Apple TV+has a new historical drama/action series arriving August 1, and A-lister Jason Momoa is all over it. Aside from starring in the series, he also co-wrote it and serves as an executive producer.
Chief of Waris a new miniseries based on the real-life story of Hawaiian warrior Ka’iana (Momoa) as told from an authentically indigenous perspective. Set in pre-colonial Hawaii in the late 18th century, we follow Ka’iana’s struggle to unify the four warring native kingdoms as they face the existential threat of Western colonization. As a critic, I’ve seen it, and it’s one of Momoa’s most bingeworthy series to date. It’s raw, it’s primitive, and it is breathtaking.
While you wait forChief of Warto unfold, here are six other notable Jason Momoa shows to binge.
2011
8
73
Status
Ended
This HBO award-winning, epic fantasy series needs no introduction. Honestly, the only way you’d be unfamiliar with it is if you lived under a rock in the 2010s, but just in case, he’s the rundown—and it includes Momoa in the role that arguably put the beefcake on the map.
Game of Thrones, which is based on George R.R. Martin’s best-selling book seriesA Song of Ice and Fire, boldly depicts powerful warring families—kings, queens, and knights versus rebels, liars, and honest men—playing a deadly game for control of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. Everyone wants to sit atop the Iron Throne, but few actually get there.
Momoa is quite the presence as Khal Drogo, a great chieftain of the Dothraki tribe, who are famed nomadic horse lords. As fierce warriors, they’re unrelenting in combat and known for their savagery towards outsiders. Drogo is a fiercely powerful, undefeated warlord who takes Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) as his khaleesi, or wife.
Despite his character’s limited dialogue, Momoa’s portrayal is raw, intense, and utterly unforgettable.
HBO Max
Khal Drogo might seem scary inGame of Thrones, but underneath, he’s a big ole softy.
2019
3
24
Seeis one of the most underrated Apple TV+ original series. It’s also one of thosehidden gem TV showsthat, thanks to its fascinating premise and performances, make it a must-see (no pun intended).
In the far future, humankind has lost the ability to see after a 21st-century virus knocked out most of the population. Fewer than two million people survived, and all their descendants lost their sense of sight.
Momoa is Baba Voss, a tribal chief and father of twins born with the mystical ability to see. After the realm’s queen breaches his tribe’s territory in search of witches—those with sight, Baba Voss must protect both his people and his family … but there’s so much more to this narrative than its synopsis, like war, conflict, drama, and supernatural suspense.
Seeis a truly innovative story, ripe with fascinating characters and adventures that take viewers on an exhilarating journey. A sightless Momoa is at the helm as the biggest, baddest tribal warrior fighting his way through unknown territory, seemingly impenetrable obstacles, and past threats that return as personal challenges.
Furthermore, Dave Bautista shows up as Baba Voss’s brother, and he and Momoa engage in epic brother-to-brother combat that’ll have you on the edge of your seat. I should also note, the fight features some stellar Foley work, a.k.a that art of creating sound effects. The entire series does—it has to, given its premise, though, right?
Apple TV+
Baba Voss is the most dangerous blind guy you’ll ever meet inSee.
2016
18
Canceled
I completely missed this Netflix Original Series when it aired, but I’m glad I caught it when I did.Frontieris an excellent show to add to your watchlist.
It’s the 1700s, and there’s a lot of money to be made in the fur trade. Everyone knows this, including outlaw trapper Declan Harp (Momoa), who will do whatever it takes to get his slice of the pie. While the Native-Canadian leads a campaign to breach the Hudson’s Bay Company’s monopoly on fur in Canada, an Englishman works against him to restore their stranglehold and, in the process, eradicate Harp.
Frontieris a solid historical drama series that provides an immersive look at a crucial period in North American history. Moreover, Momoa is a force to contend with, as you’ll see in his compelling, effective portrayals of rage, pain, and ambition cultivated by a tortured past and fueled by revenge.
Netflix
Be patient withFrontier.A good fur trade and an impending fight for control take time.
2014
2
12
The Red Road, a Sundance TV original series, is based on the plight of the Ramapough Lenape Nation at the Ringwood Mines landfill site in New Jersey, where toxic wastes were dumped. At the time of its release, the show portrayed a world never before seen on TV.
When a college student disappears from a small town in Jersey, it sets off a series of events that forever change the life of Sheriff Harold Jensen (Martin Henderson), who is also trying to keep his family together after a cover-up involving his mentally unstable wife. His investigation takes him into the nearby mountains, where a federally unrecognized Native American tribe makes its home. There, he forges a fateful alliance with tribe member and ex-con Phillip Kopus (Momoa), which begets grave consequences. Momoa isn’t a bad guy here. He’s just a complex fella who operates in a morally gray area but has a strong sense of loyalty and a desire for justice.
Though canceled a bit too early,The Red Roadisa great gritty crime drama to binge. It makes for a compelling watch with its character-driven narrative, strong Momoa performance, and exploratory themes of family, morality, and the consequences of past actions.
Prime Video
Jason Momoa studied with the Ramapo tribe in preparation for his role inThe Red Road.
2004
5
100
Jason Momoa is a popular character inStargate Atlantis, and even in space, he still bears long, flowing locks … space locks.
The ruins of the legendary lost city of Atlantis hold a long-buried secret left by the Ancients, who were the originators of the alien device Stargate. When an international team of scientists and military personnel travel to the Pegasus Galaxy and discover a Stargate network, they come face-to-face with a new, powerful enemy known as The Wraith.
Momoa plays Ronon, an interesting character full of emotional depth who hails from an alien planet. He is, for comedic intents and purposes, the Atlantis version of Chewbacca. He uses his emotions and experiences to fuel his purpose and make himself stronger. What’s cool about his role here is that it spawned his on-screen fighting career, as he learned martial arts specifically for this portrayal. The bigger he and his career grew, the better fighter he became, which is evidenced in TV shows likeSeeandChief of War.
Travel to the Pegasus Galaxy with Jason Momoa and his space locks inStargate Atlantis.
1999
44
Ah, the TV show that popularized running down the beach in your bathing suit, hoping you looked like the hot goddess or stallion you are, as you tried not to fall on your face. It didn’t work for me.
WhileBaywatchoriginally began in 1989, it existed in two separate incarnations: Los Angeles and Hawaii. After the original ended, thanks to large financial incentives, it moved to the Hawaiian Islands, made major cast changes, and voilà:Baywatch Hawaiiwas born. For the most part, its overall scope and plotline stayed the same.
The role of Jason Ioane was Momoa’s first, and in looking at images from his time on the show, he could almost pass for JD Pardo, of theMayans M.C., or at least his brother. I think it’s the short hair. Ioane is a young lifeguard who becomes traumatized when his victims die or become disabled, thinking it’s his fault. He gives a stand-out performance full of emotional depth as a young actor—impressive and eye-catching for a breakout role.
Run the beaches with Jason Momoa inBaywatch Hawaii.
These shows are proof that, while Jason Momoa is indeed a powerful presence on screen in native, tribal, and warring roles, he’s just as effective and unforgettable in other roles, as seen in his earlier series. One thing I love about him is his involvement in ensuring that anything based on historical events or tribal cultures is accurately portrayed. He always has someone involved to ensure the authenticity of any native work he does, which only further makes his work that much more engrossing, enlightening, and utterly electrifying. Apple TV+ made sure you’ll see this inChief of War.
