The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 3 gets a reassuring update in a new renewal timeline report, just after the close of season 2. The end of The Rings of Power season 2 set the stage for Sauron’s (Charlie Vickers) ascension, having crafted the Nine Rings, which are destined to influence the rulers of Man across Middle-earth. Many other storylines came to a head as well, with Pharazôn (Trystan Gravelle) targeting the Faithful across Númenor, forcing Elendil (Lloyd Owen) to flee, as well as revealing the Stranger (Daniel Weyman) is actually Gandalf.

Now, according to The Hollywood Reporter, The Rings of Power season 3 is closing in, and is expected to be confirmed before the end of October. This news follows Prime Video’s UK Upfront presentation in London last week, where Head of Amazon MGM Studios Jennifer Salke revealed season 2 had garnered 55 million viewers, contrasted with season 1’s 150 million viewers. Showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay have already been preparing season 3’s story, continuing the work of the multi-year deal they signed with the studio.

The Rings of Power‘s renewal is also being justified because of its Nielsen rankings, earning over 1 billion minutes of watch time during its second week (season 2, episode 4). With up through season 5 planned for the show, THR also reports the writers room for season 2 will consist of executive producer Justin Doble and consulting producers Constance Cheng, Ava Wong Davies, Ben Tagoe, and Jonathan Wilson. Griff Jones and Sarah Anson will be acting as staff writers. This team bolsters the report that good news for season 3 is right around the corner.

What Season 3’s Renewal Means For The Rings Of Power

The Fantasy Series Might Achieve Its 5-Season Plan

With The Rings of Power season 3 renewal seemingly just around the corner, it appears Payne and McKay will be able to bring their 5-season plan for the fantasy series to life. This was originally confirmed by Amazon before the series arrives on Prime Video, and was in question following reports that less than half the people who started season 1 finished watching it. While the numbers for season 2 are considerably less than season 1 based on Salke’s words, giving the show enough time to draw in viewers now that the finale has arrived means its popularity can grow.

As for the events set to unfold, the characters in The Rings of Power are still in many different locations all across Middle-earth and beyond. However, with all except for the One Ring now crafted, Sauron’s next moves now that Adar (Sam Hazeldine) is dead will likely bind everyone into the same fate. While it’s unclear how he’ll get the Nine Rings to influence the rulers of Men, season 3 will likely explore his plans in more detail, inching the story ever closer to his rise to power across the fantasy world.

Our Take On The Rings Of Power Season 3 Renewal News

It’s Unsurprising Given Amazon’s Plans

Image via Prime Video

Given Amazon originally planned for The Rings of Power to go through season 5, it’s not surprising the show is about to be renewed for season 3. Given that it’s become the most expensive show ever made, with reports during season 1 that each episode cost $50 million or more to make, the studio’s major investment and promise to deliver means they’ll have to see it through to the end. Despite some dwindling viewership, the show remains popular enough to justify its continuation, meaning more concrete news about season 3 is likely just around the corner.