Abheet Gupta 
While we wait for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, House of the Dragon Season 3, The Witcher Season 4, HBO’s Harry Potter and Shōgun Season 2, Apple TV+ has served up a delicious snack for period drama lovers — Chief of War. This Hawaiian historical epic, created by Thomas Paʻa Sibbett and Jason Momoa, had its premiere on August 1, 2025, with new episodes are airing weekly. The story follows Kaʻiana, a warrior chief (aliʻi) of Kauaʻi, who after traveling beyond the islands, returns home to find the Hawaiian kingdoms — Hawaiʻi, Maui, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi — locked in a bloody struggle for dominance. As war rages, Kaʻiana joins the campaign for unification under Kamehameha, only to later rebel against it.
If you’re a fan of The Last Kingdom’s gritty realism or Game of Thrones’ political intrigue, here are five reasons you should absolutely dive into Chief of War:
1. A Technical Triumph With an Authentic World
Like The Last Kingdom or the non-magical parts of Game of Thrones, Chief of War thrives on authenticity. From meticulously crafted costumes to awe-inspiring cinematography that captures Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes and azure waters, the series feels like a living history lesson brought to life. Every set, weapon, and prop feels like it belongs to the late 1700s, and the realism is enhanced by the use of native language and cultural customs. This isn’t a show that exists just to fill a streaming slot — it’s made with passion, precision, and pride.
2. Themes of Unification of Warring Kingdoms
If you loved watching Uhtred navigate warring kingdoms in The Last Kingdom, you’ll feel right at home here. Kaʻiana’s journey is equally complex — caught between four rival Hawaiian clans, each with its own vision of unification. The political maneuvering, shifting allegiances, and personal conflicts are reminiscent of both Westeros and Anglo-Saxon England. The tension between loyalty to one’s people and the greater good gives the series emotional and thematic weight.
3. The Ambient Soundtrack That Elevates Everything
Scored by Hans Zimmer and James Everingham, the soundtrack is as immersive as the visuals. The music blends sweeping orchestral arrangements with haunting native chants, creating an atmosphere that’s both epic and deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture. Fans of John Lunn and Eivør’s work in The Last Kingdom or Ramin Djawadi’s ethereal tracks for House of the Dragon will find themselves instantly hooked. Whether it’s a quiet moment of reflection or a brutal battle, the score elevates the storytelling to cinematic heights.
4. Dothraki, Seers, and Prophecies
The tribal culture depicted in Chief of War will immediately resonate with Game of Thrones fans who loved the Dothraki. The series celebrates native Hawaiian traditions, spirituality, and prophecy while also showing the fierce, untamed side of tribal warfare. Seers and omens play a crucial role in the story, much like Melisandre and the Old Gods in Westeros or the Seers from The Last Kingdom. It’s a rare blend of beauty and brutality, where cultural richness is woven seamlessly into the narrative.
5. Bloody Battles and Unflinching Violence
For viewers who thrive on raw, unfiltered combat, Chief of War delivers in spades. The battles are intense and visceral, showcasing primitive yet ingenious weapons and strategies rarely seen in mainstream historical dramas. Every clash feels dangerous, unpredictable, and consequential. There’s no “glory of war” filter here — just the messy, chaotic reality of hand-to-hand combat with unique native weapons, that you might have never seen before on screen!
Final Thoughts
These five reasons barely scratch the surface of why Chief of War is a must-watch for fans of period epics and gritty political dramas. It’s a series that blends the lush beauty of Hawaii with the raw, primal energy of tribal warfare, anchored by Jason Momoa’s magnetic screen presence. If you’ve been missing the mix of strategy, bloodshed, and heart that The Last Kingdom and Game of Thrones brought to your screen, Apple TV+ has just given you your next obsession. And if you missed it on premiere day, don’t wait — dive in now and witness history brought to life like never before.
If you have any questions regarding Chief of War, feel free to ask in the comments below. For more content, stay tuned. As usual, like, subscribe and share our articles as we here are trying to build a community of people High on Cinema!
