Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Set between Episodes II and III, Star Wars: The Clone Wars expands the gap between the films into a sprawling animated series where the Republic and the Separatists bleed across countless battlefronts. Jedi like Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda lead clone legions against droid armies, while the conflict exposes political maneuvering, personal loyalties and the moral cost of war. New characters are introduced and familiar faces get deeper arcs, with episodes ranging from large-scale space battles to quieter, character-focused missions. The show balances fast-paced action with slower moments of character growth, all without resolving major film-era mysteries or undercutting the saga’s established events.

Created by George Lucas and produced by Lucasfilm Animation, the series premiered in 2008 on Cartoon Network. Dave Filoni served as a key creative lead early on, and the show ran in multiple seasons with a variety of directors and writers shaping its serialized and episodic beats.

The series introduced characters who became fan favorites, most notably Ahsoka Tano, and made the clone troopers more than just background soldiers. Its storytelling and characters influenced later Star Wars media, and several elements migrated into live-action projects, helping bridge franchise eras and inspire new spin-offs.

Critics and fans praised the show for deepening Star Wars lore, its moral complexity, and strong character work, reflected in a high viewer rating. Themes include the human cost of conflict, the friction between duty and conscience, and how power corrupts institutions. Action choreography, animated visuals, and voice performances were often singled out as highlights that broadened the franchise’s appeal beyond younger audiences.

Over its run the series earned recognition from peers in the animation and television communities, receiving multiple nominations and awards for aspects like storytelling, voice acting and technical achievement. Its industry honors helped cement the show as a significant and influential entry in the wider Star Wars canon.