Part 9/11:
The overall narrative is clear—The Rings of Power is struggling to capture the hearts and minds of viewers as it battles negative fan sentiment and mounting ratings disappointment. The series’ expensive price tag, combined with a perceived "messing with Tolkien’s lore," has alienated core fans, who might have otherwise been potential viewers.
By contrast, House of the Dragon benefits from established lore, fidelity to source material, and positive word-of-mouth, bulletproof ingredients for sustained success. Its ratings are robust and climbing, with no signs of decline, signifying that audiences prefer quality, faithful storytelling over controversial reinterpretations for the sake of diversity or modern narratives.