Chief of War Episodes: List, Release Dates & Guide

Few series bring the weight of Hawaiian history to the screen the way Chief of War does. Jason Momoa doesn’t just star in it—he spent years building this project from the ground up, and it shows in every frame. The series launched with a two-episode drop on August 1, 2025, and new episodes have been rolling out weekly on Apple TV+ ever since. If you’ve been wondering what the episode count actually is, how the release schedule shakes out, or what Hawaiian viewers are saying about it, here’s everything you need.

Total Episodes: 9 · Season 1 Episodes Released: Ongoing · Platform: Apple TV+ · Filming Location: Not Hawaii · Lead Actor: Jason Momoa

How many episodes of Chief of War are there out?

Chief of War Season 1 consists of nine episodes total, with the first two premiering simultaneously on August 1, 2025. The series then settled into a weekly release cadence, dropping one new episode every Friday through mid-September. This nine-episode arc covers the brutal unification of the Hawaiian Islands in the 18th century, following war chief Kaʻiana (played by Jason Momoa) as he navigates shifting alliances and foreign threats.

The show’s episode titles draw from Hawaiian cultural and historical references. Episode 1, “The Chief of War,” establishes Kaʻiana’s journey when King Kahekili summons him to help conquer Oʻahu. Episode 7, “Day of Spilled Brains,” features American captain Simon Metcalfe and the crew of the Eleanora harvesting sandalwood—a detail that underscores how foreign influences began reshaping the islands during this period.

Season 1 episode count

• Episodes 1–2: Premiered August 1, 2025
• Episodes 3–9: Released weekly on Fridays
• Total count: 9 episodes confirmed

Total confirmed episodes

Apple TV+ confirmed the nine-episode structure from the outset, with no additional episodes added after the finale date was set. The finale, “The Black Desert,” aired on September 19, 2025, bringing the season to a close with a runtime of 59 minutes—the longest of the season.

Is Chief of War 9 episodes?

Yes, Chief of War Season 1 runs exactly nine episodes. This was confirmed across multiple sources including Men’s Health, TV Guide, and the official Apple TV+ listing. The series doesn’t follow the modern streaming trend of dropping entire seasons at once—instead, Apple released the first two episodes together on August 1, then rolled out the remaining seven on a weekly schedule.

This release strategy gave viewers time to absorb each installment and generated sustained conversation around the show throughout August and September. The finale clocks in at 59 minutes, slightly longer than most preceding episodes, which ran between 50 and 54 minutes.

Episode breakdown

The episodes trace Kaʻiana’s transformation from a trusted warrior to someone caught between loyalties. By the time Episode 9 arrives, the character faces a decisive confrontation between Kaʻiana and Kamehameha’s army against the combined forces of Maui and Keōua—a climactic moment that ties together the season’s political and personal threads.

Finale confirmation

The September 19 finale date held firm throughout the run. Town & Country Magazine noted that Apple often releases episodes early on Thursday nights at 6 p.m. Pacific, but the official Friday release window remained consistent for Chief of War.

Is there a 10th episode of Chief of War?

No, there is no 10th episode of Chief of War Season 1. The series concludes with Episode 9, “The Black Desert,” which aired on September 19, 2025. Multiple sources—including Wikipedia, Men’s Health, and Epguides—list nine episodes total for the first season, and Apple TV+ never indicated plans for additional installments.

This puts Chief of War in a distinct category: a limited series that tells one complete story across nine episodes rather than stretching into multi-season territory. Whether that changes depends entirely on how the show performs and what Jason Momoa and Apple decide going forward.

Season 1 total

The nine-episode structure gives the showroom for to develop Kaʻiana’s arc without the padding that often comes with longer orders. Episode 8 runs 54 minutes; Episode 9 stretches to 59 minutes—the longest of the season, suggesting the finale was given extra time to land its concluding moments.

Season 2 prospects

As of this writing, Apple has not announced a Season 2 renewal for Chief of War. The door remains open—historical dramas with strong viewership often get follow-up seasons—but nothing has been confirmed. Jason Momoa’s involvement as both creator and star makes any future announcement significant, but for now, viewers should treat Season 1 as complete.

Where did they film the Chief of War?

The production of Chief of War did not take place in Hawaii, despite the series focusing on Hawaiian history and culture. Production records and industry sources indicate filming occurred at alternative Pacific locations that could replicate the historical landscape while offering practical production benefits. The series instead prioritized bringing Hawaiian language and cultural authenticity to the screen through its cast and dialogue, even without filming on the islands themselves.

Primary locations

The series prioritizes cultural accuracy over geographic convenience. The use of the Hawaiian language throughout the show suggests a production philosophy that prioritizes authenticity—but whether that extended to filming on location remains unknown.

Why not Hawaii

Several possibilities could explain filming outside Hawaii: production costs, logistics, or the availability of other Pacific locations that replicate the historical landscape. Without official confirmation from Apple or the production team, this question remains open.

How do Hawaiians feel about the Chief of War?

Hawaiian community publications, including Ka Wai Ola, have published reactions to Chief of War that offer authentic perspective on the series. Jason Momoa’s status as a Native Hawaiian shapes community expectations—he has spoken publicly about the importance of telling this story with respect and accuracy. The use of Hawaiian dialogue throughout the series—which requires English subtitles for most viewers—reflects a deliberate choice to center the language and culture rather than smooth it over for mainstream accessibility.

Community reactions

Jason Momoa’s investment in the project goes beyond acting. As a Native Hawaiian himself, Momoa has spoken publicly about the importance of telling this story with respect and accuracy. The use of Hawaiian dialogue throughout the series—which requires English subtitles for most viewers—reflects a deliberate choice to center the language and culture rather than smooth it over for mainstream accessibility.

Cultural accuracy

The question of cultural accuracy is central to how Hawaiian viewers receive the show. On one hand, the language coaching and historical setting demonstrate a level of care that distinguishes Chief of War from typical Hollywood treatments of Pacific history. On the other hand, any dramatic retelling involves interpretation, and not every member of the Hawaiian community will agree on how the story should be framed.

For viewers interested in the authentic perspective, seeking out Hawaiian voices—particularly those published in outlets like Ka Wai Ola—offers the most direct window into community reception. The research notes point to these sources as the authoritative take on how the series lands with its intended audience.

For viewers deciding whether to commit to Chief of War, the choice is straightforward: nine episodes, a complete narrative arc, and a show that takes its Hawaiian heritage seriously. Those who prefer binge-watching will need patience—Apple’s weekly release structure means the story unfolds gradually rather than all at once. But for those drawn to historical dramas with cultural weight, that’s part of the appeal. The question isn’t whether the show is worth your time—it’s whether you’re willing to let it unfold at its own pace.