How to Watch Clone Wars and Rebels

If you’re a fan of the Star Wars universe, you’ll know that “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and “Star Wars Rebels” are essential viewing. These animated series, produced by Lucasfilm Animation, offer rich storylines and character development that expand on the Star Wars saga. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to watch these series, including the best order and where to find them.

1. Understanding the Series: “The Clone Wars” takes place between Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. It explores the battles between the Galactic Republic and the Separatists, focusing on the adventures of Jedi knights like Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. “Rebels”, set between Episode III and Episode IV, follows the rise of the Rebel Alliance against the Galactic Empire. It introduces new characters like Ezra Bridger and Kanan Jarrus while connecting with familiar faces from the original trilogy.

2. Viewing Order: For a coherent viewing experience, you might want to follow this order:

• Start with The Clone Wars: This series sets up important background and introduces characters that reappear in Rebels.
• Move on to Rebels: This series ties together many loose ends from The Clone Wars and continues the overarching Star Wars storyline.

3. Streaming Platforms:

• Disney+: Both series are available on Disney+, which is the primary streaming platform for all Star Wars content. If you have a subscription, you can watch all episodes without additional cost.
• Digital Purchase: Episodes and seasons of both series are available for purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and iTunes. This option is useful if you prefer to own the content.
• Physical Media: DVDs and Blu-rays of both series are available for purchase. This is a great option for collectors or those who prefer physical copies.

4. Watch by Arc or Episode: “The Clone Wars” has multiple story arcs, each consisting of several episodes. You can choose to watch by arc to get a sense of the complete story. Some notable arcs include:

• The Malevolence Arc: Introduces the powerful Separatist warship.
• The Siege of Mandalore Arc: A crucial storyline that ties into Revenge of the Sith.

“Rebels” also has significant arcs and standalone episodes. Key arcs include:

• The Siege of Lothal Arc: This arc introduces Darth Vader into the series.
• The Thrawn Trilogy: Features the iconic villain Grand Admiral Thrawn.

5. Character Connections: To fully appreciate the interconnected storylines, pay attention to the character development from The Clone Wars to Rebels. Characters like Ahsoka Tano, who starts in The Clone Wars, play a significant role in Rebels.

6. Additional Resources:

• Episode Guides: Online resources like StarWars.com and Wookieepedia offer detailed episode guides and summaries that can enhance your viewing experience.
• Fan Communities: Engaging with fan communities can provide additional insights and discussions about the series.

7. Conclusion: Both The Clone Wars and Rebels are integral parts of the Star Wars narrative, offering deep stories and character arcs that complement the main films. Watching these series provides a richer understanding of the Star Wars universe and its complex lore.

Viewing Tips:

• Schedule Viewing: Plan your viewing sessions, especially if you’re watching multiple arcs or episodes in one go.
• Take Notes: Keeping track of characters and storylines can help with understanding the broader narrative.

In Summary: Watching The Clone Wars before Rebels offers a comprehensive look at the events leading up to and during the rise of the Rebel Alliance. Utilizing streaming services like Disney+ makes accessing these series straightforward and convenient. Enjoy your journey through the expanded Star Wars universe!