Andorseason 2’s three-episode finale has officially topped the streaming rankings, a major (and rare) win for Disney+. Though Tony Gilroy’sAndorhad difficulty finding its audience with season 1, word of the show’s impeccable storytelling soon spread, andAndorseason 2became a roaring success. The show is unlike any otherStar Warsproduction to have come before. While it isthe most expensiveStar Warsshowby a wide margin, the cost has arguably been worth it, asAndorsingle-handedly changed how audiences viewStar Warsas a brandand opened up a wealth of narrative opportunities.
Andor’s sophomore success is officially confirmed, asNielsen’s streaming charts show that in the week of May 12 – May 18,Andorclinched the top spot.The series’ final three episodes premiered on May 13, completing the show’s 24-episode cycle.Andoraccumulated 931 million minutes watched that week, roughly 10 million more than the number 2 “Overall Top 10” title, the children’s programBluey(also housed on Disney+). In the “Original Top 10” list,Andorbeat out Netflix’sYou; the fifth and final season premiered on April 24 (Youconsists of 50 episodes in total).
The Hollywood Reporteralso reported thatAndor’s viewership had grown by 101 million minutes viewed per week during the four weeks it was released.Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,which is set directly after theAndorseason 2 finale, enjoyed a significant bump in viewership as well in the week ofAndor’s conclusion, reaching the ninth spot on the streaming movie charts with 179 million minutes viewed.
Nielsen’s streaming ratings only account for minutes watched on TV sets. It doesn’t count minutes watched on mobile devices and computers. As such,Andor’s total viewed minutes for that week will likely be significantly higher.
Andor’s Unusual Release Schedule Was Worth It
Andorseason 2 was built around an unusual release schedule. For four weeks, three new episodes dropped on Disney+, with each three-episode block exploring one year and one specific moment of Cassian Andor’s (Diego Luna) work and the growth of the Rebel Alliance. This allowed the show to focus on the major milestones that would eventually become the building blocks of Mon Mothma and Bail Organa’s Rebellion, including pivotal events likethe Ghorman Massacre, Mon’s public exit from the Senate, and Luthen Rael’s death.
Andorseason 2 has proven that experimental storytelling structures can and do work.
Recently, more streamers have readopted network TV’s weekly release schedule. This change isn’t all that surprising, as weekly releases allow shows to stay in the cultural zeitgeist for longer, rather than being forgotten about after a weekend spent bingeing.Andor’s three-episode drops were even more daring, however.These narrative blocks provided room for a deeper exploration of the horrors of the Empire and the sacrifices of the Rebellion, pulling viewers in for an emotionally charged, three-hour weekly ride.Andorseason 2 has proven that experimental storytelling structures can and do work.
Our Take On Andor Season 2’s Success
Andorseason 2’s success and critical acclaim are wholly deserved. It’s that rare show that gets nearly everything right:intriguing, complex characters, relevant social commentary, emotional resonance, all while respecting and honoring the story and themes that inspired it.Andorproves thatStar Wars’storytelling can move beyond the Jedi, the Sith, and the Skywalker saga, and it can be mature and gritty without losing sight of where it came from. Hopefully, Lucasfilm and Disney take note ofAndor’s success and realize there is no better franchise with which to experiment with theme and genre thanStar Wars.
Andor’s success is a major moment for Disney+ as well. Since its launch in 2019, Disney+ has enjoyed several successes – most notably, of course,The Mandalorian, or the Marvel Cinematic Universe’sWandaVision,Loki, andDaredevil: Born Again– but it has largely remained behind in the streaming ratings, thanks in part to a few notable original misses within its flagship franchises. Shows likeThe Book of Boba Fettand the MCU’sSecret Invasionhaven’t helped sell Disney+ as a must-see streaming platform, but perhapsAndor’s undeniable streaming success can turn things around.
2026
Ahsokaseason 2 (live-action)
