Rings of Power season 2 release schedule: When is episode 8 out?

The 30-second clip shows Sauron (Charlie Vickers) reaching for Morgoth's crown, while the Dark Wizard (Ciaran Hinds) seems to be causing harm to the Harfoots.

Elsewhere, Prince Durin (Owain Arthur) pleads with his father to take off his ring - and we get a glimpse of a character that looks a lot like a Balrog.

We're warned: "All of Middle-earth is in his reach now," and it certainly seems that a lot is going to have to happen to stop Sauron's full destruction.

One thing we're still waiting on is the full, conclusive reveal of The Stranger's (Daniel Weyman) identity, but never fear - the series' showrunners have promised a firm answer this season, and with one episode to go, that means there's not long to wait now.

Plus, fans are hoping their favourite characters make it out alive. However, in terms of what else fans can expect from the finale, showrunners JD Payne and Patrick McKay said in a behind-the-scenes inside the episode featurette: "[Episode] 7 is this epic battle, psychological warfare, all the character pieces coming together. [Episode] 8, I think our hope is to go underneath it. It becomes quite emotional."

As he spoke, we were shown a shot of Elrond looking up at Adar (Sam Hazeldine) – after all that happened in episode 7, could the finale spell trouble for the latter character?

Read on for everything you need to know about the release schedule for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2.

When is The Rings of Power episode 8 released on Prime Video?

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 episode 8 will be released on Thursday 3rd October 2024.

The next episode is written by showrunners JD Payne and Patrick McKay and is directed by Charlotte Brändström.

Recently speaking to RadioTimes.com, Brändström teased that "good news" about season 3 is hopefully coming soon - so could we see this episode set up more events to come in show's future?

While the first three episodes of The Rings of Power were released at once on Thursday 29th August, as with most Prime Video shows the series has now switched to a weekly release schedule.

Rings of Power season 2 release schedule

There will be eight episodes of The Rings of Power season 2 in total, with the final instalment being released next week, on Thursday 3rd October.

You can find the full release schedule right here now.

1. Episode 1 - Elven Kings Under the Sky - Thursday 29th August (out now)
2. Episode 2 - Where the Stars are Strange - Thursday 29th August (out now)
3. Episode 3 - The Eagle and the Sceptre - Thursday 29th August (out now)
4. Episode 4 - Eldest - Thursday 5th September (out now)
5. Episode 5 - Halls of Stone - Thursday 12th September (out now)
6. Episode 6 - Where is He? - Thursday 19th September (out now)
7. Episode 7 - Doomed to Die - Thursday 26th September (out now)
8. Episode 8 - Title TBC - Thursday 3rd October

What time do new episodes of The Rings of Power season 2 come out?

New episodes of The Rings of Power will be released at midnight Pacific Time, meaning fans in the UK can expect them to be released at 8am BST. Here is when you can expect each new episode of The Rings of Power to become available:

• UK Time - 8am
• Pacific Time - 12am
• Eastern Time - 3am

What is The Rings of Power season 2 about?

The official synopsis for The Rings of Power season 2 says: "In season 2 of The Rings of Power, Sauron has returned. Cast out by Galadriel, without army or ally, the rising Dark Lord must now rely on his own cunning to rebuild his strength and oversee the creation of the Rings of Power, which will allow him to bind all the peoples of Middle-earth to his sinister will.

"Building on season 1's epic scope and ambition, the new season plunges even its most beloved and vulnerable characters into a rising tide of darkness, challenging each to find their place in a world that is increasingly on the brink of calamity.

"Elves and dwarves, orcs and men, wizards and Harfoots… as friendships are strained and kingdoms begin to fracture, the forces of good will struggle ever more valiantly to hold on to what matters to them most of all… each other."

1. Elven Kings Under the Sky - Season Premiere. Sauron bargains with Adar. The Stranger and Nori venture into new lands. The Three Elven Rings face judgment.
2. Where the Stars are Strange - Darkness falls over Khazad-dûm. Sauron and Galadriel each seek new allies. The Stranger and Harfoots encounter a growing threat.
3. The Eagle and the Sceptre - Isildur and an old friend reunite. Arondir grapples with change. Míriel faces rising opposition. Annatar counsels Celebrimbor.
4. The Stranger finds what he’s been searching for. Arondir and Isildur search for Theo. Galadriel and Elrond walk into a trap.
5. When Durin grows suspicious of the Dwarven Rings, Celebrimbor must reassess his priorities. Amidst Númenor’s shifting currents, Elendil searches for hope.
6. Galadriel considers a proposition. Elendil faces judgment. The Stranger finds himself at a crossroads. Sauron’s plans bear fruit.
7. Eregion’s fate is decided.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 releases new episodes on Prime Video weekly on Thursdays – you can sign up now for a free 30-day Prime Video trial.

If you’re looking for something else to watch in the meantime, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide, or visit our dedicated Fantasy hub. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.