The epic Hawaiian historical drama Chief of War has captivated audiences since its premiere on Apple TV+ on August 1, 2025, with Jason Momoa delivering a powerhouse performance as the fierce warrior chief Kaʻiana. Blending brutal battles, intricate political intrigue, and a deep respect for Native Hawaiian culture, the series quickly became a critical darling, boasting a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. But as the dust settles on Season 1’s explosive finale on September 19, 2025, fans are left with one burning question: Is Chief of War Season 2 happening? Here’s everything we know so far.
Quick Recap: What Is Chief of War About?
This isn’t just some historical drama—it’s a love letter to Native Hawaiian culture, raw and unfiltered. Kaʻiana, played by Momoa (who also co-created the show), rolls back to Kauaʻi after years abroad, only to get tangled in a bloody power struggle. He’s side-by-side with Kamehameha (Cliff Curtis, absolutely killing it), the chief aiming to unite the islands—Hawaiʻi, Maui, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi—against rival kingdoms and sneaky British colonizers. The stakes? Epic. Think betrayals sharper than obsidian, battles fiercer than a lava flow, and a finale, “The Black Desert,” that had Kamehameha crushing Keōua in a fiery showdown.
That ending, though—Kaʻiana’s mourning his brother, staring down enemies like Kahekili, and wrestling with his loyalty. It’s a cliffhanger that screams “more story, please!” Fans are raving, with a 93% Rotten Tomatoes score calling it a “savage masterpiece.” No wonder everyone’s scouring for Season 2 news like it’s buried treasure.
Has Chief of War Season 2 Been Renewed?
Here’s the deal: as of late September 2025, Apple TV+ hasn’t waved the official green flag. But the signs? They’re looking good. Momoa and co-creator Thomas Paʻa Sibbett spilled some tea to Hawaii News Now back in July, saying they’re dreaming of not just Season 2 but a third one too. “There’s so much more to tell,” Momoa said, grinning about talks with Apple execs. They hinted at expecting news by September’s end, so any day now, we could hear something juicy.
The finale sets up a perfect runway—Kahekili’s out for blood, the islands are still a mess, and Kaʻiana’s got personal demons to slay. Sibbett told Town & Country the story “just gets wilder” from here, with bigger stakes and crazier twists. Season 1’s shoot dodged actual volcanic eruptions, so the crew’s ready for anything. If the show’s keeping its hot streak with viewers (and early numbers look solid), Season 2 feels like a when, not an if.
Chief of War Season 2 Release Date: When Can We Expect It?
Patience, fellow island saga lovers. Even with a quick renewal, this beast of a show needs time to brew. Season 1 took years from conception in 2015 to premiere on August 1, 2025, thanks to custom war canoes, cultural advisors in every department, and Momoa’s hands-on directing. Experts peg a potential Chief of War season 2 release for late 2026 or early 2027. Awaiaulu.
