Middle-earth returns to Prime Video this week: the first four episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 3 premiere globally on 11 November 2026.

Prime Video’s official season guide confirms a substantial opening drop rather than a single weekly episode. Episodes five and six follow on 18 November, with the final two arriving on 25 November.

Middle-earth is already at war

Season 3 moves five years beyond the fall of Eregion. Sauron’s armies have spread across Middle-earth, leaving Khazad-dûm and the protected Elven realms of Lindon and Rivendell among the remaining barriers to complete domination.

Deep in Mordor, Sauron is working from the newly completed Barad-dûr to create the weapon that will define the age: the One Ring. The new season therefore begins much closer to the central conflict Tolkien readers know, with Dwarves, Elves, Men and Wizards forced towards an uneasy common cause.

New characters and returning favourites

Charlie Vickers returns as Sauron, alongside Morfydd Clark as Galadriel, Robert Aramayo as Elrond, Daniel Weyman as Gandalf, Owain Arthur as Durin IV and the wider ensemble.

New additions include Jamie Campbell Bower as Celeborn, Zubin Varla as Khamûl, Eddie Marsan as Thrain, Andrew Richardson as Anárion and Adam Young as the Orc Marnûkh. Simon Pegg provides the voice of the Balrog.

The UK release plan

The first four episodes become available on Prime Video on Wednesday 11 November. Prime Video describes the launch as global, covering more than 240 countries and territories, although viewers should check the service locally for the precise availability time.

The staggered three-week release keeps the opening battle concentrated while leaving room for weekly discussion around the final four episodes. It also means the whole eight-episode season is due to be available before the end of November.

Fans looking for a tangible piece of Middle-earth can also see ASACC seller CanvasCreations’ Hobbit Hole reclaimed-wood sign.

Featured image: official Prime Video Season 3 press still showing Sauron in Barad-dûr. Credit: Prime Video/Amazon MGM Studios.