Jason Momoa’s new series Chief of War premieres on Apple TV Plus with two episodes on August 1, 2025. The historical drama about Hawaiian warrior Ka’iana will be available at different times across the world. Fans can watch the first episodes starting at 12 am Eastern Time in the US.
The show tells the true story of how Hawaiian chief Ka’iana fought against colonization in the late 1700s. Momoa both stars in and helped create the series. He plays Ka’iana, a leader trying to unite his people against foreign invaders.
Release Time for Chief of War Episodes 1 and 2
Chief of War episodes 1 and 2 will be available on Apple TV Plus at these times:
- 12 am Eastern Time (July 31 at night for US East Coast)
- 9 pm Pacific Time (July 31 evening for US West Coast)
- 5 am British Summer Time (August 1 morning in UK)
- 6 am Central European Time (August 1 morning in Europe)
- 1 pm Japan Standard Time (August 1 afternoon in Japan)
- 2 pm Australian Eastern Time (August 1 afternoon in Australia)
After the first two episodes, new episodes will come out every Friday until September 19. There are nine episodes total in the first season.
Where to Watch Chief of War
Chief of War is only on Apple TV Plus. The streaming service costs $9.99 per month. New users can try it free for seven days. Apple TV Plus works on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
The show features many actors from Polynesian backgrounds. Along with Momoa, the cast includes Temuera Morrison and Luciane Buchanan. Most dialogue is in English with some Hawaiian language.
Story of Chief of War
The series follows Ka’iana as he travels outside Hawaii and returns to find colonizers threatening his home. He must unite the Hawaiian kingdoms to fight back. The show is based on real events from Hawaiian history.
“With Hawaii’s four kingdoms divided by war, the ferocious warrior Ka’iana embarks on an epic mission to unite his people as an existential threat approaches their shores,” says the official description.
Momoa and co-creator Thomas Pa’a Sibbett both have Hawaiian roots. They worked with cultural experts to make the show authentic. The team built traditional Hawaiian boats and weapons using old methods.
Chief of War Production Details
Filming happened in New Zealand and Hawaii. Big battle scenes were shot in Hawaii’s lava fields. The show has music from famous composer Hans Zimmer.
Some fans saw the show early at a special event in Hawaii on July 18. The premiere included Hawaiian music, dance, and food. Momoa and the cast attended the celebration.
Chief of War comes after Momoa’s other Apple TV Plus show See. That series ran for three seasons. The new show could also continue beyond one season if fans like it.
How Many Episodes in Season 1
Chief of War season 1 has nine episodes. Here’s the full schedule:
- The Chief of War – August 1
- Changing Tides – August 1
- City of Flowers – August 8
- Ciudad De Flores, Part II – August 15
- The Race of the Gods – August 22
- The Splintered Paddle – August 29
- Day of Spilled Brains – September 5
- The Sacred Niu Grove – September 12
- The Black Desert – September 19
The last episode is directed by Jason Momoa himself. Each episode tells part of Ka’iana’s story as he fights to protect Hawaii.
Also read: Jason Momoa’s New Series Chief of War Premieres August 1 on Apple TV+ with Epic Hawaiian Story
Credits: Information gathered from Apple TV Plus press releases, entertainment news sites, and official show materials.
