THE MANDALORIAN (2019)
2 seasons / 16 episodes (so far)
Being a true Star Wars junkie, I was hesitant to jump on board with Disney’s new approach to the storytelling of a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. But The Mandalorian had me hooked from the first episode. If you are a Star Wars fan, or even if you love Westerns or fast-paced, bite-sized entertainment that wins your heart and your head, here you go. And yes, Baby Yoda.
***Emmy Winner***
ANDOR (2022)
1 season / 12 episodes (so far)
Only half of the first season has aired so far, and I’m already ready to recommend this show. Set between the events of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Rogue One, Andor is set in the Star Wars universe, but it is another stand-alone tale that is filled with excellent storytelling, compelling character development, top of the line production values and special effects, and peerless performances. What I love about each of these Star Wars series is they each have their own tone and flavor, and Andor is all about story and character, starring Diego Luna as a thief who gets caught up in the burgeoning rebellion against the Empire. It’s soooo good.
OBI WAN KENOBI (2022)
1 season / 6 episodes (so far)
Not as good as The Mandalorian but better than The Book of Boba Fett, Obi Wan Kenobi picks up right where Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith leaves off, as Jedi master Obi Wan Kenobi is faced with the fact that his star pupil, Anakin Skywalker, has turned to the Dark Side and become Darth Vader, leader of the Empire. Obi Wan is now being hunted, but he is still determined to face his former friend to see if all hope is actually lost. The premise is great, Ewan McGregor is absolutely fantastic as Obi Wan, but bringing back Hayden Christensen to play Anakin/Darth makes it drag a bit. Still, it’s catnip for any true fan.
THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT (2021)
1 season / 7 episodes (so far)
Not as good as The Mandalorian or Obi Wan Kenobi, The Book of Boba Fett still features great production values and special effects, but it’s too serious and turns Boba Fett, a perennial fan favorite, into a dour, humorless hermit. It’s still Star Wars, though, and there are some great action scenes, plus Ming-Na Wen kicks ass and the voice of Matt Berry as a droid is welcome anytime.
***Emmy Winner***