The first season of the American fantasy television series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is based on J. R. R. Tolkien 's history of Middle-earth, primarily material from the appendices of the novel The Lord of the Rings (1954–55). Set thousands of years before the novel in Middle-earth 's Second Age, the series begins in a time of relative peace and follows various characters as they face the re-emergence of darkness. The season includes a mystery about the whereabouts of the ... Reviewers say ' The Rings of Power ' receives mixed reactions for its stunning visuals, intricate world-building, and ambitious storytelling. Critics point to deviations from Tolkien's lore, weak writing, and inconsistent pacing. Fans express disappointment in character portrayals and plot changes ... Set thousands of years before the events of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings , this epic drama follows an ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. How to watch " The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power " on Netflix and other services – including free options.