@wsj

Amazon said more than 25 million people around the world sampled the premiere of its highly anticipated series “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” on Sept 2., the biggest debut in the streaming service’s history.⁠ ⁠ This marks the first time Amazon has released viewership data for its content. The company declined to say how the show’s ratings compared with other content on the platform.⁠ ⁠ Based on the work of J.R.R. Tolkien, the series is the most expensive television production ever. WSJ reported that the budget to make the show, coupled with the fee to acquire the rights from the Tolkien estate, was about $715 million.⁠ ⁠ Amazon Studios Chief Jennifer Salke called the series and the initial response a “proud moment” for the company. “It is the tens of millions of fans watching—clearly as passionate about Middle-earth as we are—who are our true measure of success,” she said in a statement.⁠ ⁠ “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” was a passion project for Amazon founder and executive chairman Jeff Bezos, who was very involved in the effort to land the rights to make the series.⁠ ⁠ Read more at the link in our bio.⁠ ⁠ Photo: Prime Video