaqulyn Hamilton -
Inspired by the 'Lord of the Rings' books, the Sussex hobbit house is both atmospheric and luxurious. Photo: America Brewer -
The property took more than a year to build. Photo: America Brewer -
The luxury abode sits on a vineyard in the English countryside and has impressive attention to detail. Photo: America Brewer -
The 'Middle Earth' home is nestled into a hillside and has a 300-kilogram round entrance door.
