While Disney has been gatekeeping most of its Star Wars content behind Disney+, the company is giving fans the chance to experience its latest series Andor outside of the streaming service. For those who aren't subscribed to Disney+, you can watch the first two episodes of Andor across the company's various networks and platforms.
The first two episodes of the series, "Kassa" and "That Would Be Me," will be made available on ABC, FX, Freeform, and Hulu during the Thanksgiving holiday period. Each night will provide an opportunity on a different Disney-owned network or platform. Check out the schedule below:
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ABC: Wednesday November 23, 9-10:30 pm ET/PT
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FX: Thursday, November 24, 9-10:30 pm ET/PT
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Freeform: Friday, November 25, 9-10:30 pm ET/PT
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Hulu: Available from November 23 through December 7
Andor is yet another spin-off from Disney's Star Wars money machine, but the general consensus is that it injects a fresh jolt of energy into the otherwise stagnant franchise. If you've heard anything about the series, it's probably that it's unlike any other previous Star Wars movie or show. It's darker. It's grittier. It's more mature. And it's more grounded in reality. While that may not appeal to everyone, it definitely helps make Andor stand out from the rest. Here's a quick synopsis:
The “Andor” series – set five years before the events of Rogue One – focuses on Cassian Andor and his journey toward becoming a rebel hero. The tale is set against the backdrop of a burgeoning rebellion against a ruthless Empire, where people and planets are drawn into a conflict that will have far-reaching effects across the galaxy. It’s an era filled with danger, deception and intrigue, and one that will test the courage and resolve of a reluctant hero determined to make a difference.
Andor has been met with positive reception from both critics and fans alike. With two episodes still left to air, the series currently sits at a 92% among critics and an 84% average audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The critics consensus describes it as "a gritty adventure told from the ground perspective of the Empire's reign, Andor is an exceptionally mature and political entry into the Star Wars mythos -- and one of the best yet."
Admittedly, Andor is a bit more of a slow burn, but these first two episodes should give you a good idea as to what to expect from the series. The Rotten Tomatoes consensus for the first episode teases:
With a premiere drenched in the atmosphere and grit of film noir, Andor announces right out of the gate that is a bold departure from the attitude and style of previous Star Wars stories.
Diego Luna returns as the thief-turned Rebel spy and he's joined by Genevieve O’Reilly, Stellan Skarsgård, Adria Arjona, Denise Gough, Kyle Soller, Fiona Shaw, Forest Whitaker and Andy Serkis.
If these first two episodes manage to hook you in, Andor can be found on Disney+ where the first 10 episodes have been released. Episode 11 premieres this week with Episode 12, the finale, coming on Wednesday, November 23.