'Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' becomes Amazon's most-watched premiere ever with 25 million viewers

foxnews.com:

"The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" has become Amazon Prime Video's most-watched premiere ever. The fantasy television series' debut drew a global audience of more than 25 million viewers, the largest in the streaming platform's 15-year history, according to a report by Deadline on Saturday. "Rings of Power", which is based on J.R.R.Tolkien's classic "The Lord of the Rings" novels, premiered Thursday in 250 countries and territories.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has become Amazon Prime Video's most-watched premiere ever. (Amazon Studios via AP) "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," Head of Amazon Studios Jennifer Salke said. "I am so grateful to the Tolkien Estate – and to our showrunners J.D.

Payne and Patrick McKay, executive producer Lindsey Weber, cast and crew – for their tireless collaborative efforts and boundless creative energy.

And it is the tens of millions of fans watching – clearly as passionate about Middle-earth as we are – who are our true measure of success." The eight-episode series was renewed for a second season ahead of the show's premiere, with a five-season commitment that was part of the deal when Amazon acquired the rights from the Tolkien estate in 2017.   "Rings of Power" has been billed as the most expensive show of all time.