It’s been six years since a single character dramatically altered the world of Star Wars. 2019 was a landmark year for the franchise, marking both the end of the Skywalker Saga with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and the premiere of its first live-action television series, just a month earlier.
The first episode of The Mandalorian aired on November 12, 2019, when Disney+ first launched. Taking place after Return of the Jedi, the show starred Pedro Pascal as the main character, a bounty hunter. Pascal quickly became popular as Din Djarin, and the show featured a strong supporting cast. But it was a baby character who ultimately made the biggest impression.
Baby Yoda Was Introduced On November 12, 2019
As a critic, I can confidently say The Mandalorian grabbed me – and the entire world, it seems – from the very first episode. It all came down to a single character introduction. We meet Din Djarin on a mission to find a 50-year-old asset, and what he discovers is… well, it’s the adorable little foundling everyone immediately dubbed “Baby Yoda.” That reveal? It was a pop culture explosion, and honestly, Star Wars hasn’t been the same since. It instantly transformed the show, and the entire franchise, into something truly special.
The character known as Baby Yoda, or “The Child,” instantly became incredibly popular online. Because Yoda has long been a beloved character in the Star Wars universe, audiences quickly fell in love with this younger version. Even people who weren’t familiar with Star Wars found themselves charmed by the playful, Force-sensitive little creature.
The success of Baby Yoda – later revealed to be named Grogu – proved to be a huge win for Star Wars and Disney+. Clever marketing and merchandise helped make the character incredibly popular, and fans remained captivated throughout the three seasons of The Mandalorian. Grogu hasn’t lost his appeal, and audiences are now eagerly anticipating his return in the 2026 film The Mandalorian and Grogu, which will be the first Star Wars movie released since The Rise of Skywalker.
The Mandalorian Launched A New Era For Star Wars
Image via Disney+
Although The Mandalorian is best known for introducing Grogu to the Star Wars universe, it also ushered in a new age for the franchise. Following the end of the Skywalker Saga, the show pioneered live-action Star Wars storytelling on streaming platforms over the last six years. Because of its place in the Star Wars timeline, The Mandalorian allowed for the creation of spin-off series like The Book of Boba Fett and Ahsoka.
Beyond revisiting familiar elements from previous Star Wars films and series, The Mandalorian successfully adapted several beloved animated characters into live-action, including Ahsoka Tano, Cad Bane, Cobb Vanth, and Bo-Katan Kryze. Disney+ also continued existing storylines with the series Obi-Wan Kenobi and Andor, and brought back popular actors like Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, and Diego Luna.
| Star Wars Live-Action Show | Years |
|---|---|
| The Mandalorian | 2019-2023 (3 seasons) |
| The Book of Boba Fett | 2021-2022 (1 season) |
| Obi-Wan Kenobi | 2022 (1 season) |
| Andor | 2022-2025 (2 seasons) |
| Ahsoka | 2023-TBD (2 seasons) |
| The Acolyte | 2024 (1 season) |
| The Skeleton Crew | 2024 (1 season) |
Disney+’s success with live-action shows, currently numbering seven and growing, is largely thanks to the immediate popularity of The Mandalorian. Even after season 3 concluded in 2023, a single trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu quickly renewed excitement for the series. While Grogu – often called ‘Baby Yoda’ – played a key role in revitalizing Star Wars, it’s hard to say where the franchise would be today with its live-action content if he hadn’t been introduced in 2019.
Read More
- Clash Royale Best Boss Bandit Champion decks
- Hazbin Hotel Season 2 Episode 5 & 6 Release Date, Time, Where to Watch
- PUBG Mobile or BGMI A16 Royale Pass Leaks: Upcoming skins and rewards
- Mobile Legends November 2025 Leaks: Upcoming new heroes, skins, events and more
- You can’t watch Predator: Badlands on Disney+ yet – but here’s when to expect it
- Deneme Bonusu Veren Siteler – En Gvenilir Bahis Siteleri 2025.4338
- Zack Snyder’s ‘Sucker Punch’ Finds a New Streaming Home
- Will Bitcoin Keep Climbing or Crash and Burn? The Truth Unveiled!
- How To Romance Morgen In Tainted Grail: The Fall Of Avalon
- Nicolas Cage’s Son Marries for 4th Time Amid Family Court Drama and Assault Lawsuit
2025-11-12 12:59