Jason Momoa’s New Apple TV+ Series Scores Big Hit with Critics
Jason Momoa’s new series, Chief of War, has quickly become a standout on Apple TV+. Created by Thomas Paʻa Sibbett and Jason Momoa, who also stars and serves as an executive producer, the show premiered on August 1, 2025. It’s a historical drama that dives into the late 18th century when the Hawaiian Islands were divided into four warring kingdoms: Hawaiʻi, Maui, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi.
The story follows Kaʻiana, a chief and warrior from Kauaʻi, who leaves the islands for a time, then returns to join a fierce battle, ultimately opposing the unification led by Kamehameha I.
The show features a strong cast including Luciane Buchanan, Te Ao o Hinepehinga, Te Kohe Tuhaka, and even Temuera Morrison in a guest role. The visuals are striking, often highlighting traditional Hawaiian tattooing with rich, natural lighting that gives the series a unique look and feel. The music score is also notable, composed by Hans Zimmer and James Everingham, which adds to the epic atmosphere.
Critics have been very positive about Chief of War. The show holds a solid score on Rotten Tomatoes, with many praising Jason Momoa’s commanding screen presence. The show currently holds an 89% approval rate based on 28 critic reviews and a 76% approval rate when it comes to fan reviews.
His passion for the project shines through and helps bring this lesser-known part of history to life. The action scenes are intense and well-done, keeping viewers engaged while also exploring deeper themes like the impact of monarchy and outside influence on Hawaiian culture. Many feel the series is an important and long-overdue chance to share native Hawaiian stories on a big platform.
Momoa and Thomas Pa’a Sibbett have got something special on their hands. The promising first season has given them a perfect launching pad to further showcase the rich culture and powerful stories of native Hawaiians that have been waiting to be told.
Adam Davidson
The series’ impressively brutal action sequences are the fun stuff, but questions about the validity of a monarchy and the intrusions of the outside world on an insular culture are what stick with you.
Roxana Hadadi
Chief of War rumbles along for eight episodes as the kind of handsomely produced epic that you might remember fondly if you saw it when you were young enough.
Mike Hale
From a horrifying beach invasion to an unforgettable volcanic showdown, Chief of War delivers enough adrenaline-fueled fight scenes to make you feel like you can run through a wall or two.
Belen Edwards
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.
Kelly Lawler
However, not all reviews have been glowing. Some critics feel that while the conflicts are interesting and the actors charismatic, the series doesn’t dig deep enough into the characters or their struggles. They appreciate the effort to honor history accurately, but worry that the story might not be gripping enough to hold everyone’s attention in the long run.
Momoa and Thomas Pa’a Sibbett have got something special on their hands. The promising first season has given them a perfect launching pad to further showcase the rich culture and powerful stories of native Hawaiians that have been waiting to be told.
Adam Davidson
The series’ impressively brutal action sequences are the fun stuff, but questions about the validity of a monarchy and the intrusions of the outside world on an insular culture are what stick with you.
Roxana Hadadi
Chief of War rumbles along for eight episodes as the kind of handsomely produced epic that you might remember fondly if you saw it when you were young enough.
Mike Hale
From a horrifying beach invasion to an unforgettable volcanic showdown, Chief of War delivers enough adrenaline-fueled fight scenes to make you feel like you can run through a wall or two.
Belen Edwards
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.
Kelly Lawler
Overall, Chief of War is a promising new show that offers a fresh look at Hawaiian history. It’s already gaining fans for its strong performances and stunning visuals, even if some viewers want a bit more from the story. Jason Momoa and Thomas Paʻa Sibbett seem to have created something special that could grow into a powerful series celebrating native culture and history.
#ChiefOfWar — Series Premiere Now Streaming
— Apple TV (@AppleTV) August 1, 2025
Chief of War — Ke Kahe Nei pic.twitter.com/5bvFrS1oXw
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