The verdict is in — according to Vulture’s annual round-up, Andor has earned the title of Best Television Series of 2025. That might seem bold for a show in the sci-fi “franchise” lane. But for many fans and critics, it’s a recognition long overdue. Andor isn’t just another Star Wars offshoot. It’s become a benchmark — not only for what Star Wars can be on the small screen, but for what serious, character-driven sci-fi storytelling can still achieve. What Vulture Said — And Why It Resonates Vulture’s praise isn’t superficial. Their write-up argues that Andor “rose to the occasion, then blasted past it.” “Most important episode of television this year” was how they framed its impact — not just as “good Star Wars,” but as “essential television.” Their reasoning reflects several hard truths: In a media climate crowded with reboots, spin-offs, and fan-service overload, that kind of grounding stands out….
Andor
Bryan Fuller Says ANDOR’s “Who Are You” Is the Most Important Episode of Television This Year — And Maybe for Years to Come
When Bryan Fuller — the creator behind Star Trek: Discovery, Hannibal, and Pushing Daisies — calls something “the most important episode of television this year, and probably for many years to come,” that’s not casual praise. Fuller recently directed that bold statement at “Who Are You,” Episode 8 of Andor Season 2, and the comment has sent a shockwave through both Star Wars and sci-fi fandom. Source According to Fuller, Andor isn’t just delivering good Star Wars — it’s delivering exceptional television, period. Why Bryan Fuller Thinks “Who Are You?” Is a Landmark Episode Fuller’s praise isn’t the typical “this show is great” sentiment. His comment suggests that “Who Are You?” reaches a level of emotional weight, thematic precision, and cinematic ambition rarely seen in modern genre TV. While he didn’t break down every detail, his reaction implies the episode excels in several ways: Put simply: this isn’t an episode…
How Andor Season 2’s Mina-Rau Costumes Draw Inspiration From Brueghel and Van Gogh
Andor has always stood out in the Star Wars universe for its realism — not just in its political storytelling but in the texture of its world. In Season 2, that realism gets a powerful visual boost thanks to the costumes worn by characters on Mina-Rau, a new rural world introduced in the story. According to Emmy-winning costume designer Michael Wilkinson, the clothing for Mina-Rau’s people was deliberately designed to evoke the pastoral paintings of Pieter Brueghel and Vincent van Gogh. Source This artistic influence isn’t just a fun fact — it’s one of the reasons Mina-Rau feels so authentic on-screen. Why Brueghel and Van Gogh? Brueghel and Van Gogh are famous for capturing the lives of workers, farmers, and ordinary people. Their paintings often highlight: By pulling from this visual legacy, Andor grounds Mina-Rau in a familiar kind of rural humanity — even though it exists in a galaxy…
The Book of Boba Fett & Andor Character Packs for LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga Released 3 Years Ago Today!
Time flies in a galaxy made entirely of plastic bricks.Believe it or not, it’s been three whole years since LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga dropped two of its most exciting character packs: The Book of Boba Fett Pack and the Andor Pack. Released on this day three years ago, these DLCs brought fresh faces, fan-favorite heroes, and some gritty Rebel energy into the already-massive LEGO galaxy. If you missed them back then—or just want to celebrate their anniversary—let’s take a quick trip back through the fun. A Look Back at The Book of Boba Fett Pack When The Book of Boba Fett DLC launched, fans got exactly what they wanted: a mix of bounty hunter swagger, Tatooine politics, and characters who thrive in the grey zone between hero and villain. The pack included: This set immediately stood out thanks to its blend of badass characters, vibrant designs, and the…
Disney Spent $705 Million on ANDOR — More Than Any Star Wars Movie Ever Produced
Disney has officially revealed new financial filings showing that Andor—the critically acclaimed Star Wars spy thriller starring Diego Luna—has become the most expensive Star Wars production in history, with a staggering $705.5 million spent across its two seasons. That makes Andor more expensive than The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, The Rise of Skywalker, or Rogue One. No Star Wars film has ever crossed that number. And what’s even more remarkable:Season 2 alone cost $60.5 million in 2024, ahead of its premiere this April. Source A Decade of Mixed Results Leads to a Different Kind of Star Wars Investment Disney’s Star Wars journey since buying Lucasfilm for $4 billion in 2012 has been… uneven. After 2019, Star Wars disappeared from cinemas entirely as Disney pivoted hard toward Disney+ shows. But those shows also produced mixed results: The Mandalorian The Acolyte And then there was Andor. ANDOR: The Lone Critical Powerhouse…
Ghorman Massacre: The Star Wars Tragedy That Sparked a Rebellion
The Ghorman Massacre stands as one of the most notorious atrocities in Star Wars lore. It’s a fictional event, but its impact within the galaxy far, far away is very real to the characters who lived it. In a confident yet conversational tone, let’s break down what happened on Ghorman, why it mattered, and how this dark incident helped ignite the spark of open rebellion against the Galactic Empire. This isn’t your dry history lecture from the Jedi Archives; it’s an engaging look at a pivotal moment that changed the fate of the Star Wars galaxy. Imperial walkers and stormtroopers face down a massive crowd of peaceful protesters on Ghorman, exemplifying the Empire’s oppressive response that led to the infamous Ghorman Massacre. This brutal crackdown ended any illusion that dissent would be tolerated under Emperor Palpatine’s rule and became a rallying cry for the nascent Rebel Alliance. (In the Star…
Kino Loy Made His First Appearance 3 Years Ago: The Voice That Rallied a Galaxy
Three years ago today, a single voice echoed through the halls of an Imperial prison—and changed Star Wars forever. On October 26, 2022, Andor introduced us to Kino Loy, the no-nonsense floor manager of the Narkina 5 labor facility, played with fierce humanity by Andy Serkis. He wasn’t a Jedi, a smuggler, or a rebel leader. He was just a man trapped in the machine—until he found the courage to fight it. The Reluctant Leader of Narkina 5 When Kino Loy first appeared in Episode 8 of Andor (“Narkina 5”), he seemed like another cog in the Empire’s cruel system. His job was to keep prisoners productive and quiet. But beneath the surface, there was more than discipline—there was fear. Kino embodied the survival mindset of someone crushed by oppression. He believed in following orders because that was the only way to stay alive. But as Cassian Andor began chipping…
Andor Season 2 Lands Four Creative Arts Emmys—and We’re All Here for It
Let’s just say: Andor Season 2 didn’t just show up—it showed out at the Creative Arts Emmys. Four trophies later, and this Star Wars offshoot is getting more love than a limited edition lightsaber. The Four Wins That Made the Galaxy Go “Ooooh” Bold moves—and proof that technical craft can steal the scene. Why It Matters (Far Beyond the Credits) When a show nails editing, design, effects, and costumes? That’s the kind of precision that turns “just another streaming show” into bona fide world-building gold. Fans—especially those deep in Star Wars lore—feel it in their bones. It’s not just about looks; it’s about immersion. And hey, even in realms like esports and gambling, where visuals and aesthetics sell the experience, you see the same principle: phenomenal design and pacing are what pull people in and keep eyes glued. Breaking Down the Wins: What Was So Special, Anyway? Sprinkle of Star…
Dan Gilroy: How Palpatine Might’ve Snuck into Andor if It Had Spanned Five Seasons
One of the most compelling Star Wars spin-offs, Andor, concluded after two seasons—but it almost had a much different story arc. A Famous Emperor That Could Have Appeared According to writer Dan Gilroy (yes, Tony Gilroy’s brother), if Andor had gone the distance as originally planned, it likely would’ve brought Emperor Palpatine into the narrative. The show was initially envisioned as a five-season saga charting Cassian Andor’s rise and the Empire’s growing dominance. Even though Palpatine was frequently mentioned, his physical presence was always beyond reach—until now, at least in concept. Tony Gilroy previously confirmed Darth Vader was never a narrative priority. He felt that writing Vader was creatively restrictive—Palpatine, perhaps less so, but still a weighty figure to introduce. Why Andor Ended Early Andor wrapped up with a dramatic second season because the scale of production became unsustainable—both logistically and financially. Instead of traversing five chronological seasons, the team…
Tony Gilroy, Andor, and the Political DNA of Star Wars
When Tony Gilroy casually remarked that the use of the word “genocide” in Andor wasn’t meant as a direct reference to Israel but that he’s comfortable with audiences making the connection, he tapped into something that has always been at the heart of Star Wars: politics. Gilroy’s stance is refreshingly honest. He doesn’t deny that his show can be read through the lens of modern conflicts, including Gaza. Instead, he acknowledges that resonance is inevitable. “Does it bother me that people make the parallel… if it rings in their ears? Let it ring. I’m into it at this point.” That’s not a creator backing away from difficult conversations—that’s one leaning into the power of storytelling. Star Wars Has Always Been Political The idea that Star Wars should be “apolitical” is a myth. George Lucas built the original trilogy as a reaction to the Vietnam War, deliberately casting the Empire as…
Dive into the Best of Cassian Andor’s Season 2 Moments
The official Star Wars YouTube channel just dropped a must-watch scene compilation spotlighting Cassian Andor’s standout moments from Andor Season 2. It’s a concise, powerful collection and the perfect way to relive—or gear up for—the drama that unfolds on-screen. Whether you’ve streamed every episode or skipped a few (no judgment either way), this video gives a quick, immersive look at Andor’s evolution—from reluctant informant to hardened rebel. Expect espionage, moral complexity, and, of course, that trademark grit. Why this matters: All told, a smart play by Star Wars to amplify buzz around Andor Season 2, and a helpful aid for fans navigating its intricate storytelling. Context: Andor Season 2 & Fan Access This compilation isn’t the only way fans are connecting with Andor content. Disney previously released the first three episodes of Season 1 for free on YouTube, a strategic move to attract new viewers ahead of Season 2’s release….
Andor Storms the Emmys with 14 Nominations
Andor Dominates Emmy® Season with 14 Nominations Lucasfilm’s gritty spy-thriller, Andor Season 2, has officially been nominated for 14 Emmy® Awards at the 2025 Primetime Emmys—including Outstanding Drama Series. That ties it as one of the most-nominated shows this year, joining heavyweights like Severance, The Last of Us, and The White Lotus.The 14 Emmy® Nominations Head-to-Toe Here’s every category where Andor shone: That’s recognition across every creative and technical front—from visuals to sound to storytelling. Why It Matters for Star Wars This isn’t just a popularity win—it’s a validation of Andor’s maturity. By leaning into grounded, political drama instead of lightsaber duels and Force magic, the series carved a new path for Star Wars storytelling. Emmy voters have rewarded a show that delivers moral ambiguity, emotional depth, and a cinematic scope rivaling historical prestige dramas. What It Signals for the Franchise What’s Next: Emmy Night 2025 With the Emmys scheduled…
Andor Scores Big with 3 TCA Nominations—Why the Critics Still Can’t Get Enough
Since its April 22 release, Andor Season 2 has been lighting up the streaming galaxy—and now it’s officially in the spotlight. The Television Critics Association just announced the nominees for its 41st Annual TCA Awards, and Andor scored three major nods: That’s critical acclaim served Rebel-style. With over 200 TV critics weighing in, these nominations are like hitting double-line bets in the prestige-TV casinos. Andor isn’t just floating around the galaxy—it’s commanding the table. Why This Matters: Andor at the Apex of Prestige What makes TCA nods feel different is their pedigree. These are the votes of seasoned critics who follow shows week-in, week-out. They’re not dazzled by big budgets or flashy cameos—they reward storytelling depth, thematic weight, and emotional truth. : Program of the Year Andor goes toe-to-toe with heavyweights like Severance, The White Lotus, and Hacks. It’s the galaxy’s best TV calling card. : Achievement in Drama The…
Star Wars: Battlefront II – Swap the Default Intro with Niamos Vibes
The galaxy’s seen its fair share of epic intros, but let’s be honest—after your 187th login to Star Wars: Battlefront II (2017), that default game intro hits more like a wet sponge than a hypersonic Star Destroyer flyby. So what if you could swap it for something a little… smoother? A little more space Miami? Enter the NIAMOS INTRO mod — a cinematic replacement that injects some well-deserved swagger into your startup sequence. What Is the Niamos Intro Mod? This mod doesn’t change your loadouts, classes, or blaster fire—what it does is switch out the generic opening cinematic with a custom-rendered sequence straight out of Niamos, the techno-beach paradise introduced in Andor. It’s the one place in the Star Wars universe where stormtroopers walk past guys in neon shorts holding mojitos—and yes, that slaps. The mod replaces the intro video with a polished, stylized visual that captures the sunny, synthy…
Denise Gough Is Heading to Manchester Comic Con – And Yes, the ISB Will Be Watching
If you’ve ever wanted to come face-to-face with the woman who could out-intimidate a room full of stormtroopers without raising her voice, now’s your chance. Denise Gough, who brought bone-chilling precision to the role of Dedra Meero in Andor, is confirmed to appear at Manchester Comic Con on July 27, 2025. So yes, the Imperial Security Bureau is officially on UK soil. You’ve been warned. Dedra Meero Takes the Spotlight Gough’s performance in Andor as Dedra Meero—a ruthlessly determined ISB officer climbing the imperial ranks—was nothing short of a masterclass in how to make audiences simultaneously terrified and captivated. Her calculated expressions, ice-cold interrogations, and disturbingly relatable ambition made Dedra one of the most memorable characters in the series. It’s not every day you get the chance to meet the face behind one of the Empire’s most effective enforcers, and for once, you won’t be interrogated about your whereabouts during…
The Peezos Scene in Andor Season 2: How a 3-Second Glance Tells the Whole Story
In Andor Season 2, Episode 4 (“Ever Been to Ghorman?”), there’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment that delivers more emotional payload than a Star Destroyer at full burn. Cassian Andor, walking into a corner shop with Bix on Coruscant, picks up a small green tube of tablets. He looks at it, hesitates for a heartbeat, and puts it back. No dialogue. No dramatic music swell. Just a tiny motion… and a whole galaxy of meaning. This isn’t just any product—it’s a tube of “greeny-green Peezos”, as written in Aurebesh on the label. If you’re wondering why that detail matters, you’re about to see why Andor remains one of the most emotionally layered shows in the Star Wars franchise. 🟢 Peezos: More Than a Snack, Less Than a Lightsaber Let’s rewind to Season 1, Episode 7 (“Announcement”). Back on the tropical planet Niamos, Cassian was living his best low-stakes life. A beachside apartment….
Disney Quietly Swaps Rogue One Thumbnail — Now It’s the Cassian Show (Apparently)
If you opened up Disney+ recently and thought, “Wait a minute, wasn’t Rogue One about Jyn Erso?”, you’re not imagining things. Disney has subtly updated the thumbnail for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, placing Cassian Andor front and center—with Jyn and K-2SO noticeably playing backup in the shadows. And while we’re all for Cassian getting his moment in the binary suns, one can’t help but wonder: Did Disney+ just retcon the thumbnail to boost clicks off Andor hype? Let’s talk about it. 📺 The New Rogue One Thumbnail: Cassian Leads the Charge In the updated image currently shown on Disney+, Cassian’s intense, brooding face dominates the frame, flanked by a smaller Jyn Erso and the ever-sarcastic K-2SO. This might seem like a minor visual tweak—but it completely flips the marketing narrative of the film. Originally, Rogue One was marketed (and written) with Jyn Erso as the lead. She delivers…
Andor Is Up for a National Television Award—Time to Vote Like a Rebel Spy
Andor might be all about hiding in the shadows, sneaking past surveillance, and dismantling empires—but right now, the show is stepping into the spotlight. That’s right: the critically acclaimed Star Wars series is officially in the running at the National Television Awards (NTA) in the UK. So if you’ve ever shouted “This is peak Star Wars!” while watching Mon Mothma out-politic her enemies or Luthen Rael monologue like he’s in a Shakespearean tragedy set in space, this is your moment. Time to put your mouse where your mouth is and vote. Wait, What Are the National Television Awards? The NTAs are one of the UK’s most beloved viewer-voted awards shows. Think of them as the BAFTAs’ cooler, less posh cousin—the one who actually asks what people at home are watching and loving. Unlike awards voted on by committees in dark rooms with expensive coffee, the NTAs are decided by the…
Andor Season 2: A Galactic Emmy Push with 23 Nominations
It’s official—Andor Season 2 is making waves beyond the galaxy far, far away. The critically acclaimed Star Wars prequel series has submitted itself for Emmy consideration in an impressive 23 categories. That’s right, Disney+ isn’t holding back with its Emmy campaign, showing massive confidence in the show’s artistic and technical merits. After the first season’s solid eight Emmy nominations, the leap to 23 categories signals that Andor Season 2 has truly evolved into a powerhouse drama that commands attention from television’s most prestigious awards body. So let’s take a deep dive into why Andor Season 2 is generating such buzz in the Emmy race—and why it deserves every bit of it. Directing and Writing: Crafting a Masterpiece When it comes to storytelling, Andor Season 2 has truly raised the bar. The Emmy submissions highlight this with nods for both Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series and Outstanding Writing for a…
A Breakdown of All Historical References and Parallels in Andor (In Chronological Order)
Disney’s Andor isn’t just another Star Wars story—it’s a politically charged, slow-burn thriller about rebellion, sacrifice, and systemic oppression. Showrunner Tony Gilroy didn’t just want to tell a space opera; he wanted to reflect the gritty truths of real-world history. And he did—again and again. Almost every plotline in Andor echoes a moment from our own past. Let’s break down all the known historical references and real-world inspirations in Andor, following the show’s timeline and expanding on what’s shown in the visuals—and what isn’t. The Aldhani Heist – The 1907 Tiflis Bank Robbery The daring Aldhani heist, where a small rebel crew robs an Imperial garrison’s payroll vault, draws direct inspiration from the 1907 Tiflis bank robbery. That real-life event was led by a young revolutionary named Ioseb Jughashvili—aka Joseph Stalin. His group, operating under the Bolsheviks, ambushed a bank transport and made off with hundreds of thousands of rubles…
Andor Season 2 Just Set an IMDb Record—And Yes, It Deserves It
Move over, Baby Yoda—there’s a new champion in town, and his name is Andor. The second season of the critically acclaimed Star Wars series has just pulled off a galactic flex that no other TV show—not even the internet’s beloved Severance or The Last of Us—has ever achieved. Let’s say it together: five consecutive episodes with IMDb scores of 9.5 or higher. Yes, Andor Season 2 has become the first television series in IMDb history to land that kind of praise across five back-to-back episodes. That’s not just good—it’s hyperspace good. What Just Happened? According to IMDb user ratings, Andor’s final stretch of Season 2 is basically flawless. Here’s how the numbers stack up: That’s a hall-of-fame lineup if we’ve ever seen one. These aren’t just respectable scores—these are the kind of ratings that make other prestige shows look like they’re phoning it in from the Outer Rim. Breaking the…
Why Jyn Erso Didn’t Show Up in Andor — Tony Gilroy Explains the Real Reason
Jyn Erso and Cassian Andor. The power duo that stole the Death Star plans and went out in a literal blaze of glory. So, naturally, when Andor premiered on Disney+ and promised to explore the early days of Cassian’s rebellion, many expected—or at least quietly hoped—to see the return of Jyn Erso. Spoiler alert: She never shows up. And it’s not because she’s on a secret mission, or in carbonite, or off doing a Rogue One prequel to the prequel. Nope. The reason is a lot simpler—and it comes straight from showrunner Tony Gilroy himself. The Temptation of the Cameo You’d think that bringing back Jyn Erso would be a no-brainer. She’s Cassian’s co-hero, after all. Their story in Rogue One is tragic, bold, and deeply connected to the birth of the Rebel Alliance. So why not throw in a cheeky cameo? Tony Gilroy addressed this in a recent interview,…
Why Kino Loy Did Not Appear in Andor Season 2: The Real Reason Behind the Absence
If you were among the many who were scratching their heads wondering why Kino Loy, portrayed masterfully by Andy Serkis, didn’t show up in Andor Season 2, you’re not alone. The charismatic leader of Narkina 5’s prison rebellion stole the spotlight in Season 1, but his conspicuous absence in the trailers and announcements for the second season left many of us with a Wookiee-sized hole in our hearts. So, what gives? Kino Loy’s Fate: More Questions Than Answers When we last saw Kino Loy, things were, well… not looking great. After spearheading one of the most riveting prison breaks in Star Wars history, it was revealed that he couldn’t swim. Yep, the man who faced down Imperial guards and led hundreds to freedom found his downfall in a good old-fashioned water hazard. We never actually see what happens to him. Did he find a floatie? Did some brave souls attempt…
TL-50 Heavy Repeater: Andor’s Surprise Live-Action Debut
Andor Episode 10, titled “Make It Stop,” brought a hidden gem to the Star Wars universe’s live-action fold: the TL-50 Heavy Repeater. For hardcore Star Wars gamers, this isn’t just any blaster—it’s a weapon with serious history. The TL-50 first made its debut in Jedi Outcast, a classic game from 2002 that solidified its place in Star Wars gaming lore. Later, the weapon found new life in DICE’s Star Wars Battlefront games, reimagined with stunning graphics and devastating firepower. Now, thanks to Andor, it’s officially part of live-action canon. The Origin Story: Jedi Outcast The TL-50 Heavy Repeater was first wielded by Kyle Katarn, the rogue Jedi turned mercenary who became a fan-favorite in the Jedi Knight series. In Jedi Outcast, the weapon was known for its insane rate of fire and devastating power. It wasn’t just a blaster; it was a room-clearer. The secondary fire mode unleashed a concussive…