Summary
The fantasy and sci-fi genres have seen tremendous growth in cinema and TV over the past few decades. Franchises likeStar Trek, Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings,andGame of Throneshave paved the way for more ambitious storytelling in these genres. With prequels, sequels, and spin-offs likeHouse of the DragonandThe Rings of Power, studios are capitalizing on established fan bases. However, one series has managed to captivate everyone from its inception is the ongoing Prime Video series:The Wheel of Time,adapted from the novels by Robert Jordan. With its rich world-building, compelling characters, and breathtaking visuals, it weaves a spellbinding tale that keeps audiences returning for more.
The first two seasons ofThe Wheel of Timewere successful; however, some people were unhappy with how Season 2 strayed from the source material. The third season of the fantasy series began in February 2025 and garnered near-universal acclaim, earning a stellar Rotten Tomatoes score of 97%. This is not only a win for the show itself, but also a promising indicator ofPrime Video’s future in the fantasy genre.
The Wheel of Time Continues To Enthrall
AlongsideThe Rings of Power,The Wheel of Timehas been a remarkable player in Prime Video’s effort to establish itself in the world of fantasy television. It would be a lie to say that it has been an easy journey for the show. The series faced the daunting task of living up to both literary expectations, and the high standards set by previous fantasy adaptations. While the first season received mixed reviews, Season 2 saw a major improvement, with solid storytelling, character development, and world-building. Now, Season 3 has taken things to greater heights, with even better storytelling and mind-blowing visuals.
Season 3 found a balance between creative liberties and faithfulness to the source material. This season of the Prime Video series is an adaptation of the novelThe Shadow Rising.In episode 4, the visions of Rand’al, Thor, and Moiraine seem to be copy-pasted from the books. For many, this may sound like a tiny detail, but those who have read the books know how difficult it is to adapt them. To do them so well is a huge achievement. All the visions seen by Rand’al in the books can also be seen during the episode, which has led to a more cohesive narrative that satisfies longtime book fans while remaining accessible to newcomers.
Meanwhile, other scenes have been heightened to give viewers something more thrilling. For example, in the show, a battle takes place inside The White Tower, and the Black Ajahs leave the city after stealing some powerful objects from the depository. However, in the books, the fight between the Aes Sedai doesn’t happen. In the books, the Black Ajahs steal objects and just leave the city after killing some people in the process. However, these changes have worked well for the show, and viewers have embraced them with open arms. It’s clear that if these changes are purposeful, audiences will embrace them.
Another reason for the acclaim is the show’s improved pacing. Although Season 2 garnered more favorable reviews than the first one, fans did talk about how the pacing affected the season overall. Season 2 focused a lot on characters, and their belief that a greater evil is rising. Meanwhile, Season 3 is all about taking these characters and throwing them into the middle of a brewing storm. This approach made this season more thrilling and intriguing to watch.
Prime Video’s Expanding Fantasy Universe: A New Era of Epic Storytelling
The Wheel of Time’s success assures Prime Video that its investment in high-budget fantasy projects is worth it. WhileThe Rings of Powerreceived mixed reviews,The Wheel of Timeis proving to be a more consistent success, demonstrating Prime Video’s ability to adapt complex fantasy worlds. This success also positions Prime Video as a serious competitor to other streaming giants like Netflix and HBO, both of which have their own fantasy juggernauts:The WitcherandHouse of the Dragon, respectively. WithThe Wheel of Timegaining critical acclaim and a strong fan following, Prime Video now has a flagship fantasy series.
It’s not just the visuals that make this series such a riveting watch. The storyline is also getting a lot of attention. Season 3 ofThe Wheel of Timedelivers a gripping chapter in the saga, weaving intricate political machinations with a broader exploration of its richly detailed world. At the beginning of the season, a fight sequence between the Aes Sedai showed that politics and manipulation would play a significant role in this season. And it doesn’t stop there. By shifting focus to its menacing antagonists, the season raises the stakes, offering a narrative that rewards patience. Viewers get to see how characters like Lanfear and Liandril are causing more trouble for the protagonists.
However, it was Episode 5 that surprised everyone. After the fourth episode, everyone wanted to see more action. But in Episode 5, the action took a backseat. The storytelling aspect came to the forefront, and the result was impeccable. This means that the show’s makers and writers know how to keep viewers engaged in the storyline. While its reliance on dialogue may not appeal to everyone, those who embrace its depth will find an experience both immersive and satisfying.
What Does This Success Mean For The Show’s Future?
With such a positive reception, the future ofThe Wheel of Timelooks brighter than ever. The highRotten Tomatoes score will likely encourage even more viewers to check out the show, cementing its place as a major fantasy series. Prime Video may double down on its commitment to expanding the franchise, potentially greenlighting more seasons or even spin-off content. The creative team has a solid foundation to adapt the remaining books in Jordan’s series with the care they deserve.
Moreover, the series seems to have advanced into a high-budget production. The first fight scene is the perfect example of how VFX can make it feel like something magical is happening in front of our eyes. The dream sequences in Episode 4, especially Moiraine’s visions, are breathtaking. Many such scenes are fantastic, not just visually, but how they move the story forward. The future seen by Moiraine is dark, yet it made fans curious about how the story would progress.
Making a fantasy series is not easy. Getting so much acclaim for it is even tougher, because fandoms can be cruel. Season 3 is a testament to how far the series has come. It’s now up to the makers to keep doing what they have been doing right and move forward with caution. After Season 1, a lot of people felt the show might not run for too long. However, Season 2 made everyone believe thatThe Wheel of Timewas going in the right direction, and Season 3 has made this show a brilliant watch. If Prime Video keeps on elevatingThe Wheel of Timewith such storytelling, it might set a new benchmark for fantasy television. The makers, especially showrunner Rafe Judkins, have done all the hard work to improve and make some bold moves to make this show a treat to watch.
