Ranking the Best ‘Star Wars’ Shows That Skip the Jedi: You Won’t Believe #1!

by

Ever since 1977, George Lucas’ “Star Wars” has been whisking me away to that distant galaxy. It’s held me spellbound with its unforgettable characters, thrilling narratives, and jaw-dropping action scenes. The “Star Wars” franchise is now an undisputed giant in the world of entertainment, a multi-billion-dollar dynasty in its own right, boasting a fanbase that transcends generations.

Generally speaking, when people mention “Star Wars,” they often refer to the movies. Over five decades, 11 live-action films have been produced with more in development. However, beyond the movies, “Star Wars” has also spawned numerous TV series, particularly during its Disney period. These shows often delve deeply into the Jedi Order, but there are a few exceptions that don’t strictly focus on the Jedi, although they may feature Force-users.

Here they all are, ranked from worst to best.

8
‘Ewoks’ (1985 – 1986)

When considering Star Wars TV productions, it’s common to associate them with Disney’s offerings. However, there were earlier Star Wars television shows that originated from a distant galaxy, long before our current era. One of those series was “Ewoks,” a 2D animated production that aired for two seasons in the mid-1980s.

Following the release of “Return of the Jedi” in 1983, there was a surge of enthusiasm among young “Star Wars” fans for the Ewoks. Leveraging this popularity, Lucasfilm created two live-action television movies centered around the Ewoks. The 1985 series titled “Ewoks,” which acted as a precursor to these films, was characterized by its unsophisticated animation and storytelling. Many “Star Wars” enthusiasts already had a dislike for the Ewoks prior to this show. This feeling only intensified after the show’s premiere, making them even more disliked by fans, especially the furry little aliens.

7
‘Droids: The Adventures of R2-D2 and C-3PO’ (1985)

During the ’80s, it wasn’t just Ewoks who had a 2D animated series in the Star Wars universe. There was also one called Droids: The Adventures of R2-D2 and C-3PO, often simply referred to as Droids. This show chronicles the adventures of the iconic droids from Star Wars lore, R2-D2 and C-3PO. In this series, they serve different masters, a discrepancy that Disney later addressed when they announced that the Star Wars Expanded Universe no longer held canonical status.

In a simpler and more conversational way: Just like the Ewoks, Droids were primarily aimed at kids. Regardless of that, one might argue that C-3PO and R2-D2 lack the intrigue necessary to sustain an entire series on their own.

6
‘Resistance’ (2018 – 2020)

Just prior to and throughout Disney’s sequel trilogy, “Resistance” focuses on a New Republic pilot who is enlisted by the Resistance for spying purposes as they confront the escalating menace of the First Order. This series bears resemblance to the 3D animated counterpart of “Andor,” another show that delves into the happenings preceding a “Star Wars” movie. Akin to “Resistance,” “Andor” has garnered positive critical acclaim for its distinctive, cel-shading animation and its humorous narrative. It was also nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children’s Program in both of its seasons.

Although this new series received positive reviews, there was pushback from fans when it came to accepting it. Fans of previous Star Wars animated shows such as Clone Wars and Rebels criticized Resistance due to its distinct animation style and focus on the controversial sequel trilogy.

5
‘Skeleton Crew’ (2024 – Present)

The latest live-action “Star Wars” series on Disney+ goes by the name “Skeleton Crew“. This show is set in a post-Empire galaxy and follows the escapades of four youngsters as they endeavor to find their home planet, having become lost amidst the stars. Jude Law portrays Jod Na Nawood, a swashbuckling pirate captain who forms an alliance with these children during their travels. Contrary to popular belief, he is versed in the Force and skilled in the ways of the Jedi, yet technically, he does not bear the title of Jedi.

Skeleton Crew” is a youthful tale that stands out for its emphasis on children’s experiences, making it distinct among the live-action series we have here. Perhaps this focus might explain why it hasn’t garnered as much attention in the television sphere, or perhaps it’s due to a potential saturation of “Star Wars” content. Regardless, “Skeleton Crew” is a highly praised show, brimming with enthusiasm and reminiscent charm.

4
‘The Book of Boba Fett’ (2021 – 2022)

Although Boba Fett had limited appearances in the original Star Wars trilogy, he became a beloved character among fans. Many viewers believed his demise in Return of the Jedi was underdeveloped. Disney readdressed this opinion by resurrecting Boba Fett in The Mandalorian and eventually giving him his own TV show. At first, it seemed like fan service, but surprisingly, The Book of Boba Fett turned out to be a well-crafted series.

The story unfolds following Boba Fett’s escape from the sarlacc, highlighting his journey to power within the galaxy’s criminal underworld and his battles to seize the territory that was once ruled by Jabba the Hutt. Temuera Morrison portrays Boba Fett, a clever reference to the prequel trilogy. Additionally, the series introduces one of the most intriguing antagonists in Star Wars, the gunslinger bounty hunter named Cad Bane.

This story takes place after Boba Fett breaks free from the sarlacc and follows his rise to power among criminals across the galaxy, as he fights for control of a region previously owned by Jabba the Hutt. The actor Temuera Morrison plays Boba Fett, which is a neat connection to the prequel movies. Also, Cad Bane, an awesome bad guy with a gun-slinging style, makes an appearance in this series.

In my opinion, “The Book of Boba Fett” encountered a bit of turbulence when it shifted its focus towards Din Djarin and Grogu, characters from “The Mandalorian,” midway through the season. The episodes showcasing Grogu’s tutelage under Luke Skywalker and Ahsoka were simply fantastic, but their appearance stirred up a mix of reactions among critics and viewers. Despite this, these episodes are compelling enough to warrant its inclusion on my list. As for now, it seems there are no plans in the works for a second season.

3
‘The Bad Batch’ (2021 – 2024)

The eagerly anticipated 3D-animated series, “The Bad Batch,” is what Star Wars enthusiasts have been longing for. This spin-off from the beloved show, “The Clone Wars,” continues where the finale of “The Clone Wars” concluded. Instead of focusing on Jedi and characters from the prequels, this series follows a distinctive squad of clone troopers with genetic anomalies, who defy Order 66 and flee during its aftermath, becoming fugitives.

The series titled “The Bad Batch” presents an exceptional narrative, offering a novel viewpoint on the initial stages of the Galactic Empire. Regardless of whether you’re a Jedi or not, it stands out as one of the finest Star Wars TV productions by Disney.

2
‘The Mandalorian’ (2019 – 2013)

The Mandalorian marks the initial live-action offering within the Star Wars universe, unfolding five years following the events of 1983’s Return of the Jedi. The story follows a solitary bounty hunter as he confronts residual Imperial forces and safeguards a child with Force abilities. The first three seasons of The Mandalorian have garnered praise from both critics and viewers, who appreciate the engaging narrative that stands apart from the extensive Skywalker Saga. Notably, Pedro Pascal, a beloved actor and one of television’s most prominent figures, spearheads the series, while Grogu, affectionately known as Baby Yoda, steals hearts with his adorable appearance.

In essence, “The Mandalorian” series incorporates characters like Ahsoka and Luke Skywalker from the Jedi order, but it predominantly functions as a buddy cop-style show, following Mando and Grogu as they traverse the galaxy, encountering various adventures and hurdles. Their upcoming major escapade will unfold on the big screen in the 2026 movie titled “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” However, there’s no definitive information available about whether a fourth season of the show is planned.

1
‘Andor’ (2022 – Present)

Among the many benefits of Disney acquiring Star Wars, none shines brighter than the series “Andor”. Initially, many Star Wars enthusiasts raised their eyebrows at this Disney+ show announcement, given its prequel-of-a-prequel status. However, Andor has proven to be a captivating portrayal of events that precede the 2016 film Rogue One, which in turn depicts events leading up to the original Star Wars movie released in 1977, A New Hope.

I couldn’t help but be amazed at how well-received Andor turned out to be, not just by fans, but also by critics. Praise has poured in for its intricate and mature storyline, with the first season earning a lot of critical acclaim. The recently released second season in April 2025 has continued to garner rave reviews, and as it happens, this will be the show’s last season. It’s said that it will lead directly into the events of Rogue One. With a whopping 97% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, Andor is undeniably one of the standout productions to emerge from that galaxy far, far away.

Read More

2025-05-25 21:06