Jason Momoa, known for his iconic role as Khal Drogo, has expanded his career with the acclaimed Apple TV historical drama Chief of War. The series, which explores the unification of the Hawaiian Islands under Momoa’s character Kaʻiana, is set to be removed from Peacock on January 31st, leaving subscribers a limited time to watch the first three episodes. This development highlights the shifting availability of the show amid growing interest in indigenous storytelling and historical dramas.
Chief of War’s Arrival and Departure on Streaming Platforms
Chief of War premiered on Apple TV in August 2025, with the first three episodes also released on Peacock through a bundle deal between Apple TV and Peacock signed in October. These available episodes on Peacock will be pulled at the end of January, after which the full nine-episode season will remain exclusively on Apple TV. Jason Momoa co-created the series alongside Thomas Paʻa Sibbett, also serving as star and executive producer. The show centers on Kaʻiana, a Hawaiian chief striving to unite conflict-ridden islands as external threats loom.
Critical Acclaim and Cultural Impact of Chief of War
Chief of War has quickly established itself as one of the most notable historical dramas of the decade, standing alongside celebrated series such as Bridgerton and The Great. Upon release, it topped Apple TV’s streaming charts and earned overwhelmingly positive reviews. Critics praised the series for its authenticity, cultural respect, and immersive storytelling, giving it a 92% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes—surpassing even Game of Thrones, which holds an 89% rating—and an 84% audience score.
Reviewers highlighted the series’ dedication to indigenous perspectives, which remain underrepresented in mainstream Hollywood. Callie Hanna of FandomWire remarked,
Taken together, it provides a vibrant, layered, and deeply human perspective of a culture too often ignored or whitewashed by most mainstream Hollywood productions.
The show has been compared to landmark narratives like Shōgun, noted for its rich world-building and dramatic depth, with The Indian Express’s Rohan Naahar describing Chief of War as
Epic and exotic; daring yet dignified, Jason Momoa’s Chief of War is yet another example of Apple’s ambitious quest to replicate the golden era of HBO.
Future Prospects and Streaming Access Following Peacock’s Exit
Peacock will no longer host the initial episodes of Chief of War after January 31st, but Apple TV will continue to provide access to the entire first season. Though a second season has not been officially announced, Thomas Paʻa Sibbett expressed optimism about continuing the story, sharing with Town & Country,
It just picks up; it just gets bigger and bigger. And so we just can’t wait to have an opportunity to do that.
This indicates a strong determination from the creators to further develop the narrative and explore the historical and cultural complexities introduced in the debut season.
The series’ removal from a widely accessible platform like Peacock may create a temporary hurdle for some viewers, but its availability on Apple TV ensures dedicated audiences can continue experiencing its full story. Given the critical success and unique cultural lens of Chief of War, anticipation remains high for its potential continuation and the ongoing exposure of indigenous histories through mainstream media.
