With the modern explosion of content on Disney+, it's easy to forget that there have been Star Wars TV shows since 1985. George Lucas always knew he was building something far bigger than a film franchise. The first Star Wars tie-in novel, Alan Dean Foster's Splinter of the Mind's Eye, was published in 1978 – before the release of The Empire Strikes Back. When Lucas wrapped up the original trilogy with 1983's Return of the Jedi, his attention initially turned to the small screen, where he continued to license stories set in a galaxy far, far away.
Disney has evolved Star Wars into a trailblazing transmedia franchise; the films have essentially been on hiatus since the end of the sequel trilogy, but the saga continues in high-profile Disney+ TV shows. These have had an unprecedented cultural impact, ensuring Star Wars remains a vital part of popular culture. Every TV show stands apart from the others on a stylistic and thematic level, ensuring they all have value. Still, for all that's the case, it's fascinating to compare the various Star Wars TV series, a comparison that offers a window into the evolving nature of the franchise. Here are all the Star Wars TV shows to date, ranked from worst to best.
