How Prime Video’s Era-Starting New Fantasy Show Can Run for 5+ Seasons & Deliver the Thing It’s Missing

by

Just as the popularity of movies like Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings sparked a wave of fantasy adaptations in the early 2000s, the success of Game of Thrones in the 2010s caused a surge in TV shows trying to replicate its appeal. Every network and streaming service wanted to find their own epic fantasy hit, or at least something similar. HBO, Netflix, Starz, and later Disney+ all attempted this, with mixed results. However, nothing has yet achieved the same cultural impact and widespread discussion that Game of Thrones had at its peak.

Prime Video has tried several times to create a successful fantasy series, and its upcoming show, Fourth Wing, might finally be the one. Based on Rebecca Yarros’ popular Empyrean Series books, the story is set at Basgiath War College, where students train for battle. They specialize in one of four areas – writing, infantry, healing, or becoming dragon riders. With its exciting premise and strong source material, Fourth Wing has the potential to be a long-running and significant hit for the streaming service.

Fourth Wing Should Run For A Minimum Of 5 Seasons

Violet Sorrengail expected to live a quiet life as a Scribe, but her plans change dramatically when she becomes a Rider – bonding with a dragon and finding herself caught up in a much larger, dangerous world filled with secrets. The story features romance, political intrigue, massive threats, betrayals, and thrilling battles with dragons, making it perfect for a long-running TV series.

Lauren Yarros originally intended to write a trilogy, but while working on the second book, Iron Flame, she realized the story needed five books to fully develop. So far, three books have been released, the latest being Onyx Storm (2025). Fortunately, Yarros has already planned out the entire series, including the beginnings and endings of each book and the overall conclusion, as she told Today last year.

The series appears to be planned for at least five seasons, with each season covering one book. However, it could potentially run longer. The fourth book will likely be extended as it leads into the final installment, and the fifth book is expected to be the most extensive of them all. Considering the amount of story to tell and the significant visual effects required – including numerous dragons – the show might ultimately need six or seven seasons to fully adapt the material.

If you’re worried about the upcoming Fourth Wing TV series potentially going beyond the source material like Game of Thrones, don’t be! Unlike Game of Thrones, which outpaced George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire books, author Rebecca Yarros has promised that the Fourth Wing show will always follow the books. With three books already completed and Yarros writing quickly, it seems very likely the series won’t overtake the novels.

Fourth Wing Could Be Prime Video’s Biggest Fantasy Show

Like other streaming services, Prime Video has tried several fantasy shows since the success of Game of Thrones, but with mixed results. Carnival Row lasted only two seasons, and The Wheel of Time was cancelled after three. While The Rings of Power is still planned to run for five seasons, it hasn’t become the massive hit needed to justify its huge cost.

With its blend of romance and dragon-filled action, Fourth Wing has the potential to become a truly epic fantasy series – similar to how Game of Thrones captivated audiences. While it might not reach quite the same level of popularity (given today’s fragmented streaming market), the ‘Romantasy’ genre is incredibly popular and shows no signs of fading. Adaptations are in high demand, just like they were with Thrones, and all indications suggest Fourth Wing will be the most successful one yet.

The Fourth Wing TV show does not yet have a release date.

Read More

2026-06-16 22:10