Star Wars fans received some disappointing news recently: Lucasfilm has decided not to move forward with a second season of The Acolyte, the Star Wars spin-off that wrapped up its first eight-episode season on Disney+. While the decision isn’t entirely unexpected, it has sparked mixed reactions from the fanbase.
A Promising Start with Mixed Results
The Acolyte, created and led by Leslye Headland, launched on June 4, 2024, with strong initial numbers. The first two episodes drew 4.8 million views within the first day, making it the biggest series premiere on Disney+ this year. After five days, the viewership climbed to 11.1 million globally, and the series made its debut on Nielsen’s Top 10 originals chart at No. 7, later reaching No. 6 in its second week.
However, the momentum didn’t last. By the third week, The Acolyte had dropped out of the Top 10, only reappearing briefly at No. 10 after the finale. Despite its solid start, the show struggled to maintain its audience, with the finale pulling in 335 million minutes viewed—the lowest for a Star Wars series finale on Disney+.
High Costs and Tough Decisions
The Acolyte was a big-budget production, with each season costing over $100 million. Like other streaming platforms, Disney+ has set high viewership benchmarks for renewing expensive shows. Unfortunately, The Acolyte didn’t hit those numbers. Despite Leslye Headland’s hopes for a second season, the show’s performance didn’t justify the cost.
Star Wars on Disney+ Continues
While The Acolyte won’t be returning, Star Wars content on Disney+ is still going strong. The Mandalorian, the platform’s most successful Star Wars series, is moving forward with new feature films, and Ahsoka, which aired before The Acolyte, has been renewed for a second season.
What Could Have Been
The Acolyte aimed to explore a unique part of the Star Wars universe, set in the final days of the High Republic era. The show followed a former Padawan and her Jedi Master as they investigated a series of dark and mysterious crimes. With a talented cast, including Amandla Stenberg and Carrie-Anne Moss, the show had potential. However, it wasn’t enough to secure a second season.
For more on the cancellation and what it means for the Star Wars universe, tune in to the next episode of the Geek Freaks podcast. Listen to the Geek Freaks podcast here.
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