The 20 Best Star Wars TV Episodes: From ‘Rebels’ to The Disney+ Era
Let’s look at the best Star Wars TV episodes from Rebels to The Mandalorian to Andor to Ahsoka.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This list will not include any episodes from The Clone Wars or The Bad Batch, as the author of this article has not finished/watched those series. We are also doing an unranked order. Sorry for the inconvenience!
🚨Oh and spoilers for various Star Wars series🚨
JEDI NIGHT (Season 4, Episode 10 of Star Wars Rebels)
One of the most dramatic episodes in all of Star Wars. An episode that left me utterly speechless. The creatives behind Star Wars Rebels pull no punches in “Jedi Night.” This episode features Grand Admiral Thrawn interrogating Hera Syndulla as the rest of the team plans to rescue her. Kanan Jarrus saves Hera, which leads to Hera telling Kanan she loves him. Governor Pryce refuses to let the Rebels escape and she destroys the Empire’s fuel pod.
As the fire begins, Kanan holds it back with one hand and then he pushes Hera onto a ship with Ezra and Sabine. Kanan sacrifices himself to make sure the fire only causes minimal damage and to allow time for the rest of the Ghost Crew to escape. The reactions to Kanan’s sacrifices are justified. At the time I watched this episode, I said it ripped my heart out, but I also realized I watched one of the best episodes of Star Wars ever.
CHAPTER 1: THE MANDALORIAN (Season 1, Episode 1 of The Mandalorian)
I mean come on. This is the one that kicks off the entire Mandalorian era. It sets the stage for what’s to come. I’ll never forget the visual of seeing Mando meet Baby Yoda for the first time to end this episode. I like many others watched this episode on the opening day of Disney+ and knew we were in for a heck of a ride with these characters.
A WORLD BETWEEN WORLDS (Season 4, Episode 13 of Star Wars Rebels)
This episode of Star Wars Rebels introduces one of the coolest concepts in Star Wars. The World Between Worlds is a mystical plane within the Force that serves as a collection of doors and pathways existing between time and space, linking all moments in time together. So it was cool to hear all the voices Ezra was hearing in this episode from Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Yoda to Rey, Maz Kanata, Jyn Erso, Poe, and Kylo.
Ezra discovering the different paths and doors within The World Between Worlds was fascinating to watch. The episode has great interactions between Ahsoka and Ezra as well within The World Between Worlds. Ezra struggles with the choice of possibly saving Kanan and altering history.
Author’s Sidenote: If I watched Rebels in real time as the sequel trilogy was coming out I would’ve had so many unhinged theories involving Rebels characters like Ezra and Sabine being Rey’s parents. Thrawn being behind Snoke. Ahsoka helping Luke Skywalker in exile. Did you watch Rebels as the sequel trilogy was unfolding? Did you have any unhinged theories that involved Rebels? Let me know!
THE EYE (Season 1, Episode 6 of Andor)
This episode gives us one of the most spectacular visuals in all of Star Wars — The Eye of Aldhani. The writing in this episode is sharp as it paints a contrast between Andor’s shifty rebel alliance and the greedy, cocky Imperial officers serving the Empire. The episode is also a great showcase for Cassian Andor as it shows his humanity but also his aggression.
CHAPTER 5: RETURN OF THE MANDALORIAN (Episode 5 of The Book of Boba Fett)
Despite being an episode of The Book of Boba Fett, this is basically an episode of The Mandalorian.
You have some classic Mando bounty-hunting moments and you also get a bit of Mandalorian lore from The Armorer when she discusses “The Night of a Thousand Tears” which is the night the Empire destroyed Mandalore (foreshadowing for The Mandalorian season three and Ahsoka). The episode includes a few Darksaber duels, The Armorer exiling Mando from the creed, and Mando getting a Naboo N-1 Starfighter as his next ship.
TWILIGHT OF THE APPRENTICE (Season 2, Episodes 21–22 of Star Wars Rebels)
The season two finale of Rebels is a significant turning point in the series. It was the moment where the stakes were raised and I could see why this series was so beloved. The episode features incredible interactions between Kanan, Ezra, and Ahsoka. It’s also the episode where Ezra gets a cross-guard lightsaber (similar to Kylo Ren’s). There are lightsaber battles with Inquisitors and Darth Maul returns as he attempts to make Ezra his apprentice. Maul blinds Kanan, which is a significant moment for Kanan’s arc. Ahsoka fights her former Jedi Master Anakin Skywalker who is now Darth Vader. Ahsoka delivers her now iconic line of “I am no Jedi” as well.
Author Sidenote: I couldn’t imagine what it was like watching this episode in real time. Ezra potentially being a Sith? Kanan getting blinded? Ahsoka possibly dying? The sheer chaos of watching this in real time would’ve been nuts. I watched Rebels many years later so I knew some key things like Ahsoka being alive, Kanan dying, Ezra getting stranded, etc.
TRIALS OF THE DARKSABER (Season 3, Episode 15 of Star Wars Rebels)
This is such a fantastic showcase for Sabine Wren. She is one of the coolest characters in Star Wars, and I still question why Dave Filoni & Lucasfilm made her a Jedi when she was perfectly fine as a Mandalorian/Rebel/Chaos conductor-type. The episode also gives important lore about the Darksaber and Mandalore. The sort of stuff that will be mentioned later on in The Mandalorian and the greater Mandoverse. The training between Sabine and Kanan is quite special too. I sincerely hope in Ahsoka season two we can see this side of Sabine again.
ONE WAY OUT (Season 1, Episode 10 of Andor)
An acting masterclass by Andy Serkis. It was the satisfying conclusion to the Narkina prison arc. The visual of all the prisoners escaping and jumping in the water was triumphant. Yet the beautiful moment is cut in half as Serkis’ Kino Loy reveals in the most timid and devastating tone, “I can’t swim.” This episode might’ve been an Andy Serkis’ masterclass but there were two more significant moments in “One Way Out.”
Mon Mothma meets with Davo Sculdun so the Rebels can get around the Empire’s banking regulation rules. Sculdun in return asks Mothma to have her 13-year-old daughter introduced to his 14-year-old son. Something that makes Mothma quite uncomfortable.
Luthen Rael also gives an epic speech about the Rebellion as well to a nervous ISB agent.
CHAPTER 11: THE HEIRESS (Season 2, Episode 3 of The Mandalorian)
The episode contains some beautiful visuals. Mando is saved by other Mandalorians from evil fishermen. This episode marks Mando meeting Bo-Katan, a character who continues to play a part in his story. The action was awesome and Bo-Katan also teases Ahsoka…
CHAPTER 13: THE JEDI (Season 2, Episode 5 of The Mandalorian)
The fifth episode of The Mandalorian season two is awesome for a few reasons. One is the fact that it’s our introduction to Rosario Dawson’s Ahsoka Tano. Dawson plays a older more weary Ahsoka. Sure Dawson’s portrayal is different than Ashley Eckstein’s voice work but Dawson has a presence that makes her exciting to watch. The action is enjoyable especially the Mando vs Ahsoka fight, we meet Morgan Elsbeth (who plays a bigger role in Ahsoka’s show), and this is the first episode where The Child/Baby Yoda becomes Grogu. Oh, and Ahsoka drops the name Grand Admiral Thrawn, a major tease for her series.
The episode is exciting and the Ahsoka and Mando dynamic was amazing to watch. I sure hope Rosario Dawson and Pedro Pascal are both lined up to be in Dave Filoni’s Heir to the Empire (Mandoverse film) down the line.
PART FOUR: FALLEN JEDI (Season 1, Episode 4 of Ahsoka)
To me, this was a “where were you moment” for the Star Wars fandom. The moment this episode ends with Ahsoka “waking up” in The World Between Worlds and coming face to face with Anakin Skywalker gave me goosebumps. Peter Ramsey who directed the episode makes some incredible choices, especially with the camerawork as that entire reveal unfolds.
Ahsoka and Sabine’s dynamic grows in this episode, there are some fun moments from Hera Syndulla and Carson Teva, and Ray Stevenson gives an impressive performance as Baylan Skoll. The stakes for finding Ezra and keeping Thrawn feel extremely high throughout this tense episode.
TWIN SUNS (Season 3, Episode 20 of Star Wars Rebels)
Maul seeks revenge on Obi-Wan Kenobi, and concurrently Ezra goes to Tatooine to make sure Kenobi is safe from Maul. Ezra interacts with Obi-Wan in this episode and it’s fantastic. This episode made me ponder all the “What If’s” of the Star Wars galaxy. If Ezra Bridger is never sent to another galaxy does he help Luke Skywalker take down the Empire? This episode with Kenobi makes your mind race a little. Kenobi and Maul’s duel is an all-time great. Maul sensing that Kenobi is there to protect someone was a neat twist, especially because we all know why Kenobi is there. The duel ends with one of the most beautiful moments of the entire series.
Kenobi cradles a defeated Maul.
Maul: Tell me.. is it the Chosen One?
Kenobi: He is.
Maul: He will avenge us.
Absolute chills.
PART SEVEN: DREAMS AND MADNESS (Season 1, Episode 7 of Ahsoka)
Another bonkers episode of Ahsoka and Star Wars TV in general. We got C-3PO showing up at Hera’s hearing with New Republic officials. The scene lays the groundwork for Leia’s political status in the galaxy and how her political fall leads to the Resistance’s rise in The Force Awakens. The moment between C-3PO and Hera is quite special as Leia has crossed paths with Hera before (Rebels episode: “A Princess on Lothal”).
The previous episode featured the returns of Grand Admiral Thrawn and Ezra Bridger but it’s not until this episode that we feel the returning character’s impact.
Ahsoka trains to old lessons of Anakin Skywalker. Thrawn finds out that Ahsoka’s master was Anakin Skywalker. Which probably leads him to do something like this.
Ezra and Sabine also catch up… sorta. Seems like Ezra isn’t filled on too much. Although I love the fact Ezra finally finds out that they (The Rebellion) won and when he asks about the Emperor being dead, Sabine just replies “That’s what people say” (a subtle nod to the fact Emperor Palpatine had a backup plan).
Ahsoka and Ezra reunite in this episode as well. It’s overall a great episode of Star Wars TV.
CHAPTER 14: THE TRAGEDY (Season 2, Episode 6 of The Mandalorian)
Mando and Grogu hope to connect to a Jedi on Tython. Boba Fett and Fennec Shand make their presence felt in this episode. Dark Troopers kidnap Grogu. Boba Fett and Fennec Shand agree to help Mando in his quest to save him. It was the turning point in season two of The Mandalorian and set the stage for an epic finale.
PART EIGHT: THE JEDI, THE WITCH, AND THE WARLORD (Season 1, Episode 8 of Ahsoka)
This may be a controversial pick for this list even though it’s an unranked list. I have my fair share of issues with the Ahsoka season finale but I still think it deserves a spot amongst the best. The episode features Thrawn being a big bad, Ezra being informed by Huyang about Sabine and Ahsoka’s rocky relationship, and Ahsoka, Sabine, and Ezra fighting an army of Night Troopers. Still, it makes the list as it was a heck of a finale. Thrawn coming back to the main galaxy (specifically Dathomir) as a threat to the New Republic is colossal. Baylan Skoll staying on Peridea and seeking out a higher purpose as he stands on the mountain of the Mortis Gods is a crazy visual.
However, the finale did miss the mark on a few things. The doubling down on Sabine being a Jedi felt strange especially the whole force push with Ezra. Also, Sabine after missing Ezra all this time going back to save Ahsoka felt off… some will say it’s character growth but is it character growth if the logic is muddled? Ezra’s long-awaited return feels abrupt and anti-climactic. I have no clue why Ezra and Hera couldn’t have gotten a longer scene. The final scene with Ahsoka and Sabine on Peridea is a bit frustrating as Ahsoka says “Ezra is where he needs to be. And so are we. It’s time to move on.” All this happens as Anakin Skywalker as a force ghost watches on.
Talk about a conflicting message.
However one has to assume Ezra and the others won’t be thrilled about Ahsoka/Sabine being stuck in a different galaxy and that will lead to a true reunion.
CHAPTER 6: FROM THE DESERT COMES A STRANGER (Episode 6 of The Book of Boba Fett)
R2-D2. Luke Skywalker. Ahsoka. Enough said.
Luke training Grogu, Ahsoka shows up as an “old friend of the family”, Mando missing Grogu, Ahsoka and Luke talking shop, Cobb Vanth dueling Cad Bane, and the Sanctuary explosion.
Easily the best episode of The Book of Boba Fett although this felt like just an episode of Star Wars: The New Republic Era. The team went through so many pivotal storylines in this episode and it worked. The Luke and Ahsoka dynamic was legendary to watch and I truly hope we see it again in the future. I would love to see that relationship get explored further along with Luke interacting more with other Mandoverse characters.
RIX ROAD (Season 1, Episode 12 of Andor)
“Rix Road” is an all-time Star Wars TV episode.
The wake of Maarva Andor leads the streets of Ferrix into full-on rebellion. The Empire tries to track down Andor as well as Luthen, Vel, and Cinta.
One of the best lines in this entire episode comes from Andor’s friend Brasso ass he tells Cassian what his Mom wanted him to hear:
“Tell him none of this is his fault. It was already burning, he’s just the first spark of the fire… Tell him, I love him more than anything he could ever do wrong.”
This line followed up by Maarva’s pre-recorded hologram message about the evil of the Empire makes “Rix Road” so powerful. The episode is filled with chaos. The season finale also leaves a few loose ends to set up what will likely be an incredible and enthralling season two of Andor.
PART FIVE: SHADOW WARRIOR (Season 1, Episode 5 of Ahsoka)
This episode was Hayden Christensen just being a GOAT.
This episode also has so many moments. Huyang’s depressed delivery of “I told them to stay together but they never listen,” is one that flies under the radar as this episode is big on Anakin vs Ahsoka. I think the story of the episode is about Ahsoka’s resentment about her former Jedi Master. The episode also features flashbacks/memories to The Clone Wars era and Ariana Greenblatt plays a young Ahsoka. This is also the episode where Mon Mothma informs Hera that she may lose her rank unless she can provide evidence of Thrawn’s return. The episode ends with Ahsoka and Huyang going into hyperspace with a purrgil. It truly is an epic episode.
CHAPTER 16: THE RESCUE (Season 2, Episode 8 of The Mandalorian)
You want to talk chills? You want to talk about goosebumps? Then “Chapter 16: The Rescue” is the episode for you. Mando and a team attempt to save Grogu from Moff Gideon. It’s a finale full of action and dark troopers. Mando even beats Moff Gideon for the darksaber, a move that causes tension with Bo-Katan. It was also a move that underlines the evil genius of Moff Gideon. When it seems like all hope is lost, an X-Wing arrives.
Luke Skywalker arrives to take down the dark troopers as he senses Grogu. Luke then takes Grogu away but before he does. Mando takes off the helmet to say a tearful goodbye to his friend.
One of the greatest Star Wars TV episodes ever.
A FAMILY REUNION — AND FAREWELL (Season 4, Episode 15 of Star Wars Rebels)
A phenomenal ending to a phenomenal show.
The last episode of Star Wars Rebels and the last ride with the Ghost Crew unless something develops in the Mandoverse. The series finale is full of heart, humor, and action. Thrawn’s strategic mind is on full display against the Ghost Crew’s rebellious tactics. Emperor Palpatine interacts a ton with Ezra Bridger (which once again brings into question the whole fact if Ezra isn’t stranded in another galaxy how would he have influenced the original trilogy? Same goes for Thrawn). Purrgils also make their debut in this finale. Ezra gets Thrawn tangled into the Purrgil tentacles as the hyperspace whales take the two out of this galaxy entirely.
Ezra leaves a message for the Ghost Crew after his sacrifice, saying “It’s up to all of you now. And remember. The Force will be with you. Always.” Ezra also tells Sabine that he’s counting on her but Sabine doesn’t know what for.
The Rebels epilogue by Sabine gives me chills/goosebumps.
“The small rebellion had become bold. And with a decisive victory at the Battle of Endor, the Emperor’s reign of terror came to an end.” Sabine also reveals that Hera and Commander Rex fought in the Battle of Endor and that Jacen Syndulla was born. The epilogue also showed Zeb finding more Lasats along with setting up Sabine & Ahsoka to search for Ezra.
All in all, the Rebels finale is one of the best pieces of Star Wars media out there and easily one of the best TV episodes.
FINAL BREAKDOWN BY SERIES
Star Wars Rebels — 6
The Mandalorian — 5
Ahsoka — 4
Andor — 3
The Book of Boba Fett — 2
I’m sure we will have to reexamine this list down the line as more and more Star Wars TV series come out, and as I catch up on Star Wars series that I haven’t seen yet. I hope you enjoyed my article though. Thanks for reading.
Be sure to continue to follow Boardwalk Times for more coverage of The Walt Disney Company.
Support Boardwalk Times on Ko-Fi.
Support Boardwalk Times by shopping on Boardwalk Store:
If you like this article. Subscribe to my free newsletter Boardwalk Times: Stories from the Seashore, a monthly dose of Disney, its businesses, and the wider themed entertainment industry.
Zach Perilstein is the Editor-in-Chief of the Boardwalk Times
