The highly anticipated (by kids and adults alike) Star Wars Rebels debuts Friday night, October 3, 2014. But Disney has decided to say "Screw ratings," because the house that Walt built has already renewed the show for a second full season.
According to a press release from Disney and Lucasfilm, TV network Disney XD decided to renew the show early based on universally positive reviews the premiere, a one-hour episode titled "Spark of Rebellion," has received from critics. A successful world premiere screening at San Diego Comic-Con back in July helped, too. Viewers who have the Watch Disney XD tablet app have gotten an advanced look at the pilot as well, and the feedback Disney XD has received has been nothing but love.
"The global expectations for this series could not have been any higher," commented Gary Marsh, President and CCO of Disney Channels Worldwide. "And I am proud to say that the team at Lucasfilm has delivered something that has surpassed even that incredibly high bar — artistically and thematically."
Star Wars Rebels chronicles the adventures of the Rebel crew of the Ghost, a five-person team (along with one cranky droid) that consists of a hotshot pilot, a "cowboy Jedi," a young Force-sensitive con artist, a brute and a Mandalorian warrior who likes to grafitti Imperial installations with Rebel markings. The show is from the same team that brought you Star Wars: The Clone Wars, but this one is between the two trilogies and brings back the feel and sensibility of the old-school adventures. It's also rumored to have a secret connection to next year's Star Wars: Episode VII.
After debuting Friday night at 9:00 PM EST on Disney Channel, Disney XD will air it Monday night, October 6 at 8:00 PM EST. The series proper then begins on Monday, October 13 in its regular timeslot at 9:00 PM EST.
