Unveiling the Ultimate Chronology of All Star Wars TV Shows

Summary

Navigating through Star Wars TV shows across different eras can be quite challenging. However, Disney+ has revolutionized the production of Star Wars content for television, ensuring that most shows seamlessly integrate into the vast Star Wars timeline.

The Mandalorian has paved the way for live-action Star Wars shows, however, animated shows like Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures and Star Wars Rebels continue to have a strong presence in TV programming.

The timeline of Star Wars TV shows can be quite diverse. For instance, The Acolyte is set a century prior to The Phantom Menace, while Obi-Wan Kenobi takes place a decade after Revenge of the Sith. In the upcoming series Skeleton Crew, the story unfolds in the same era as The Mandalorian.

Tracking the timeline of Star Wars' TV shows can be challenging, given their vast span of hundreds of years and multiple eras. Although Star Wars' television history can be traced back to 1985's Star Wars: Droids, the introduction of the Disney+ platform revolutionized the production of Star Wars content for the small screen. The majority of Disney+'s Star Wars shows are considered canon, meaning they align with the broader Star Wars timeline, including the current films and future Star Wars movies.

Traditionally, Star Wars TV shows were predominantly animated, as seen in series like Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. However, this changed with the debut of The Mandalorian, the first live-action Star Wars series. The Mandalorian paved the way for other live-action Star Wars shows and even established its own "pocket universe" within the Star Wars franchise. Nonetheless, animated shows continue to play a significant role in Star Wars' TV output. From The Acolyte to Star Wars Resistance, here is a breakdown of when each canon Star Wars TV show takes place in the ever-evolving Star Wars timeline, subject to change with future releases.

Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures (200 BBY)

Star Wars: The Acolyte (132 BBY)

Lucasfilm's latest animated offering in the Star Wars TV universe is Young Jedi Adventures. While it may be a recent addition to the expansive Star Wars universe, the show takes place in the earliest era in the timeline. Young Jedi Adventures is set during the High Republic era, occurring around 200 years prior to the events depicted in The Phantom Menace. The series revolves around a group of Jedi younglings who are in the process of training to become Jedi Knights. It also intertwines with the novels of the High Republic, adding depth and connectivity to the overall storytelling experience.

The Acolyte is a live-action Star Wars series set approximately 100 years prior to the events of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. This places The Acolyte in the later years of the High Republic era, making it the first Star Wars show to follow a chronological order. The talented cast of The Acolyte includes Amandla Stenberg, Lee Jung-jae, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Jodie Turner-Smith.

Star Wars has recently delved into the High Republic era, which spans from 300 BBY to 82 BBY, through comics and novels. However, with The Acolyte, it will mark the first time a live-action Star Wars production ventures back so far in the Star Wars timeline. Written and executive produced by Emmy-nominated Leslye Headland, this show is described as a mystery thriller exploring the emergence of the dark side in the galaxy.

Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi (? - 18 BBY)

Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi aims to delve into the various stages of well-known Star Wars characters' lives. Season 1 of the series focused on Ahsoka Tano and Count Dooku, with three episodes dedicated to each character. Each installment of Tales of the Jedi depicted a different moment in the timelines of Ahsoka and Dooku, resulting in a season that spans multiple years. In season 1, episode 2, titled "Legacies," the series reached its furthest point in the Star Wars timeline thus far. This episode centered around a young Count Dooku during an unspecified period.

However, it can be concluded that the events in "Legacies" occurred between 68 BBY and 58 BBY. The remaining episodes of Tales of the Jedi revolve around time periods that are closely aligned with the events of the Star Wars prequels. These episodes span from a few years prior to The Phantom Menace to approximately a year after Revenge of the Sith. To be more specific, the concluding moments of Season 1, Episode 6 of Tales of the Jedi, titled "Resolve," take place in 18 BBY, during a time when Ahsoka was already seen as a rebel fleeing from the Empire.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (22 BBY – 19 BBY*)

In contrast to George Lucas' decision to largely skip the Clone Wars in the Star Wars prequels, Star Wars: The Clone Wars delves deep into this conflict over seven seasons. This series follows various clone battalions and Jedi, including Anakin and Obi-Wan, as they navigate the three-year duration of the Clone Wars. While most episodes are self-contained and can be watched in any order, experiencing the Clone Wars in chronological sequence enhances the viewing journey significantly.

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (19 BBY – TBD)

In fact, as the show progressed, certain storylines such as Ahsoka's departure from the Jedi Order and Darth Maul's takeover of Mandalore were explored over the course of three or more episodes. The significance of the Clone Wars within the Star Wars timeline becomes even more pronounced in season 7, where the thrilling conclusion of the Clone Wars coincides with the events depicted in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. The Clone Wars begins shortly after the events of Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones in 22 BBY and leads up to the devastating implementation of Order 66 in 19 BBY. However, it should be noted that the finale of the Clone Wars includes a tantalizing glimpse into the future, occurring sometime after the events of Revenge of the Sith.

Star Wars: The Bad Batch picks up immediately after the conclusion of the Clone Wars. This spin-off series shifts the focus to Clone Force 99, as they experience Order 66 and navigate the early days of the newly formed Galactic Empire. There is minimal time elapsed between the first and second seasons of The Bad Batch. Therefore, most of the episodes in season 2 take place between 19 BBY and 18 BBY, with the final few occurring after 18 BBY. The exciting news is that The Bad Batch has been renewed for a third season, allowing for further exploration of the expansive Star Wars timeline.

Obi-Wan Kenobi (9 BBY)

Obi-Wan Kenobi takes place a decade after the events of Revenge of the Sith, positioning it nine years before A New Hope. This explains why Luke and Leia, the characters associated with Obi-Wan Kenobi, are depicted as children, and why Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) appears younger compared to his appearance in A New Hope. Set in 9 BBY, the timeframe of Obi-Wan Kenobi serves as an ideal bridge between the prequel trilogy and the original trilogy. It effectively connects the narratives of Obi-Wan and Anakin from the prequels to their counterparts in the original trilogy.

Andor (5 BBY – 0 BBY)

Andor takes place in the Rogue One universe five years prior to the events depicted in the film. The protagonist of this thrilling espionage story is Cassian Andor (portrayed by Diego Luna), who meets his demise in Rogue One. This series delves into the early stages of the rebellion, with Andor serving as a skilled spy. The narrative also features the notable presence of Mon Mothma (played by Genevieve O'Reilly), a crucial figure in Andor's journey. As audiences encounter Cassian Andor in Rogue One, he already possesses vast experience as a rebel spy, and the series explores the events that shape his pragmatic yet eternally optimistic persona depicted in the movie. While Andor season 1 transpires over the course of one year, the confirmed season 2 is scheduled for a 2024 release and will cover a span of four years.

Star Wars Rebels (5 BBY – 0 BBY*)

The Mandalorian (9 ABY – TBD)

Star Wars Rebels commences its story five years prior to the Battle of Yavin and chronicles the endeavors of a rebel faction situated on the planet of Lothal. With its four-season run, the events of Rebels season 4 draw nearer to those portrayed in A New Hope. In contrast to the various Star Wars characters featured in each Clone Wars arc, Rebels keeps its focus firmly on the exploits of the Ghost crew throughout the entire series. Serving as Disney's inaugural Star Wars venture, Rebels has cemented its position as an integral component within the expansive Star Wars universe. Importantly, it should be noted that the conclusion of Star Wars Rebels incorporates an epilogue that takes place after the events of Return of the Jedi.

The Mandalorian's timeline has sparked numerous discussions about its intricate canon. Season 1 of The Mandalorian took place five years after the events of Return of the Jedi, which is equivalent to nine years after the Battle of Yavin. Given the absence of any indications of a significant time jump, it was initially assumed that Season 2 would also be set around 9 ABY. This assumption holds true not only for the gap between Season 2's finale and The Book of Boba Fett but also for the transition from The Book of Boba Fett to Season 3 of The Mandalorian.

The Book of Boba Fett (9 ABY)

The perception of The Mandalorian series duration was changed by its creator, Jon Favreau. He stated that the show's first three seasons cover multiple years, and it is believed that Grogu spent a significant amount of time training with Luke Skywalker. However, the 2023 Star Wars Timelines officially states that both The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett events occur in 9 ABY. The resolution for this timeline inconsistency within the Star Wars universe remains uncertain. Presently, the adventures of Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu are portrayed without any noticeable gaps, and the exact timeline ending of The Mandalorian remains a mystery.

Originating from the Star Wars Holiday Special, Boba Fett predates The Empire Strikes Back. However, The Book of Boba Fett was created as a Mandalorian spin-off that continues from the end of The Mandalorian season 2. The series follows Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison) as he fights to maintain control as Tatooine's crime boss, a position left vacant after the deaths of Jabba The Hutt and Bib Fortuna. Additionally, the show includes flashbacks revealing how Boba Fett survived the Sarlacc, showcasing events between his supposed death in Return of the Jedi and his appearance in The Mandalorian.

Ahsoka (9-10 ABY)

Skeleton Crew (9-10 ABY)

Ahsoka's place in the Star Wars timeline initially presented a challenge, similar to The Book of Boba Fett. Initially, it was stated that Disney+'s Ahsoka show would occur concurrently with The Mandalorian season 3, making it one of the most recent additions to the Mandoverse. However, comments from Favreau regarding The Mandalorian's timeline caused some confusion. Nevertheless, in Ahsoka episode 7, the events clarified the situation by confirming that Ahsoka takes place shortly after The Mandalorian season 3. References were made to the events of the season 3 finale of The Mandalorian, indicating that Ahsoka is set around 9-10ABY.

Skeleton Crew, an upcoming live-action Star Wars show, is set in the same era as The Mandalorian. Created by Jon Watts, who directed the MCU's Spider-Man films, the series stars Jude Law as the lead character and follows the journey of four children attempting to find their way back home. As part of the Mandoverse, Skeleton Crew's timeline aligns with the events of The Mandalorian. With The Book of Boba Fett, The Mandalorian, and Ahsoka all occurring in 9 ABY, Skeleton Crew is expected to take place around the same time, in either 9 ABY or 10 ABY.

Star Wars Resistance (34 ABY – 35 ABY)

Star Wars Resistance takes place during the period leading up to the fall of the New Republic and the rise of the First Order, as depicted in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The events of the show span over a year, intersecting with both The Force Awakens and Star Wars: The Last Jedi. For instance, in the second season of Star Wars Resistance, Kylo Ren has already assumed the role of Supreme Leader following Snoke's demise in The Last Jedi. However, the show concludes before the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.