Should You Watch Rebels or Clone Wars First?

Choosing between "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" and "Star Wars Rebels" can be a tricky decision for fans of the Star Wars universe. Both series are beloved, but deciding which to watch first depends on your preferences and what you're looking to get out of your viewing experience.

"Star Wars: The Clone Wars" aired from 2008 to 2020 and is set between Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. It dives into the complexity of the Clone Wars, exploring various aspects of the conflict, the characters involved, and the political intrigue of the Galactic Republic. The series introduces viewers to a range of new characters, such as Ahsoka Tano, and provides depth to familiar ones like Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi.

"Star Wars Rebels" aired from 2014 to 2018 and takes place between Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV: A New Hope. It focuses on a group of rebels fighting against the Galactic Empire, including characters like Ezra Bridger, Kanan Jarrus, and Hera Syndulla. The series continues to build on the Star Wars saga and features connections to both the prequel and original trilogies.

Watching Order Recommendations

1. Starting with "The Clone Wars": This is often recommended for new viewers because it provides significant background and character development that enriches the Star Wars universe. Watching "The Clone Wars" first will give you a deeper understanding of the political and emotional landscape leading up to the events of "Rebels". Key plot points, character arcs, and elements introduced in "The Clone Wars" are referenced in "Rebels", making it a more fulfilling experience if you've seen the earlier series first.

2. Jumping to "Rebels": If you prefer to start with a more straightforward story and are particularly interested in the rise of the Rebel Alliance, "Rebels" can be a great starting point. It introduces new characters and themes, with fewer ongoing storylines from "The Clone Wars". Watching "Rebels" first may also allow you to enjoy its fresh take on the Star Wars universe without prior knowledge of the broader Clone Wars context.

Considerations

• Character Development: Characters like Ahsoka Tano and Captain Rex from "The Clone Wars" appear in "Rebels", and their storylines are more impactful if you have watched their development in "The Clone Wars".

• Timeline and Story: "The Clone Wars" provides a broader view of the Star Wars timeline, detailing events that shape the galaxy's state in "Rebels". If you're interested in understanding the progression of the Galactic conflict, starting with "The Clone Wars" can be beneficial.

• Tone and Style: "The Clone Wars" often has a more complex narrative with darker themes, while "Rebels" tends to have a lighter, more adventurous tone. Depending on your mood or preference, you might choose to start with the series that aligns more with your interests.

Summary Table

Aspect	The Clone Wars	Rebels
Timeline	Between Episodes II and III	Between Episodes III and IV
Focus	The Clone Wars, character development	Rise of the Rebel Alliance
Character Arcs	Deep focus on characters like Ahsoka	New characters and connections to the Rebellion
Tone	Complex, darker	Lighter, adventurous

Ultimately, the decision depends on your interest in exploring the depth of the Star Wars universe. Both series offer rich storytelling and compelling characters, so either choice will be rewarding. Watching "The Clone Wars" first can provide a comprehensive background that enhances your viewing experience of "Rebels". However, if you are more interested in the immediate aftermath of the prequel trilogy and the formation of the Rebellion, starting with "Rebels" might be the way to go.