Fans of Jason Momoa’s historical drama Chief of War are eagerly waiting to hear if the series will return for a second season. The show, which debuted on Apple TV+ in August 2025, tells the story of the unification of the Hawaiian Islands in the late 18th century. As of now, Apple TV+ has not officially confirmed a second season, but the cast and creators have expressed strong interest in continuing the story.
Current Renewal Status
As of September 2025, Apple TV+ has not made an official announcement about Chief of War Season 2. The first season concluded on September 19, 2025, with a nine-episode run. Despite the lack of confirmation, producers and cast members remain hopeful. Jason Momoa and co-creator Thomas Paʻa Sibbett initially pitched the show as a limited series but later expanded their vision to allow for multiple seasons. In a July 2025 interview, they mentioned that a decision from Apple was expected in September regarding not just a second season, but possibly a third as well.
“We have a lot of fights to battle and to go through because it’s not our money making this, but you know, it’s a collaborative process,” Momoa explained .
What the Cast and Creators Say
Luciane Buchanan, who plays Queen Kaʻahumanu, has been vocal about her desire to return for another season. She emphasized that there is much more of the story to explore, including additional battles and betrayals that occurred historically.
“I love playing this character so much. There’s so much to be explored. I think anyone who watched the show and has dug into the history will know that there are many, many more battles and betrayal and different things that happen in order for Kamehameha to unite these kingdoms,” Buchanan told Deadline .
Jason Momoa has also shared his optimism about the show’s future. He highlighted the positive response from critics and fans, particularly in Hawaii, and expressed confidence that the story could continue.
“Listen, if people really resonate with it, there’s so many possibilities of what can happen. Next season, if there is one, oh, it’s all [coming] out, because this story is f—— huge, dude,” Momoa told The Hollywood Reporter .
Plans for Future Seasons
Although Chief of War was originally conceived as a limited series, Momoa and Sibbett changed their approach before filming began. They decided to expand the narrative to accommodate multiple seasons, even making creative changes to historical events for dramatic impact. For example, the death of Kaʻiana’s brother Nahi did not happen exactly as portrayed in the show, but it was included to add emotional depth and set up future storylines.
“We were like, ‘Man, we have to tell more. We have to open this [story] up.’ But when we changed the structure, we knew that Nahi was going to have to die. Nahi didn’t die this way, but I knew for story [purposes], it was going to create the maximum amount of emotional impact,” Momoa explained .
What to Expect in Season 2
If renewed, Season 2 is expected to delve deeper into the battles and political struggles involved in unifying the Hawaiian Islands. Luciane Buchanan hinted that future seasons could explore the older years of Kaʻahumanu, who historically lived into her sixties. Other cast members, like Te Ao o Hinepehinga (Kupuohi), have expressed interest in exploring the roles of women in battle, a historically significant aspect that was briefly touched upon in the first season.
The first season finale left several storylines unresolved, including a cliffhanger where King Kahekili orders the assassination of Kaʻiana. This sets the stage for potential new conflicts and alliances in a second season .
Fan Reactions and Critical Response
Chief of War has been well-received by both critics and audiences. It holds a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been praised for its authenticity and cultural representation. The show’s emphasis on Hawaiian history, language, and customs has resonated deeply with viewers, particularly those from Hawaii and the broader Polynesian community.
Fans have taken to social media to express their hopes for a second season, with many praising Jason Momoa’s performance and the show’s stunning visuals. The combination of positive reviews and strong viewer engagement increases the likelihood of Apple TV+ renewing the series.
Background of the Show
Chief of War is a historical drama created by Jason Momoa and Thomas Paʻa Sibbett. The series focuses on the journey of Kaʻiana, a Hawaiian chief who becomes involved in the unification of the islands under King Kamehameha. The show features a predominantly Polynesian cast, including actors from Hawaii, New Zealand, and other Pacific regions. The use of the Hawaiian language and traditional customs adds to its authenticity.
The first season was filmed in New Zealand, with locations like the Bay of Islands standing in for 18th-century Hawaii. The production also involved cultural advisors to ensure historical accuracy, from the construction of traditional war vessels to the incorporation of Hawaiian music and instruments .
Where to Watch
The entire first season of Chief of War is available for streaming on Apple TV+. The series debuted with two episodes on August 1, 2025, followed by weekly releases until the finale on September 19, 2025 .
Also Read: Chief of War on Apple TV Plus Features Real Hawaiian Historical Figure Keōua Kūʻahuʻula
