{{good article}} {{About|the 2008 TV series|the 2003 TV series|Star Wars: Clone Wars {{!}} ''Star Wars: Clone Wars''|the film|Star Wars: The Clone Wars (film) {{!}} ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' (film)|the fictional conflict|Clone Wars|other uses|Clone Wars (disambiguation)}} {{Use American English|date=November 2022}} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2020}} {{Infobox television | image = Star Wars The Clone Wars.svg | genre = {{Plainlist| <!-- Per Disney+ and other sources listed in the production section --> * Action * Adventure * Science fiction * Fantasy }} | creator = George Lucas | based_on = {{Based on|''Star Wars''|George Lucas}} | starring = {{Plainlist|<!-- Per Disney+--> * Tom Kane * Matt Lanter * Ashley Eckstein * James Arnold Taylor * Dee Bradley Baker * Corey Burton }} | narrator = Tom Kane | composer = Kevin Kiner | country = United States | num_seasons = 7 | num_episodes = <onlyinclude>133</onlyinclude> | list_episodes = List of Star Wars: The Clone Wars episodes | executive_producer = {{Plainlist| * George Lucas * Catherine Winder (seasons 1{{en dash}}3) * Dave Filoni (season 7) * Sareana Sun (season 7) * Shuzo John Shiota (season 7) }} | producer = {{Plainlist| * Cary Silver * Catherine Winder (seasons 1{{en dash}}2) * Caroline Kermel (season 7) * Daisy Fang (season 7) }} | runtime = 22 minutes | company = {{Plainlist| * Lucasfilm * Lucasfilm Animation * CGCG, Inc }} | budget = $750,000–$2 million (per episode) | network = Cartoon Network | first_aired = {{Start date|2008|10|3}} | last_aired = {{End date|2013|3|2}} | network2 = Netflix | released2 = {{Start date|2014|3|7}} | network3 = Disney+ | first_aired3 = {{Start date|2020|2|21}} | last_aired3 = {{End date|2020|5|4}} | related = {{Plainlist| * ''Star Wars Rebels'' * ''Star Wars: The Bad Batch'' * ''Star Wars: Tales'' * ''The Mandalorian'' * ''Ahsoka'' * ''Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord'' }} }}
'''''Star Wars: The Clone Wars''''' is an American animated science fiction television series created by George Lucas and produced by Lucasfilm Animation. Set between ''Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones'' (2002) and ''Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith'' (2005), it follows Jedi Knights Anakin Skywalker (Matt Lanter), Obi-Wan Kenobi (James Arnold Taylor), and Anakin's Padawan, Ahsoka Tano (Ashley Eckstein) as they lead the Galactic Republic's clone army (Dee Bradley Baker) against the Separatist Alliance, commanded by Count Dooku (Corey Burton) during the Clone Wars.
The series originated from Lucas's desire to explore the untold stories of the Clone Wars era including characters and planets briefly mentioned in the ''Star Wars'' prequel trilogy. Development began as early as 2004. Lucas hired supervising director Dave Filoni, who had worked closely with him, and the creative team drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including the original ''Star Wars'' trilogy and Ralph McQuarrie's concept art, while also drawing on elements of anime, manga, and Genndy Tartakovsky's ''Clone Wars'' (2003–2005) microseries. The series was preceded by an animated theatrical film of the same name in August 2008, originally intended to serve as its first episodes. It officially premiered on October 3, 2008, on Cartoon Network and ran for five seasons before its initial cancellation in 2013.
Following its cancellation in 2013, a project titled ''{{Pslink|The Clone Wars Legacy}}'' adapted unfinished story arcs into other formats such as comics and novels. The series was later revived with a sixth season on Netflix in 2014 and a seventh and final season on Disney+ in 2020, which concluded with the critically acclaimed "Siege of Mandalore" arc, set parallel to the events of ''Revenge of the Sith''. Although plans for an eighth season were ultimately scrapped, the series was followed by several sequels, including ''Star Wars Rebels'' (2014–2018), as well as the spin-offs ''The Bad Batch'' (2021–2024), ''Ahsoka'' (2023–present), and ''Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord (2026)''
''The Clone Wars'' was a ratings success for Cartoon Network. While viewership fluctuated across seasons, the series consistently performed well, showing significant year-over-year growth. In its later years, the series experienced a surge in demand on streaming platforms, coinciding with the debut of ''The Mandalorian'' (2019–2023), and the release of its seventh season, becoming the most in-demand sci-fi series in the United States. It also received critical acclaim and garnered numerous awards and nominations, including Daytime Emmy Awards and the Annie Awards.
== Premise == ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' is an animated series set between ''Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones'' (2002) and ''Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith'' (2005),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lowry |first=Brian |date=2008-09-26 |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars |url=https://variety.com/2008/scene/markets-festivals/star-wars-the-clone-wars-1200470254/ |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> during the Clone Wars,<ref name=":02">{{Cite news |last=Itzkoff |first=Dave |date=June 29, 2008 |title=Free to follow his heart right back to 'Star Wars' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/29/movies/29itzk.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250125002246/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/29/movies/29itzk.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0 |archive-date=January 25, 2025 |access-date=April 21, 2025 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> a three-year conflict between the Galactic Republic and the Separatists.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Britt |first=Ryan |date=February 19, 2020 |title=The Clone Wars are the weirdest — and most important — conflict in Star Wars |url=https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/what-is-clone-wars-season-7-explained-star-wars |access-date=May 24, 2025 |website=Inverse |language=en}}</ref> The series "flesh[es] out the adventures of Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker" while exploring characters and planets introduced in the prequel films.<ref name=":02"/> It follows the Republic's fight against the Separatists, with the Jedi leading clone armies against droid forces commanded by Count Dooku and General Grievous.<ref>{{Cite web |author1=Rafe Telsch |date=2016-05-27 |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars - A Galaxy Divided |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/dvds/Star-Wars-Clone-Wars-Galaxy-Divided-3801.html |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=CinemaBlend |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Garron |first=Barry |date=2008-09-29 |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/star-wars-clone-wars-125422/ |access-date=2025-05-05 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> In addition to focusing on Anakin and Obi-Wan, the series explores other Jedi, introduces new and returning villains, and gives more attention to the Troopers and their experiences in the war.<ref name="Season1Review">{{Cite web |last=Goldman |first=Eric |date=2009-03-30 |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Season 1 Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/03/30/star-wars-the-clone-wars-season-1-review |access-date=2025-05-05 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" />
Spanning 133 episodes, the series delves into the moral complexities of war, blurring the lines between good and evil, echoing ''Revenge of the Sith''{{'}}s opening crawl: "There are heroes on both sides. Evil is everywhere." This portrayal helped establish the series as a significant part of ''Star Wars'' lore, expanding the mythology in ways the films did not.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Opie |first=David |date=August 17, 2023 |title=The Clone Wars Changed The Star Wars Galaxy Forever, 15 Years Ago |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/the-clone-wars-changed-star-wars-galaxy-forever/ |access-date=May 5, 2025 |website=Empire |language=en}}</ref> It also bridges the gap between the prequels and the wider ''Star Wars'' universe, offering insight into the stakes leading up to ''Revenge of the Sith''. Along the way, it deepens key characters like Anakin, Obi-Wan, Padme, and the Jedi Council while introducing new ones such as Ahsoka Tano, Cad Bane, Saw Gerrera, and Mandalorians like Duchess Satine Kryze and Bo-Katan.<ref name=":9" />
==Episodes== {{Main|List of Star Wars: The Clone Wars episodes|l1 = List of ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' episodes}}
{{:List of Star Wars: The Clone Wars episodes}} === Production sequence === Pablo Hidalgo explained on his Twitter in 2016 that the series followed a complicated production schedule. Often, more episodes were produced than broadcast during a given season,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fitzpatrick |first=Kevin FitzpatrickKevin |date=2016-11-26 |title='Star Wars: The Clone Wars' Almost Had a Younglings Spinoff |url=https://screencrush.com/star-wars-clone-wars-spinoff-pablo-hidalgo/ |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=ScreenCrush |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":29">{{Cite web |author1=Nick Venable |date=2016-11-25 |title=The Last Star Wars Project George Lucas Considered Before Selling To Disney |url=https://www.cinemablend.com/television/1589720/the-last-star-wars-project-george-lucas-considered-before-selling-to-disney |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=Cinemablend |language=en}}</ref> resulting in episodes being released out of order.<ref name=":32">{{Cite web |last=Gilman |first=Andrew |date=2023-08-29 |title=Star Wars Celebrates The Clone Wars' Official Watch Order (Chronological) |url=https://thedirect.com/article/star-wars-clone-wars-watch-order-chronological |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=The Direct |language=en}}</ref> Typically, the production team followed a 26-episode schedule, which resulted in a few episodes being held back and aired the following season.<ref name=":29" /> For example, in season five, the team decided to air only 20 episodes instead of the usual 22.<ref name=":29" /> This decision led to further adjustments. If they had gone with a 19-episode season instead, the Clovis arc (season six, episodes 5–6), which was originally part of the season four production slate, would have been included in season five, and the Younglings arc (season five, episodes 6–9) would have been cut.<ref name=":29" />
While considering the future of the Youngling arc, Lucas envisioned it as the basis for a standalone series. He had the episodes edited into a pilot film, which was screened at that year's ''Star Wars'' Celebration. However, the motivation to create a spinoff was eventually abandoned, and the pilot idea was scrapped. As a result, the episodes remained part of season five.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hall |first=Jacob |date=2016-11-30 |title=Star Wars Bits: Darth Maul's Comic, 'Star Wars'-Inspired Laser Tag, And The 'Clone Wars' Spin-Off That Almost Happened |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/547947/star-wars-bits-87/ |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=SlashFilm |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":29" /> Additionally, only 13 of the intended 24 episodes aired in season six, and just 12 of 24 episodes aired in season seven.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-04-09 |title=The Clone Wars Season 7 {{!}} The Bad Batch Story Arc Review |url=https://comicbookmovie.com/tv/star-wars/the-clone-wars-season-7-the-bad-batch-story-arc-review-a174461 |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=ComicBookMovie.com |language=en-us}}</ref> To help viewers understand the narrative timeline, the official ''Star Wars'' Twitter account shared an article in 2014 presenting the series in chronological order. This marked the first time Lucasfilm had promoted the episode guide on social media, and the list was later updated after the final season aired.<ref name=":32" />
== Characters == {{Main|List of Star Wars: The Clone Wars cast members|l1 = List of ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' cast members|List of Star Wars characters|l2 = List of ''Star Wars'' characters}}
=== Main === * Matt Lanter as Anakin Skywalker –<ref name=":34">{{Cite web |title=Watch Star Wars: The Clone Wars {{!}}Full episodes |url=https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-314f14b4-b70a-4ec6-b634-2559f0b1f77e |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250517141142/https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-314f14b4-b70a-4ec6-b634-2559f0b1f77e |archive-date=May 17, 2025 |access-date=2025-06-02 |website=Disney+ |language=en}}</ref> A bold and skilled Jedi Knight believed to be the prophesied Chosen One; also voices Lom Pyke and other characters. * Ashley Eckstein as Ahsoka Tano –<ref name=":34" /> Anakin Skywalker's Padawan. * James Arnold Taylor as Obi-Wan Kenobi –<ref name=":34" /> A wise and diplomatic Jedi Master serving as a general in the Clone Wars; also voices Plo Koon, Osi Sobek, and others. * Dee Bradley Baker as Captain Rex –<ref name=":34" /> A clone trooper captain; also voices all other clone troopers. Baker voices several supporting characters such as Saesee Tiin, Bossk, and Admiral Trench. * Corey Burton as Count Dooku / Darth Tyranus –<ref name=":34" /> A former Jedi turned Sith Lord leading the Separatist Alliance; also voices Cad Bane and Ziro the Hutt. * Tom Kane as Narrator –<ref name=":34" /> The series' narrator, setting the tone for each episode; also voices Yoda, Admiral Wullf Yularen, and other side characters.
===Guests=== The following is a selected list of notable guest appearances in the series.
* Pernilla August as Shmi Skywalker – Reprised her role as Shmi for a single scene in the Mortis arc (third-season episodes 15–17).<ref name=":2432">{{Cite web |last=Joseph |date=2014-02-27 |title=10 Actors You Didn't Realise Were In Star Wars: The Clone Wars |url=https://whatculture.com/tv/10-actors-didnt-realise-star-wars-clone-wars?page=2 |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=WhatCulture.com |language=en}}</ref> * Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn – Reprised his role as a Force ghost in several scenes during the Mortis arc and returned again in season six in a few scenes.<ref name=":2432" /> * Daniel Logan as Boba Fett – Reprised his role as young Boba Fett in five episodes, though his performance received criticism.<ref name=":2432" /> * Simon Pegg as Dengar – A ruthless bounty hunter from the original trilogy, reintroduced in the series as part of a team alongside Boba Fett and other mercenaries.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scanlon |first=Colin |date=April 18, 2023 |title=10 Celebrities You Didn't Know Were in 'Star Wars' |url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/g43458187/celebrity-star-wars-cameos/ |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=Esquire |language=en-US}}</ref> * David Tennant as Huyang – An ancient droid who helps Younglings construct lightsabers in a three-episode arc in season five. He won an Emmy for his performance at Outstanding Performer In An Animated Program category.<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last=Somers |first=Fraser |date=2021-02-28 |title=Star Wars: 10 Best Guest Stars On The Clone Wars, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/star-wars-clone-wars-best-guest-stars/ |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref> * Jon Favreau as Pre Vizsla – The leader of Death Watch in seasons two through five, Vizsla is a warrior and political radical who temporarily allies with Darth Maul to reclaim Mandalore.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Joseph |date=2014-02-27 |title=10 Actors You Didn't Realise Were In Star Wars: The Clone Wars |url=https://whatculture.com/tv/10-actors-didnt-realise-star-wars-clone-wars?page=6 |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=WhatCulture.com |language=en}}</ref> * Katee Sackhoff as Bo-Katan Kryze – A strong, loyal, and independent warrior of the Death Watch group, Bo-Katan debuted in season four. Despite appearing in only nine episodes, the character stood out for her resolve within the Mandalorian terrorist organization, becoming an instant fan favorite.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Joseph |date=2014-02-27 |title=10 Actors You Didn't Realise Were In Star Wars: The Clone Wars |url=https://whatculture.com/tv/10-actors-didnt-realise-star-wars-clone-wars?page=8 |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=WhatCulture.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> * Mark Hamill as Darth Bane – An ancient Sith Lord who appears in Yoda's vision in season six, marking the character's canon debut. Hamill previously portrayed Luke Skywalker in the Original Trilogy, a role he would reprise for the subsequent sequel trilogy following Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Acuna |first=Kirsten |date=June 25, 2020 |title=All the secret 'Star Wars' cameos Mark Hamill has had in movies and TV |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/mark-hamill-star-wars-cameos-movies-voice#bonus-in-star-wars-the-clone-wars-hamill-is-credited-using-his-own-name-for-the-voice-of-the-sith-lord-darth-bane-6 |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Production== === Concept and creation === Lucas first envisioned an animated ''Star Wars'' series set during the Clone Wars era as early as 2002, even though he originally planned to end the story with ''Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith'' (2005).<ref name=":02"/> During the film's production in 2004, Lucas decided to move forward with an animated series developed in-house.{{Sfn|Parisi|Scheppke|2009|p=10}}<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |author=C. B. R. Staff|date=October 7, 2008 |title=Director talks Star Wars: The Clone Wars |url=https://www.cbr.com/director-talks-star-wars-the-clone-wars/ |access-date=April 29, 2025 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref> He worked with the R&D division of his company, Lucasfilm to launch Lucasfilm Animation to develop the series.<ref name=":02" /> Lucas then hired a team of "young, Star Wars-obsessed artists" and worked closely with Dave Filoni.<ref name=":02"/> Lucas financed the series himself and charged Time Warner licensing fees to distribute it.<ref name=":02"/> According to an anonymous source familiar with the company's animation operations, the earliest episodes likely cost between $750,000 and $1.5 million each.<ref name=":02"/>
In August 2005, Lucas confirmed that two ''Star Wars''-themed television projects were underway: an animated series and a live-action series.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 2, 2005 |title=Lucasfilm focuses on Star Wars television |url=http://movieweb.com/news/51/8751.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080908093951/http://movieweb.com/news/51/8751.php |archive-date=September 8, 2008 |access-date=April 29, 2025 |website=Movieweb}}</ref> In February 2006, Steve Sansweet emphasized that Lucas was deeply involved in the production process and that the series was scheduled for release in fall 2007.<ref name=":332">{{Cite web |date=February 15, 2006 |title=Exclusive interview: Steve Sansweet talks about the upcoming Star Wars TV shows |url=http://www.movieweb.com/tv/news/90/11090.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080807173807/http://www.movieweb.com/tv/news/90/11090.php |archive-date=August 7, 2008 |access-date=April 29, 2025 |website=Movieweb}}</ref> A year later, at the 2007 William S. Paley Television Festival, Lucas revealed that the animated series would consist of 100 episodes and described it as a "test" for a larger project. He promised it would feel more like the live-action films in terms of ambiance, pushing the boundaries of what television animation could achieve.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Goldman |first=Eric |date=March 6, 2007 |title=Paley Fest: George Lucas gives details on the Star Wars TV shows |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/03/06/paley-fest-george-lucas-gives-details-on-the-star-wars-tv-shows |access-date=April 19, 2025 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> Lucas also noted that his team was producing the episodes before securing a network deal, though he was confident that finding a broadcaster would be easy.<ref name=":6" />
After finishing the first 22 episodes, Lucas pitched the series to television networks in late 2007.<ref name=":02" /> The initial response was lukewarm; Fox Broadcasting passed, even though its sister company, 20th Century Fox, had released the ''Star Wars'' films, and Cartoon Network, despite having aired ''Star Wars: Clone Wars'' (2003–2005), hesitated.<ref name=":02"/> However, Lucas's decision to produce a theatrical film of the same name attracted Warner Brothers' interest, leading them to persuade Cartoon Network to reconsider.<ref name=":02"/> The film, released in August 2008,<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Thielman |first=Sam |date=2008-10-06 |title='Clone Wars' pulls in record ratings |url=https://variety.com/2008/tv/news/clone-wars-pulls-in-record-ratings-1117993515/ |access-date=May 6, 2025 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> was composed of four episodes from the series, originally conceived as a three-part arc titled "Castle of Deception", "Castle of Doom", and "Castle of Salvation", along with a standalone episode, "The New Padawan", which introduced Ahsoka Tano.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McGinley |first=Rhys |date=June 23, 2020 |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars - 10 things everyone forgets about the 2008 animated movie |url=https://screenrant.com/star-wars-the-clone-wars-movie-facts/ |access-date=2025-04-22 |website=Screen Rant |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Season1Review"/> While it was in theaters, Cartoon Network president at the time, Stuart Snyder, heard about the series and flew to San Francisco to screen several episodes. He praised it, calling it a "game-changer for Friday night programming."<ref name=":25" /> Around this time, Lucas had already announced that he was working on the second and third seasons and forging ahead with a live-action television series.<ref name=":02" />
=== Writing and franchise continuity === In early stages of development, Filoni proposed a series centered on a group of recurring characters traveling aboard a spaceship similar to the Millennium Falcon, including a Jedi apprentice named Ashla, and her Jedi Master.{{efn|This later inspired ''Star Wars Rebels''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cavanaugh |first=Patrick |date=August 1, 2018|title=Dave Filoni Confirms 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' Was Initially More Like 'Star Wars Rebels' |url=https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-the-clone-wars-original-plans-rebels-dave-filoni/ |access-date=April 29, 2025 |website=ComicBook.com |language=en-US}}</ref>}} Working with Henry Gilroy, Filoni developed early concepts and introduced original characters such as Rotta and his father, Ziro,{{Sfn|Parisi|Scheppke|2009|p=13}} aiming to tell a story that would not interfere with existing ''Star Wars'' continuity, with occasional appearances by film characters like Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker.{{Sfn|Parisi|Scheppke|2009|p=13}}
However, Lucas rejected this approach, insisting the series focus on film characters.{{Sfn|Parisi|Scheppke|2009|p=13}} As a result, Ashla was reimagined as Ahsoka, Anakin's Padawan, and Rotta and Ziro were integrated into the theatrical film.{{Sfn|Parisi|Scheppke|2009|p=13}} Ahsoka was originally conceived as Obi-Wan's Padawan, but Lucas reassigned her to Anakin to break their repetitive dynamic and highlight Anakin's growth as a Jedi.{{Sfn|Parisi|Scheppke|2009|p=24}} Filoni and Gilroy developed Ahsoka as a blend of "Anakin's brashness and Obi-Wan's measured judgment," symbolizing the transition from Republic to Empire. Filoni explained, "Ahsoka is between them, looking back at what was, looking forward to what might be."{{Sfn|Parisi|Scheppke|2009|p=24}} Lucas added that her role was to help mature Anakin, shifting him from the "wild child" of ''Attack of the Clones'' into a more responsible mentor.<ref name="Gizmodo interview">{{Cite web |last=Newitz |first=Annalee |date=August 5, 2008 |title=George Lucas spills all about Clone Wars at Skywalker Ranch |url=https://gizmodo.com/george-lucas-spills-all-about-clone-wars-at-skywalker-r-5033398 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250429020734/https://gizmodo.com/george-lucas-spills-all-about-clone-wars-at-skywalker-r-5033398#federation=archive.wikiwix.com&tab=url |archive-date=April 29, 2025 |access-date=April 29, 2025 |website=Gizmodo}}</ref>
Lucas and Filoni co-developed many of the series' scripts, drawing from concepts Lucas had kept since the original trilogy in 1977.<ref name=":02" /> The script also draws inspiration from Expanded Universe of Lucas's space opera,<ref name=":302">{{Cite magazine |date=October 1, 2012 |title=10 Best Cartoon Network Shows: We Rank 'Em! |url=http://www.ew.com/gallery/10-best-cartoon-network-shows-we-rank-em/579221_8-star-wars-clone-wars |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123194416/http://www.ew.com/gallery/10-best-cartoon-network-shows-we-rank-em/579221_8-star-wars-clone-wars |archive-date=2015-11-23 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}</ref> manga,<ref name="Gizmodo interview" /> and 1950s science fiction, with each episode opening with a voiceover recap of the previous installment, followed by an on-screen moral lesson<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adamson |first=Dave |date=2009-11-04 |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 1 Blu-ray review |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/star-wars-the-clone-wars-season-1-blu-ray-review/ |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=Den of Geek |language=en-US}}</ref>—nicknamed the "Jedi cookie"— which introduces each episode's theme and encourages kids to think.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=August 3, 2007 |title=Introducing Catherine Winder |url=http://www.starwars.com/theclonewars/blogs/f20070803/indexp2.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118083654/http://www.starwars.com/theclonewars/blogs/f20070803/indexp2.html |archive-date=January 18, 2008 |access-date=April 29, 2025 |website=Star Wars}}</ref>
In a 2008 interview with ''Gizmodo'', Lucas compared the Clone Wars era to WW II, describing it as a vast and untapped period full of storytelling potential. He explained that, unlike the films—which were narrowly focused on one character and the psychological underpinnings— the series would shift attention to side characters and expand the broader ''Star Wars'' universe. Lucas aimed to take a more lighthearted, episodic approach, inspired by ''Indiana Jones''.<ref name="Gizmodo interview" /> While some episodes were intended to be comedic, the series deliberately avoided the tone of Saturday-morning cartoons. Its episodic format allowed the series to move beyond Skywalker-centered storylines and explore a wider range of characters and events.<ref name=":6" /> However, as the series progressed, its tone gradually became darker.<ref name=":37" />
Producer Catherine Winder described the series as being "akin to an anthology series." She explained that this format allowed each 22-minute episode to stand on its own, enabling viewers to jump in at any point and quickly get oriented. While some episodes are action-driven, many focus on personal, character-based stories that offer deeper insight into both familiar and lesser-known characters from the ''Star Wars'' universe.<ref name=":8" /> Winder explained, "the overall goal and spirit, however, is tonally following the flavor of ''Episode IV: A New Hope'' (1977)."<ref name=":8" /> However, by season three, the series adopted a fully chronological format,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Silverman |first=Riley |date=January 29, 2020 |title=Why CLONE WARS Must Be Watched in Chronological Order |url=https://nerdist.com/article/clone-wars-arcs-chronological-order/ |access-date=2025-05-30 |website=Nerdist |language=en-US}}</ref> and by season five, it shifted to four-episode arcs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldman |first=Eric |date=2013-03-07 |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Dave Filoni Looks Back at Season 5 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/03/07/star-wars-the-clone-wars-supervising-director-dave-filonis-season-5-wrap-up-discussion |access-date=2025-06-03 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{Cite web |last=Goldman |first=Eric |date=2013-03-11 |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars Ends as an Ongoing Series While Detours is Delayed |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2013/03/11/star-wars-the-clone-wars-ends-as-an-ongoing-series-while-detours-is-delayed |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>
In 2008 interview with ''CBR,'' Filoni explained that he and Lucas aimed to emulate the original film's accessibility, crafting stories casual viewers could enjoy without deep knowledge of the ''Star Wars'' universe, while still featuring familiar elements.<ref name=":7" /> Filoni acknowledged the difficulty of crafting suspenseful stories when key outcomes such as Anakin's fall to Darth Vader, are already known. To maintain narrative tension, he focused on characters with uncertain futures like Captain Rex or Ahsoka.<ref name=":7" />
The series released in mid-2008 sparked debate about their place in the ''Star Wars'' canon, particularly regarding their timeline and conflicts with existing continuity. Writer Gilroy explained that Lucasfilm uses a tiered canon system,''{{efn|For more in-depth definition, see Star Wars in other media#Holocron database and canonicity}}'' and continuity expert Leland Chee introduced "T-canon" to categorize television content.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Baker |first=Chris |date=August 15, 2008 |title=I sense a disturbance in the Star Wars canon |url=https://www.wired.com/2008/08/i-sense-a-distu/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130012346/https://www.wired.com/2008/08/i-sense-a-distu/ |archive-date=January 30, 2024 |access-date=April 18, 2025 |magazine=Wired |language=en-US |issn=1059-1028}}</ref> After Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, it redefined the canon, branding most pre-2014 material as ''Legends''. ''The Clone Wars'' remained official canon due to its popularity and narrative importance.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McMillan |first=Graeme |date=2014-04-25 |title=Lucasfilm Unveils New Plans for 'Star Wars' Expanded Universe (Video) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/lucasfilm-unveils-new-plans-star-698973/ |access-date=2025-05-08 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Themes and analysis === Bryan Young of ''Slashfilm'' argues that ''The Clone Wars'', especially its pilot film, draws significant inspiration from samurai cinema, notably the 1989 film ''Shogun's Shadow''. He highlights visual and narrative parallels, emphasizing the Jedi's resemblance to noble warrior protectors. Young also notes stylistic echoes of Akira Kurosawa's work, including dynamic action sequences and cinematography influenced by his visual style.<ref name=":31">{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Bryan |date=2018-08-01 |title=The Animated 'Star Wars' Shows Owe A Great Debt To A Classic Sonny Chiba Samurai Film |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/559980/clone-wars-influences/ |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=SlashFilm |language=en-US}}</ref> Marissa Martinelli of ''Slate'' argues that, despite being a cartoon series, it is not aimed at children due to its moral ambiguity, the debate between free will and destiny, themes of revenge, and the way it experiments with various genres, from horror pastiches to Kurosawa homages.<ref name=":37">{{Cite news |last=Martinelli |first=Marissa |date=2021-04-27 |title=A Guide to Star Wars: The Clone Wars for Grown-Ups |url=https://slate.com/culture/2021/04/star-wars-mandalorian-clone-wars-episode-guide-ahsoka-boba-fett.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427132053/https://slate.com/culture/2021/04/star-wars-mandalorian-clone-wars-episode-guide-ahsoka-boba-fett.html |archive-date=April 27, 2021 |access-date=2025-05-30 |work=Slate |language=en-US |issn=1091-2339}}</ref> A study published in the ''Journal of Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism'' by Colin Atkinson argues that the series offers an accurate portrayal of how societies militarize during wartime. Using themes like policing, espionage, and institutional change, Atkinson argues that key episodes mirror real-world conflicts, like WW II. The series also illustrates how peaceful institutions, like the Jedi Order, adopt warlike tactics, which blurs ethical boundaries. Thus, the series serves as a resource for learning about the moral ambiguities of war.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bishop |first=Ben |date=2022-07-29 |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars Accurately Represents Militarization of Society |url=https://www.cbr.com/star-wars-clone-wars-militarization-society-disney-plus/ |access-date=2025-06-05 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref>
=== Design and influence === Filoni wanted a design that was original and sustainable for a TV production schedule and budget, so he ruled out photo-realism. He initially considered creating a CG version of Genndy Tartakovsky's ''Clone Wars'' microseries, but ultimately felt that was not the right approach.{{Sfn|Parisi|Scheppke|2009|p=15}} However, CG supervisor Joel Aron noted that Tartakovsky's vision still influenced the series' visual effects, explaining, "Its influence shows in elements such as the shapes of explosions and smoke, and the use of dramatic silhouettes."<ref name=":27">{{Cite web |last=Blair |first=Iain |date=2013-01-04 |title=Moody look of 'Clone Wars' inspired by '70s classics |url=https://variety.com/2013/digital/news/moody-look-of-clone-wars-inspired-by-70s-classics-1118063963/ |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> Though the series uses CGI, it is intentionally not photorealistic. Lucas explained that this choice reflected a desire to treat animation as an art form, using computers as "paintbrushes" to craft a distinctive visual style.<ref name="Gizmodo interview" /> Characters were described as resembling painted wooden puppets, evoking the look of the 1960s marionette series ''Thunderbirds'' blended with elements of Japanese cartoon style,<ref>{{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Martin |date=August 13, 2008 |title=Elves, trolls and Tennyson |url=https://www.ft.com/content/129d5c0e-694d-11dd-91bd-0000779fd18c |access-date=April 14, 2025 |website=Financial Times |quote="But what ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' serves up is a rehashed ''Thunderbirds'' with a dash of Japanese anime."}}</ref><ref name="Gizmodo interview" /> echoing Lucas initial anime-inspired vision, which gradually diminished as the series evolved.<ref name=":33" />
Instead of adapting existing animation styles, Filoni and artist Alex Woo spent a month exchanging sketches to develop a new aesthetic direction. Although the series was conceived as a "new take on ''Star Wars''," they aimed to retain the classic feel of the original films, drawing heavy inspiration from Ralph McQuarrie's pre-production artwork.{{Sfn|Parisi|Scheppke|2009|p=15}} Filoni envisioned every episode feeling like a moving McQuarrie painting, as if painted directly onto the TV screen. Inspired by this idea, Producer Justin Leach created rough 3D models based on McQuarrie's paintings of Jabba's palace on Tatooine, adding slight camera movements to bring them to life, Leach recalled "It was the first inkling of what the show might turn into".{{Sfn|Parisi|Scheppke|2009|p=15}} Filoni also wanted a painted, handmade look, so the animation team used textured, stylized designs rather than aiming for realism.{{Sfn|Parisi|Scheppke|2009|p=20}}
He noted that the character design became defined by intense curves and angular graphic shapes, a style never before seen in a CG cartoon. He explained that they "were intentionally carving angles into the characters, using light and shadow to create graphic looks."{{Sfn|Parisi|Scheppke|2009|p=19}} He later recalled: "we're going to have the characters be somewhat stylized, somewhat graphic, but still have some of the photorealism that you see in the films. This way they live in their own reality where you're not expecting it to be photo-real -- but it's not cartoony and not overly exaggerated either. So they live in a believable level of realism."<ref name=":33" />
To visualize the characters in 3D, sculptor Darren Marshall created clay maquettes, Marshall recalled, "I was sculpting the original maquettes, and I remember Dave telling us that he wanted the characters to look like the characters, not so much the actors."{{Sfn|Parisi|Scheppke|2009|p=15}} For the design of the clone troopers, Filoni stated in 2007 that mobility was prioritized, as the production team needed to reuse models efficiently for TV. To achieve this, certain armor gaps were widened and some shoulder joints were omitted to accommodate animation needs.<ref name=":33" /> Writer Gilroy recommended Kilian Plunkett, a comic book artist who had worked on ''Star Wars'' comics for Dark Horse. Plunkett delivered concept designs for Mace Windu, Palpatine, and the droids R2-D2 and C-3PO.{{Sfn|Parisi|Scheppke|2009|p=15}}
The visual style aimed for a balance between the realism of the ''Star Wars'' films and the stylized approach of the earlier ''Clone Wars'' micro-series, emphasizing inspirations including Gentle Giant maquettes and Paul Rudish's original designs. The creative team wanted to honor both the animated legacy and the cinematic tone of the franchise, particularly in anticipation of an upcoming live-action series at the time that was never produced.<ref name=":33" /> The series also drew from a wide range of cinematic influences. Sansweet compared the series's use of CG animation to ''Toy Story,''<ref name=":332" /> while Aron cited ''The Empire Strikes Back'' (1980) as a key visual reference. Aron also drew from personal favorites, including ''Jaws'' (1975), ''Close Encounters of the Third Kind'' (1977), ''Indiana Jones, The Deer Hunter'' (1978), and ''Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid'' (1969), noting that "you'll always see those influences pop up in any given episode."<ref name=":27" />
=== Animation and storyboard === In order to achieve an anime-inspired look,<ref name=":02" /> Lucasfilm Animation initially considered outsourcing animation to Japanese studios and potentially bringing in a Japanese director.{{Sfn|Parisi|Scheppke|2009|p=10}} However, this plan changed when they connected with Taipei-based CGCG, a studio known for its 3D animation work on projects like ''Bionicle: Mask of Light'' (2003) and ''Devilman'' (2004). Impressed by their style and organization, Lucasfilm chose the studio as a partner.{{Sfn|Parisi|Scheppke|2009|p=11}} The production team also worked in the Bay Area, Taipei, Tokyo, Singapore,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cannon |first=William |date=2013-06-17 |title=Daytime Emmy Awards 2013: George Lucas Wins First Emmy With 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' [VIDEO] |url=https://www.latintimes.com/daytime-emmy-awards-2013-george-lucas-wins-first-emmy-star-wars-clone-wars-video-128427 |access-date=2025-05-29 |website=Latin Times |language=en}}</ref> and at Skywalker Ranch in California.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rampton |first=James |date=2009-10-23 |title=Feel the Force: Inside Skywalker Ranch |url=https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/films/features/feel-the-force-inside-skywalker-ranch-1808435.html |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref> To support this globally distributed production, Lucasfilm adopted Autodesk Maya as its primary animation platform. The California team set the story and key scenes, while the studios in Asia handled animation. This 24-hour pipeline enabled the production of an unprecedented eight minutes of finished animation each week.<ref name=":30">{{Cite web |last=Rafael |first=Sam |date=August 26, 2008 |title=Autodesk Maya Software Serves as Animation Platform for New Star Wars: The Clone Wars Animated Feature Film and TV Series |url=http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=11774500&linkID=14271589 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017002158/http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=11774500&linkID=14271589 |archive-date=October 17, 2017}}</ref> Character designs were translated into digital form using Maya, which was also used to model figures such as Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, R2-D2, and Jabba the Hutt.<ref name=":30" />
The production team adopted a cinematic 2.35:1 widescreen ratio, which motivated Lucas to become more involved than he had originally planned.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meenan |first=Devin |date=2023-01-27 |title=George Lucas Was Going To Be Hands-Off On Star Wars: The Clone Wars Until He Realized They Were 'Creating Cinema' [Exclusive] |url=https://www.slashfilm.com/1180142/george-lucas-was-going-to-be-hands-off-on-star-wars-the-clone-wars-until-he-realized-they-were-creating-cinema-exclusive/ |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=SlashFilm |language=en-US}}</ref> Producer Winder explained that the series used a non-linear production process, allowing the team to develop episodes out of sequence and revise them as the story evolved. This flexibility enabled the creation of sequels and prequels after standalone episodes had already been completed, an approach more typical of feature films than traditional television.<ref name=":8" />
In the first season, the fast-paced production required extensive use of storyboards to map out sequences before animation, with every shot drawn by an episodic director or storyboard artist.{{Sfn|Parisi|Scheppke|2009|p=44}} As the series progressed, animators adopted a cutting-edge digital pre-visualization system. Using tools like the Director's Toolkit and a virtual camera, they blocked scenes and assembled episodes in real-time. According to supervisor Aron, artists used flat-screen monitors, styluses, and a vast 3D asset library, including characters, ships, and planets, stored on Lucasfilm's servers. The virtual camera allowed directors to navigate these environments freely, capturing shots from any angle and adjusting composition and timing on the fly. This approach enabled smoother, more dynamic visual storytelling and drew from an extensive library of ''Star Wars'' assets.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Lewinski |first=John Scott |title=Lucasfilm Virtual Camera Commands Clone Wars Galaxy |url=https://www.wired.com/2009/11/virtual-camera-clone-wars/ |access-date=2025-05-29 |magazine=Wired |language=en-US |issn=1059-1028}}</ref>
Director Filoni later explained that scenes were virtually blocked using a specialized digital tool called Zviz, developed by Lucas. It allowed directors to stage and rehearse scenes in 3D, similar to live-action filmmaking, and enabled continuous, cinematic camera movements for a more immersive experience. Filoni described the Bad Batch arc (season seven, episodes 1–4) as the "most authentic" to the series' original production style. He also noted that the final arc, Siege of Mandalore (episodes 9–12), marked a significant creative departure, pushing into new creative territory they had never before explored.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Leong |first=Tim |date=March 2, 2020 |title=Dave Filoni reveals how the final season of 'Clone Wars' matches George Lucas' original vision |url=https://ew.com/tv/star-wars-the-clone-wars-dave-filoni-final-season-bad-batch-interview/ |access-date=2025-05-29 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |language=en}}</ref>
=== Voice casts === Some voice actors from earlier ''Star Wars'' animated projects returned for the series, including Tom Kane as Yoda and James Arnold Taylor as Obi-Wan Kenobi.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Adler |first=Shawn |date=November 8, 2008 |title=George Lucas explains why familiar voices won't return for 'Clone Wars' |url=https://www.mtv.com/?xrs=PPM-18-10caf1c |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/index2.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mtv.com%2Fnews%2F2430488%2Fgeorge-lucas-explains-why-familar-voices-wont-return-for-clone-wars%2F#federation=archive.wikiwix.com&tab=url |archive-date=May 19, 2020 |access-date=April 17, 2025 |website=MTV |language=en}}</ref> Most characters were recast with new voice actors, as the original and prequel film casts did not return, except for Anthony Daniels, who reprised his role as C-3PO.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{cite book |last=Daniels |first=Anthony |author-link=Anthony Daniels |title=I Am C-3PO: The Inside Story |date=2019 |location=London |publisher=DK |format=Hardback |edition=1st |url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=3R76xAEACAAJ&newbks=0&hl=en&redir_esc=y |isbn=9780241357606 |pp=198,268}}</ref> Hayden Christensen, who portrayed Anakin Skywalker in the prequels, said in February 2008 that he had not been approached, though he expressed interest.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |last=Adler |first=Shawn |date=February 12, 2008 |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars is finally good to go; will hit theaters this summer |url=https://www.theforce.net/latestnews/story/Anthony_Daniels_Radio_Interview_98870.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/index2.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mtv.com%2Fnews%2F1581414%2Fstar-wars-the-clone-wars-is-finally-good-to-go-will-hit-theaters-this-summer%2F#federation=archive.wikiwix.com&tab=url |archive-date=October 30, 2015 |access-date=April 17, 2025 |website=MTV}}</ref> Samuel L. Jackson likewise expressed interest in reprising his role as Mace Windu, but only voiced the character in the film.<ref name=":10" /> Lucas cited scheduling conflicts, budget constraints, and a preference for lesser-known talent, explaining that major stars were often unavailable and that celebrity involvement was unnecessary. He further emphasized, "I don't really think I need to hire a big movie star to publicize my movie".<ref name=":2" />
Filoni described working with the actors as a collaborative process. Before recording, he meets with them to break down each episode and often engages in in-depth discussions about character interpretation.<ref name=":7" /> From the beginning, he told the cast that, while they were voicing classic characters, they should inhabit the roles themselves and not merely mimic the live-action performances, though they may incorporate subtle elements of those portrayals.<ref name=":7" /> Filoni also encourages the actors to trust their instincts, saying that if a line feels more inspired when delivered differently, he supports the changes.<ref name=":7" />
=== Logo design and soundtracks === The series Logo design was carefully crafted to reflect elements from ''Attack of the Clones'' and ''The Empire Strikes Back''. The goal was to align closely with the visual style of the original films by adopting a traditional logo approach and moving away from the "bull's-eye" motif that characterized the earlier ''Clone Wars'' series on Cartoon Network.<ref name=":33">{{Cite web |date=July 27, 2007 |title=The Clone Wars Celebration IV Panel -- Part 2 |url=http://www.starwars.com/theclonewars/blogs/news20070727b.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623081943/http://www.starwars.com/theclonewars/blogs/news20070727b.html |archive-date=June 23, 2008 |access-date=July 28, 2025 |website=Star Wars}}</ref> The sound design was created by Ben Burtt, with a team from Skywalker Sound: David Acord, Juan Peralta, and Matthew Wood. All three had previously worked on the prequel films, ensuring it sounds like ''Star Wars''.{{Sfn|Parisi|Scheppke|2009|p=90}} Peralta notes, "The entire crew considers each episode a mini-feature, and we are used to doing film-quality work".{{Sfn|Parisi|Scheppke|2009|p=90}} For the Malevolence arc (episodes 2–3), Acord creates new sounds using "real-world objects,, like a vibrating back massager on a vinyl record."{{Sfn|Parisi|Scheppke|2009|p=90}} Wood edits the sounds together, including the dialogue, while Peralta mixes the sound with the music.{{Sfn|Parisi|Scheppke|2009|p=90}}
Kevin Kiner composed the soundtrack for all episodes of the series. At Lucas's request, each planet in the ''Star Wars'' galaxy was given its own musical theme.<ref>{{Cite web |last=merrick |title=A Teeny Tidbit About One Of Those Nutty Little STAR WARS TV Series We Keep Hearing About!! |url=http://legacy.aintitcool.com/node/32215 |access-date=2025-06-04 |website=Aint It Cool News |language=en}}</ref> Drawing inspiration from the scores of John Williams, Kiner incorporated many of Williams' musical motifs throughout the series.<ref name=":17">Scott Chernoff, "The Force in Music," ''Star Wars: The Official Magazine'', No. 80, November/December 2009, pp. 39-41.</ref> He also subtly integrated elements from his own work on ''CSI: Miami'' (2002–2012), following Lucas's wishes.<ref name=":17" /> Kiner described scoring an episode of the series as an intense and exhausting process, comparable to composing music for a feature film. He also explained that each character inspired different musical directions, especially Jedi Luminara Unduli, Plo Koon, and Ahsoka Tano.<ref name=":17" />
===Cancellation=== On March 11, 2013, Lucasfilm announced that the series would end with its fifth season;<ref name=":18" /><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=McMillan |first=Graeme |title=Disney Cancels Clone Wars on Cartoon Network, Postpones Star Wars: Detours |url=https://www.wired.com/2013/03/disney-clone-wars-cancelled/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |magazine=Wired |language=en-US |issn=1059-1028}}</ref> this decision came shortly after Disney acquired Lucasfilm, signaling a shift in the direction of the ''Star Wars'' franchise.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Welch |first=Chris |date=2013-03-11 |title=Lucasfilm winding down 'The Clone Wars,' teases new 'Star Wars' animated series |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/3/11/4090316/lucasfilm-winding-down-clone-wars-teases-new-star-wars-animated-series |url-access=subscription |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}</ref> Although production for Cartoon Network was to "wind down," several episode arcs were already completed, with Filoni confirming that these story arcs, described as some of the "most thrilling" and important in the series, would be released later as bonus content. Around the same time, Lucasfilm announced that a new animated ''Star Wars'' project was in development.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Truitt |first=Brian |date=February 13, 2014 |title='Star Wars: The Clone Wars' blasts onto Netflix in March |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2014/02/13/star-wars-the-clone-wars-final-season-on-netflix/5446097/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":18" /> During this period, fans tried to bring the series back by starting petitions on platforms like Change.org, posting on social media, and using the hashtag #SaveTheCloneWars.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Martinelli |first=Marissa |date=2018-07-23 |title=The Fan Crusade to Save The Clone Wars Succeeded. The One to Remake The Last Jedi Will Fail. |url=https://slate.com/culture/2018/07/star-wars-fan-campaigns-clonewarssaved-vs-remakethelastjedi.html |access-date=2025-05-12 |work=Slate |language=en-US |issn=1091-2339}}</ref>
Initially, the series was planned to span 300 episodes; some had already been recorded, but much of the content was ultimately scrapped following its cancellation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Milheim |first=Russ |date=2023-03-20 |title=Star Wars Removed Ahsoka's Boyfriend from Clone Wars' Final Season |url=https://thedirect.com/article/ahsoka-boyfriend-star-wars-clone-wars-season-7 |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=The Direct |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Felt |first=Klein |date=2023-03-23 |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 8 Almost Happened, Reveals Actor |url=https://thedirect.com/article/star-wars-the-clone-wars-season-8-prospects |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=The Direct |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Whitbrook |first=James |date=2018-07-30 |title=Everything We Know About the Untold Stories of The Clone Wars |url=https://gizmodo.com/everything-we-know-about-the-untold-stories-of-the-clon-1827908786 |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=Gizmodo |language=en-US}}</ref> In October 2015, journalist Chris Taylor stated in his book ''How Star Wars Conquered the Universe'' that the decision to cancel the series was primarily due to financial reasons.<ref name=":19">{{Cite book |last=Taylor |first=Chris |url=https://archive.org/details/howstarwarsconqu0000tayl/page/408/mode/1up?q=408 |title=How Star Wars conquered the universe : the past, present, and future of a multibillion dollar franchise |date=2014 |publisher=New York : Basic Books, a member of the Perseus Books Group |others=Internet Archive |isbn=978-0-465-08998-7 |pages=408}}</ref> He explained that the series' high production costs around $2 million per episode, along with declining ratings and the need to allocate resources to upcoming ''Star Wars'' films, made its continuation unsustainable.<ref name=":19" /> At the 2018 London Comic-Con, Daniel Logan, the voice of Boba Fett, said the series was canceled because it became "too graphic," something he believed Disney wasn't used to at the time.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bonomolo |first=Cameron |date=2018-11-06 |title='Star Wars: The Clone Wars' Was Cancelled Because It Was "Getting Really Graphic" |url=https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-the-clone-wars-disney-lucasfilm-cancelled-too-graphic/ |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=ComicBook.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Revival === In 2013 Comic-Con, the series revival was announced,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Haring |first=Bruce |date=2018-07-19 |title='Star Wars: The Clone Wars' Will Be Back Via Disney SVOD – Comic-Con |url=https://deadline.com/2018/07/star-wars-the-clone-wars-comic-con-panel-video-1202429799/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> with its sixth and intended final season, subtitled ''The Lost Missions'', which was released exclusively on Netflix.<ref name=":21">{{Cite web |last=Welch |first=Chris |date=2014-02-13 |title=The final episodes of 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' are coming to Netflix |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/2/13/5407962/final-episodes-of-star-wars-the-clone-wars-coming-to-netflix |url-access=subscription |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}</ref> After acquiring the series, Netflix vice president Sean Carey said it was becoming darker and no longer fit with Cartoon Network, but that it was "a hidden gem that Disney brought to our attention, and we jumped all over it."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Day |first=Patrick Kevin |date=March 7, 2014 |title='Star Wars: The Clone Wars': Dave Filoni on Ahsoka's fate, Master Yoda |url=http://herocomplex.latimes.com/tv/star-wars-clone-wars-dave-filoni-ahsoka-yoda/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718154805/http://herocomplex.latimes.com/tv/star-wars-clone-wars-dave-filoni-ahsoka-yoda/ |archive-date=July 18, 2014 |access-date=May 15, 2025 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref>
However, on July 19, 2018, during a panel at San Diego Comic-Con celebrating the series' tenth anniversary, it was revealed that series would be revived again on Disney+ for a final season to wrap up the stories left unresolved; the panel featured the hashtag #CloneWarsSaved in celebration of the series' return.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Liptak |first=Andrew |date=2018-07-19 |title=Disney is bringing back Star Wars: The Clone Wars |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/19/17593108/star-wars-the-clone-wars-saved-disney-streaming-service-dave-filoni |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}</ref> Although an eighth season was scrapped, key storylines were repurposed for ''Star Wars Rebels'' (2014–2018) and Filoni later reworked some of them into the seventh season, tying the series into ''Revenge of the Sith''.<ref name=":14" />
==Release ==
=== Broadcast and streaming services === ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' episodes run about 22 minutes each,<ref name=":8" /> and is seen as "mini-movie" appealing to kids, particularly boys aged 6–14, and their nostalgic parents.<ref name=":25">{{Cite web |last=Swartz |first=Kristi E |date=September 2, 2008 |title=Cartoon Network is eager to use the force |url=http://www.ajc.com/business/content/business/stories/2008/09/02/cartoon_clone_wars.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111118203805/http://www.ajc.com/business/content/business/stories/2008/09/02/cartoon_clone_wars.html |archive-date=November 18, 2011 |access-date=May 16, 2025 |website=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution}}</ref> The series debuted on Cartoon Network on October 3, 2008, at 9 p.m.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moody |first=Annemarie |date=September 29, 2008 |title=Exclusive content during premiere episode of the Clone Wars |url=https://www.awn.com/news/exclusive-content-during-premiere-episode-clone-wars |access-date=April 18, 2025 |website=Animation World Network |language=en}}</ref> following the release of a theatrical animated feature in August of that year. The series remained on Cartoon Network through season five,<ref name=":20" /> with new episodes beginning to air on Saturday mornings starting that season.<ref name=":35">{{Cite web |last=Marechal |first=A. J. |date=2013-01-04 |title='Clone Wars' spans generations of fans |url=https://variety.com/2013/digital/news/clone-wars-spans-generations-of-fans-1118063960/ |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> Episodes first became available for streaming on iTunes the day after their original broadcast and were also offered for free on Cartoon Network's and StarWars.com's websites a week after its airdate.<ref name=":28">{{Cite web |last=TV |first=IGN |date=2008-10-04 |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars - iTunes Plans |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/10/04/star-wars-the-clone-wars-itunes-plans |access-date=2025-05-27 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>
Following its cancellation in 2013, the series was revived with a sixth and intended final season, released exclusively on Netflix in the United States and Canada on March 7, 2014. As part of a formal agreement between Netflix and Disney/ABC, all previous seasons were also made available on Netflix, marking the first time ''Star Wars'' content appeared on the platform.<ref name=":21" /> However, Disney's plans to launch its own streaming service, Disney+, led to the end of its content deal with Netflix in the summer of 2017, with all ''Star Wars'' content scheduled to leave the platform by April 7, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=2019-03-22 |title=Netflix Will Lose Disney's 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars,' James Bond Movies in April 2019 |url=https://variety.com/2019/digital/news/netflix-losing-star-wars-clone-wars-james-bond-movies-1203170180/ |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> Disney+ became the primary platform for streaming the series and ''Star Wars''-related shows.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bishop |first=Bryan |date=2017-11-11 |title=Disney's streaming service has won, and it hasn't even launched yet |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/11/11/16637732/disney-star-wars-marvel-pixar-streaming-service-netflix |access-date=2025-05-15 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoffman |first=David |title=Happy Star Wars Day! Here's how to watch every Star Wars movie and TV show |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/shopping/2025/05/04/how-to-watch-stream-star-wars-movies-tv-shows-disney-plus/83406699007/ |access-date=2025-05-15 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Home media === [[File:Star_Wars_-_The_Clone_Wars_Season_1_box_sets.JPG|center|thumb|Box sets of the first season of ''The Clone Wars'']] {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="width:100%;" |+ Home media releases of ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' ! scope="col" style="width:20%;" | Title ! scope="col" style="width:15%;" | Release date ! scope="col" style="width:10%;" | Format ! scope="col" style="width:25%;" | Content ! scope="col" style="width:30%;" | Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" style="width:5%;" | {{Reference column heading}}
|- ! scope="row" | ''A Galaxy Divided'' | March 24, 2009 | rowspan="2" | DVD | Episodes 1–4 | Initial release containing the first four episodes | <ref>{{Cite web |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars 'A Galaxy Divided' on DVD |url=https://www.starwars.com/theclonewars/news_galaxydivided_dvd.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090116040058/https://www.starwars.com/theclonewars/news_galaxydivided_dvd.html |archive-date=January 16, 2009 |access-date=May 1, 2025 |website=Star Wars}}</ref>
|- ! scope="row" | ''Clone Commandos'' | September 15, 2009 | Episodes 5, 19–21 | Volume 2 of the first season | <ref name="clo2">{{cite web |date=2009-06-23 |title=''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' – Warner/Lucasfilm Press Release for Vol. 2: ''Clone Commandos'' DVD |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Clone-Wars-Clone-Commandos/12167 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151008214546/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Clone-Wars-Clone-Commandos/12167 |archive-date=2015-10-08 |access-date=2015-04-28 |language=en}}</ref>
|- ! scope="row" | ''The Complete Season One'' | Fall 2009 | rowspan="3" | DVD<br>Blu-ray | All Season 1 episodes | Includes director's cuts, video commentary, test animations, concept art, and exclusive content. | <ref name=":222">{{cite web |date=July 15, 2009 |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars The Complete Season One on DVD and Blu-Ray |url=https://www.starwars.com/theclonewars/news20090715.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090831230452/http://www.starwars.com/theclonewars/news20090715.html |archive-date=31 August 2009 |access-date=April 14, 2025 |website=Star Wars}}</ref>
|- ! scope="row" | ''The Complete Season Two'' | October 26, 2010 | All Season 2 episodes | rowspan="2" | Includes bonus features | <ref>{{Cite web |date=May 27, 2010 |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars The Complete Season Two on DVD and Blu-Ray! |url=https://www.starwars.com/theclonewars/news/seasontwo_dvd_bluray/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615180628/https://www.starwars.com/theclonewars/news/seasontwo_dvd_bluray/index.html |archive-date=June 15, 2011 |website=Star Wars}}</ref>
|- ! scope="row" | ''The Complete Season Three'' | October 18, 2011 | All Season 3 episodes | <ref>{{Cite web |date=June 20, 2011 |title=The Clone Wars Season 3 on Blu-Ray and DVD This October |url=https://www.starwars.com/theclonewars/news/seasontwo_dvd_bluray/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110624035911/https://www.starwars.com/theclonewars/season3_set/index.html |archive-date=June 24, 2011 |website=Star Wars}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" |''The Nightsisters Trilogy: Feature-Length Cut'' |December 5, 2011 |Digital |Season 3, episodes 12–14 |Director's cuts/BTS interview |<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.blu-ray.com/itunes/Star-Wars-The-Clone-Wars-Night-Sisters-iTunes/5681/ |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Night Sisters iTunes (The Nightsisters Trilogy: Feature-Length Cut) |access-date=2025-05-23 |via=www.blu-ray.com}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | ''Darth Maul Returns'' | September 11, 2012 | DVD | Season 4, episodes 19–22 | Focuses on Darth Maul's story arc/ directors' Cut | <ref>{{Cite web |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Darth Maul Returns |url=http://starwars.com/shop/video_and_music/darth_maul_returns_dvd/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922080109/http://starwars.com/shop/video_and_music/darth_maul_returns_dvd/ |archive-date=September 22, 2012 |website=Star Wars}}</ref>
|- ! scope="row" | ''The Complete Season Four'' | October 23, 2012 | rowspan="2" | DVD<br>Blu-ray | All Season 4 episodes | rowspan="2" | Full season release with extras | <ref name="quar22">{{cite web |author=David Lambert |date=2012-06-29 |title=The Clone Wars – The Complete Season 4 on DVD and Blu-ray |url=http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Clone-Wars-Season-4/17166 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120701061607/http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Clone-Wars-Season-4/17166 |archive-date=2012-07-01 |access-date=2012-06-29}}</ref>
|- ! scope="row" | ''The Complete Season Five'' | October 15, 2013 | All Season 5 episodes | <ref name="five22">{{cite web |date=2013-07-26 |title=SWCE 2013: ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' The Complete Season Five and Seasons 1–5 Box Sets Coming This Fall |url=http://www.starwars.com/news/swce-2013-star-wars-the-clone-wars-season-five-and-seasons-1-5-box-sets-coming-this-fall.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728232926/http://starwars.com/news/swce-2013-star-wars-the-clone-wars-season-five-and-seasons-1-5-box-sets-coming-this-fall.html |archive-date=2013-07-28 |access-date=2013-07-29 |website=Star Wars |language=en}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" |''Collector's Edition'' |October 14, 2013 |DVD |All seasons 1–5 |Released alongside Season 5 |<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Star-Wars-The-Clone-Wars-Seasons-1-5-Blu-ray/79752/ |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars Seasons 1-5 Blu-ray (Collector's Edition) |access-date=2025-05-23 |via=www.blu-ray.com}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | ''The Lost Missions'' (Season 6) | April 29, 2015 | DVD<br>Blu-ray | All Season 6 episodes | Final season release | <ref>{{Cite web |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars - The Lost Missions Blasts Onto Blu-ray and DVD |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-the-clone-wars-the-lost-missions-blasts-onto-blu-ray-and-dvd |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250127231206/https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-the-clone-wars-the-lost-missions-blasts-onto-blu-ray-and-dvd |archive-date=2025-01-27 |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=StarWars.com |language=en}}</ref> |}
==Reception== === Viewership === Upon its debut, ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' was a ratings success for Cartoon Network. The series premiere drew 4 million total viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Nordyke |first=Kimberly |date=October 6, 2008 |title='Clone Wars' a force for Cartoon Network |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/clone-wars-a-force-cartoon-120493/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081009050818/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i590423ea01a9d368a4997e3b9a4855f0 |archive-date=October 9, 2008 |access-date=May 6, 2025 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref> The premiere ranked as the number one program among all major kids' networks at the time across total viewers and key youth demographics, including 1.8 million viewers aged 2–11, 1.4 million aged 6–11, and 1.2 million tweens aged 9–14, setting a new record for a Cartoon Network original series debut.<ref name=":3"/>{{efn|The previous record was held by ''Ben 10: Alien Force'', which debuted on April 18, 2008, with 2.9 million viewers.<ref name=":3" /> The record was later broken on September 13, 2009, by the TV movie ''Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins'', which drew 6.1 million viewers.<ref>{{cite web |last=Umstead |first=Thomas |date=September 15, 2009 |title='Scooby-Doo' Movie Scares Up Record Ratings For Cartoon Network |url=https://www.multichannel.com/news/scooby-doo-movie-scares-record-ratings-cartoon-network-382563 |access-date=May 6, 2025 |website=Multichannel News}}</ref>}} The episode's time slot experienced triple-digit percentage increases compared to the previous year.<ref name=":11" /> Although subsequent episodes in the first season dipped below 3 million viewers, the finale climbed back up to 3.29 million viewers.<ref name="s1finale">{{cite news |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=March 24, 2009 |title=''WWE RAW'', ''Hannah Montana'' and ''Northern Lights'' lead cable show rankings |url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/03/24/wwe-raw-hannah-montana-and-northern-lights-lead-cable-show-rankings/15073 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327100447/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/03/24/wwe-raw-hannah-montana-and-northern-lights-lead-cable-show-rankings/15073 |archive-date=March 27, 2009 |access-date=May 6, 2025 |publisher=TV by the Numbers}}</ref>
The second-season premiere attracted 2.58 million viewers, with the finale reaching 2.76 million.<ref>{{cite news |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=October 6, 2009 |title=''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' premieres with 2.581 million |url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/10/06/star-wars-the-clone-wars-premieres-with-2-581-million/29689 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420181049/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/10/06/star-wars-the-clone-wars-premieres-with-2-581-million/29689 |archive-date=April 20, 2010 |access-date= |work=May 6, 2025 |publisher=TV by the Numbers}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=May 3, 2010 |title=''Stargate Universe'' Up + ''Wizards of Waverly Place'' & Other Friday Cable Finals |url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/05/03/stargate-universe-up-wizards-of-waverly-place-other-friday-cable-finals/50391 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100507005852/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/05/03/stargate-universe-up-wizards-of-waverly-place-other-friday-cable-finals/50391 |archive-date=May 7, 2010 |access-date=May 6, 2025 |publisher=TV by the Numbers}}</ref> The third season opened to 2.42 million viewers, and although viewership dipped below 2 million mid-season, the season finale was watched by 2.31 million.<ref>{{cite web |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=September 20, 2010 |title=Friday Cable: Without ''Eureka'', ''Haven'' Slips + ''Real Time With Bill Maher'' & More |url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/09/20/friday-cable-without-eureka-haven-slips-real-time-with-bill-maher-more/64296 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923012933/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/09/20/friday-cable-without-eureka-haven-slips-real-time-with-bill-maher-more/64296 |archive-date=September 23, 2010 |access-date=May 6, 2025 |work=TV by the Numbers}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=February 7, 2011 |title=Friday Cable Ratings: 'Gold Rush: Alaska,' 'Wizards of Waverly Place' Lead Night, 'Merlin' Down + 'Smackdown' & More |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/02/07/friday-cable-ratings-gold-rush-alaska-wizards-of-waverly-place-lead-night-merlin-down-smackdown-more/81786 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110209072620/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/02/07/friday-cable-ratings-gold-rush-alaska-wizards-of-waverly-place-lead-night-merlin-down-smackdown-more/81786 |archive-date=February 9, 2011 |access-date=May 6, 2025 |work=TV by the Numbers}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=April 4, 2011 |title=Friday Cable Ratings: Starz Crowned King Of 'Camelot,' Bests Syfy's 'Merlin' in Demo + 'Friday Night Smackdown,' NBA and More |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/04/04/friday-cable-ratings-starz-crowned-king-of-camelot-bests-syfys-merlin-in-demo-friday-night-smackdown-nba-and-more/88110 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110407100739/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/04/04/friday-cable-ratings-starz-crowned-king-of-camelot-bests-syfys-merlin-in-demo-friday-night-smackdown-nba-and-more/88110 |archive-date=April 7, 2011 |access-date=May 6, 2025 |work=TV by the Numbers}}</ref> The fourth-season premiere marked a ratings low at the time, with 1.93 million viewers, though the finale rose to 2.03 million.<ref>{{cite web |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=September 19, 2011 |title=Friday Cable: College Football, ''Sponge Bob'', ''Smackdown!'', ''Star Wars: Clone Wars'', ''Haven'' & More |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/09/19/friday-cable-college-football-sponge-bob-smackdown-star-wars-clone-wars-haven-more/104147/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110923160724/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/09/19/friday-cable-college-football-sponge-bob-smackdown-star-wars-clone-wars-haven-more/104147/ |archive-date=September 23, 2011 |access-date=May 6, 2025 |work=TV by the Numbers}}</ref><ref name="Ep4.22Ratings">{{cite web |last=Bibel |first=Sara |date=March 19, 2012 |title=Friday Cable Ratings: NCAA Basketball on TNT Wins the Night, 'Bering Sea Gold', 'In Plain Sight' And More |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/03/19/friday-cable-ratings-ncaa-basketball-on-tnt-wins-the-night-bering-sea-gold-in-plain-sight-and-more/125004/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321232333/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/03/19/friday-cable-ratings-ncaa-basketball-on-tnt-wins-the-night-bering-sea-gold-in-plain-sight-and-more/125004/ |archive-date=March 21, 2012 |access-date=May 6, 2025 |work=TV by the Numbers}}</ref>
During its fifth season, the series maintained strong ratings despite being moved to Saturday morning in 2012, remaining one of the highest-rated series on the channel.<ref name=":20">{{Cite web |last=Block |first=Alex Ben |date=2012-11-02 |title='Star Wars: The Clone Wars' Likely to Leave Cartoon Network After This Season |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/star-wars-clone-wars-leave-385661/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> While the schedule change led to a slight dip in overall viewership, the series still averaged 1.7 million total viewers and frequently ranked as the top telecast of the day among boys aged 9–14.<ref name=":36" /><ref name=":35" /> According to a Turner spokesperson, the season ranked as the top program in its time slot among boys aged 9–14 in October of that year, with significant year-over-year growth across key youth demographics. Viewership increased by 46% among children aged 2–11, 34% aged 6–11, and 64% ages 9–14. Among boys specifically, the gains were even higher: up 45% for ages 2–11, 36% for ages 6–11, and 72% for ages 9–14.<ref name=":20" /><ref name=":36">{{Cite web |last=Block |first=Lesley Goldberg, Alex Ben |date=2013-03-11 |title='Star Wars: Clone Wars' Ends Its Run on Cartoon Network |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/star-wars-clone-wars-ending-427331/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref>
According to Parrot Analytics, the series experienced multiple spikes in demand following the release of ''The Mandalorian'' (2019–2023). The first occurred after ''The Mandalorian'' premiered in November 2019, followed by a second in spring 2020 with the release of the seventh and final season. A third spike was recorded in October 2020, coinciding with the premiere episode of ''The Mandalorian's'' second season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Julia |date=2020-12-01 |title=The Mandalorian's Clone Wars tie-in is the boost Disney Plus needed |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/1/21761493/mandalorian-star-wars-clone-rebels-dave-filoni-ahsoka-tano-thrawn |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}</ref>
In early May 2020, the series topped U.S. streaming demand for two consecutive weeks. The May 1 release of its penultimate episode sparked a 43.3% surge. The early debut of the finale on May 4 pushed demand up another 65.8%, placing it well ahead of ''Stranger Things''. Originally slated for May 8, the finale helped the series achieve 119 times the average show's demand, making it the most in-demand U.S. series and surpassing ''The Mandalorian'' in sci-fi rankings.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Linear and streaming TV demand for content in the U.S. (26 April – 2 May 2020) |url=https://www.parrotanalytics.com/insights/linear-and-streaming-tv-demand-for-content-in-the-us-26-april%E2%80%932-may-2020/ |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=Parrot Analytics |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=TV demand across all platforms in the U.S. (03 - 09 May 2020) |url=https://www.parrotanalytics.com/insights/tv-demand-across-all-platforms-in-the-us-03-09-may-2020/ |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=Parrot Analytics |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Weiss |first=Josh |date=2020-05-08 |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars tops list of most in-demand sci-fi shows as it bids farewell |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/star-wars-clone-wars-most-in-demand-sci-fi-show |access-date=2025-05-13 |website=Syfy |language=en-US}}</ref>
===Critical response===
''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' has become one of the most essential pieces of ''Star Wars''.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":24">{{Cite web |last=Bell |first=Noah |date=2022-10-18 |title=10 Highest Rated Animated Sci-Fi Shows, According to Rotten Tomatoes |url=https://collider.com/10-highest-rated-animated-sci-fi-shows-according-to-rotten-tomatoes/ |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=Collider |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title='Star Wars: The Clone Wars' Is The Best Animated Series And Here's Why |url=https://www.cultureslate.com/news/jijukgr0cnokgij6tsfaj6wn9opm9c |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=CultureSlate |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":31" /> It was noted that despite a "rocky start," the series won over viewers and critics through its evolving characters, diverse story arcs, and increasingly good animation.<ref name=":24" /> Critics also acknowledged that, while some episodes may feel geared toward younger audiences, the series gradually delves into darker storylines.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 4, 2020 |title=Best Star Wars TV shows, games & books {{!}} what to watch after the films {{!}} Radio Times |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/sci-fi/best-star-wars-spin-offs/ |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=Radio Times |language=en-GB}}</ref>
It was noted that the series helped redeem the prequel trilogy by strip-mining its most compelling ideas and characters, expanding them into rich story arcs while also introducing new concepts of its own.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Rivera |first=Joshua |date=2022-12-12 |title=Every Star Wars movie and TV show, ranked |url=https://www.polygon.com/star-wars/23352914/best-star-wars-movies-tv-shows-ranked |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}</ref> It was noted that what began as an innocent animated TV series with an "anthology-esque structure" ultimately became a cornerstone of the ''Star Wars'' franchise,<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |first=Fran |last=Ruiz |date=2022-04-04 |title=Star Wars TV shows ranked, worst to best |url=https://www.space.com/star-wars-tv-shows-ranked-worst-to-best |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=Space |language=en}}</ref> bridging gaps in the franchise mythos and addressing long-standing questions that had lingered for years, even if some filler episodes were weaker in comparison.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" />
''WhatCulture'' ranking it number five in their list of "Best Animated Sci-Fi TV Shows of All Time". They praised the series for living up to the films with its epic battles, rich mythology, clever twists, and satisfying conclusion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Castle |first=Angus |date=2021-01-05 |title=10 Best Animated Sci-Fi TV Shows Of All Time |url=https://whatculture.com/tv/10-best-animated-sci-fi-tv-shows-of-all-time |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=WhatCulture.com |language=en}}</ref> In 2009, ''IGN'' named the series as the 89th best animated series,<ref>{{cite web |title=IGN Top 100 Animated Series |url=http://tv.ign.com/top-100-animated-tv-series/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090422041322/http://tv.ign.com/top-100-animated-tv-series/ |archive-date=April 22, 2009 |website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Top 100 Animated Series |date=14 January 2009 |work=IGN |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/01/14/top-100-animated-series |access-date=2021-04-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430075341/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/01/14/top-100-animated-series |archive-date=April 30, 2021 |url-status=live |language=en}}</ref> specifically praising key episodes for having some of the best storylines in the ''Star Wars'' Expanded Universe.<ref name="ign10032">{{cite web |date=January 23, 2009 |title=89: Star Wars: The Clone Wars |url=http://tv.ign.com/top-100-animated-tv-series/89.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090119005159/http://tv.ign.com/top-100-animated-tv-series/89.html |archive-date=January 19, 2009 |access-date=January 24, 2009 |website=IGN |df=mdy-all}}</ref> At San Diego Comic-Con in July 2010, Guinness World Records editor Craig Glenday presented supervising director Dave Filoni, CG supervisor Joel Aron, and lead designer Kilian Plunkett with a certificate recognizing the series as "the highest-rated sci-fi animation currently on television."<ref>{{cite web |date=July 24, 2010 |title=Record-Breaking Clone Wars Series to Visit Kamino |url=https://www.starwars.com/theclonewars/season3_comic_con/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622072711/http://www.starwars.com/theclonewars/season3_comic_con/index.html |archive-date=June 22, 2011 |website=StarWars.com}}</ref> In 2012, ''Entertainment Weekly'' ranked it at number eight in its list of "10 Best Cartoon Network Shows", praising its evolution since the 2008 pilot film and calling it a "cinematic actioner" appealing to both kids and adult audiences.<ref name=":302"/>
In a retrospective review, Marissa Martinelli of ''Slate'' acknowledged the criticism of the pilot film, calling its flaws fair but noting that it paved the way for the TV series. Though the first season leaned heavily on comic relief and kid-friendly antics, the series matured over six seasons into a "surprisingly complex drama," with violent character deaths. Still, Martinelli argues that the series strength lies not in how "dark" it gets, but in how it adds essential depth to the prequel trilogy and expands the ''Star Wars'' universe through side stories. She highlights its "radically populist approach" to storytelling, focusing on clones, bounty hunters, and lesser-known characters, long before ''The Last Jedi'' (2017) attempted something similar.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Martinelli |first=Marissa |date=2018-05-28 |title=Why Star Wars: The Clone Wars Is Worth Watching |url=https://slate.com/culture/2018/05/where-to-start-with-star-wars-the-clone-wars.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220094850/https://slate.com/culture/2018/05/where-to-start-with-star-wars-the-clone-wars.html |archive-date=December 20, 2024 |access-date=2025-05-29 |work=Slate |language=en-US |issn=1091-2339}}</ref> William Thomas of ''Empire'' gave the series four out of five stars, noting that while it isn't superior to the ''Star Wars'' films, its visual style is possibly "the best-looking cartoon show of all time." Thomas notes that, despite some uneven storytelling, the half-hour episodes and occasional cliffhangers perfectly suit its roots in Saturday-morning serials.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=William |date=May 4, 2021 |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Volume 1) |url=https://www.empireonline.com/tv/reviews/star-wars-clone-wars-volume-1-review/ |access-date=2025-05-28 |website=Empire |language=en}}</ref>
=== Awards and nominations === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="width: 99%;" |+ {{Screen reader-only|Accolades received by ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars''}} ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Award ! scope="col" | Category ! scope="col" | Recipient(s) ! scope="col" | Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Refh}} |- | rowspan="3" | 2009 | Motion Picture Sound Editors Awards | Best Sound Editing – Animation | Matthew Wood, David Acord, Frank Rinella, Dennie Thorpe, Jana Vance, and Ellen Heuer for the episode "Lair of Grievous" | {{won}} | <ref>{{cite web|last=Kilday|first=Gregg|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/wall-e-polishes-golden-reel-79656|title=''WALL-E'' polishes Golden Reel Awards|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 21, 2009|access-date=July 21, 2019}}</ref> |- | Annie Awards | Music in an Animated Television Production | Kevin Kiner for the episode "Rising Malevolence" | {{nom}} | <ref>{{cite web|last=Giardina|first=Carolyn|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/panda-earns-16-annie-awards-123692|title=''Panda'' earns 16 Annie Awards noms|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=December 1, 2008|access-date=September 17, 2019}}</ref> |- | 35th Saturn Awards | Best Syndicated/Cable Television Series | ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' | {{nom}} | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://unificationfrance.com/article7178.html|title=Saturn Awards: ''Galactica'' and ''Dark Knight'' honored|website=Unification France|date=September 1, 2009|access-date=March 20, 2020}}</ref> |- | rowspan="4" | 2010 | 37th Annie Awards | Music in an Animated Television Production | Kevin Kiner for the episode "Weapons Factory" | {{nom}} | <ref>{{cite web|last=Kilday|first=Gregg|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/meatballs-earn-annie-noms-91851|title=''Up'', ''Meatballs'' earn Annie noms|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=December 1, 2009|access-date=September 17, 2019}}</ref> |- | Motion Picture Sound Editors Awards | Best Sound Editing – Sound Effects, Foley, Dialogue, and ADR in Animation | Matthew Wood, David Acord, Frank Rinella, Ellen Heuer, Sean England, and Juan Peralta for the episode "Landing at Point Rain" | {{nom}} | <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mixonline.com/technology/motion-picture-sound-editors-announce-2010-golden-reel-awards-nominees-378745|title=Motion Picture Sound Editors Announce 2010 Golden Reel Awards Nominees|website=Mix|date=January 22, 2010|access-date=July 21, 2019}}</ref> |- | Television Critics Association Awards | Outstanding Achievement in Animation | rowspan="2" | ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' | {{nom}} | <ref>{{cite web|last=Dietz|first=Jason|url=https://www.metacritic.com/feature/television-critics-association-awards-2010|title=2010 TCA Awards Winners|website=Metacritic|date=August 1, 2010|access-date=October 3, 2019}}</ref> |- | 2010 Teen Choice Awards | Outstanding Achievement in Animation | {{nom}} | <ref>{{cite web|last=Soll|first=Lindsay|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2553497/teen-choice-awards-2010-nominees/|title=Teen Choice Awards 2010: First Round Of Nominees Announced|website=MTV|date=June 14, 2010|access-date=October 3, 2019}}</ref> |- | rowspan="4" | 2011 | rowspan="9" | 38th Annie Awards | Best Animated Television Production | Lucasfilm Animation for the episode "ARC Troopers" | {{nom}} | rowspan="4" | <ref>{{cite web|last=Fischer|first=Russ|url=https://www.slashfilm.com/how-train-dragon-leads-nominations-38th-annual-annie-awards/|title=''How to Train Your Dragon'' Leads Nominations for 38th Annual Annie Awards|website=/Film|date=December 6, 2010|access-date=October 3, 2019}}</ref> |- | Voice Acting in a Television Production | Corey Burton as Baron Papanoida | {{nom}} |- | Voice Acting in a Television Production | Nika Futterman as Asajj Ventress | {{nom}} |- | Writing in a Television Production | Daniel Arkin for the episode "Heroes on Both Sides" | {{nom}} |- | rowspan="6" | 2012 | Animated Effects in an Animated Production | Joel Aron | {{nom}} | rowspan="5" | <ref>{{cite web|last=Giardina|first=Carolyn|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/annie-awards-rango-jennifer-yuh-nelson-287137|title=''Rango'' Wins Annie Award for Best Animated Feature|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 4, 2012|access-date=October 3, 2019}}</ref> |- | Voice Acting in a Television Production | Nika Futterman as Asajj Ventress | {{nom}} |- | Voice Acting in a Television Production | Dee Bradley Baker as Clone Troopers | {{nom}} |- | Editorial in a Television Production | Jason Tucker | {{nom}} |- | Best General Audience Animated TV Production | rowspan="2" | ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' | {{nom}} |- | 2nd Critics' Choice Television Awards | Best Animated Series | {{nom}} | <ref>{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=2012-06-05 |title=Critics' Choice TV Awards Noms: 'Community' At Top Of List |url=https://deadline.com/2012/06/community-mad-man-and-parks-rec-lead-critics-choice-tv-awards-nominations-281987/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | rowspan="12" | 2013 | rowspan="4" | 40th Annie Awards | Animated Effects in an Animated Production | Joel Aron | {{nom}} | rowspan="4" | <ref>{{cite web|last=King|first=Susan|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-xpm-2013-feb-02-la-et-mn-40th-annie-award-nominations-winners-list-20130202-story.html|title=40th Annie Award nominees and winners list|website=Los Angeles Times|date=February 2, 2013|access-date=October 6, 2019}}</ref> |- | Character Animation in a Television Production | Keith Kellogg | {{nom}} |- | Voice Acting in a Television Production | Sam Witwer as Darth Maul | {{nom}} |- | Editorial in a Television Production | Jason Tucker | {{nom}} |- | 3rd Critics' Choice Television Awards | Best Animated Series | ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' | {{nom}} | <ref>{{cite web|last=Molloy|first=Tim|url=https://www.thewrap.com/critics-choice-awards-complete-list-winners-96541/|title=Critics' Choice TV Awards: The Complete List of Winners|website=The Wrap|date=June 10, 2013|access-date=October 6, 2019}}</ref> |- | rowspan="7" | 40th Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Special Class Animated Program | ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars''{{efn|George Lucas as Executive Producer, Cary Silver as Producer, Athena Portillo as Line Producer, and Dave Filoni as Supervising Director.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Littleton |first=Cynthia |date=2013-06-17 |title=Daytime Emmy Awards: 'Days of Our Lives,' 'Ellen,' 'Dr. Oz' Win Top Kudos |url=https://variety.com/2013/tv/news/daytime-emmy-awards-yrs-doug-davidson-wins-lead-actor-1200497578/ |access-date=2025-05-25 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>}} | {{won}} | rowspan="7" | <ref name="emmy13">{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-xpm-2013-jun-16-la-et-40th-daytime-emmy-awards-complete-list-20130616-story.html|title=The 40th Daytime Emmy Awards: complete list of winners|website=Los Angeles Times|date=June 16, 2013|access-date=March 16, 2023}}</ref> |- | rowspan="3" | Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program | David Tennant as Huyang | {{won}} |- | Jim Cummings as Hondo Ohnaka | {{nom}} |- | Sam Witwer as Darth Maul | {{nom}} |- | Outstanding Directing in an Animated Program | Dave Filoni, Kyle Dunlevy, Brian Kalin O'Connell, Steward Lee, and Bosco Ng | {{nom}} |- | Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition | Kevin Kiner | {{nom}} |- | Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing – Animation | David Acord and Cameron Davis | {{nom}} |- | rowspan="7" | 2014 | rowspan="2" | 41st Annie Awards | Character Animation in a Television Production | Keith Kellogg | {{nom}} | rowspan="2" | <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-complete-list-of-2013-annie-award-noms-20131202-story.html|title=Annie Awards 2014: Complete list of winners and nominees|website=Los Angeles Times|date=December 2, 2013|access-date=October 6, 2019}}</ref> |- | Editorial in a Television Production | Jason Tucker | {{nom}} |- | Motion Picture Sound Editors Awards | Best Sound Editing – Sound Effects, Foley, Dialogue, and ADR in Animation | Matthew Wood, David Acord, Dennie Thorpe, Jana Vance, Jeremy Bowker, Erik Foreman, Steve Slanec, Frank Rinella, Dean Menta, and Sean Kiner for the episode "Lawless" | {{nom}} | <ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2014/01/664896-664896/|title=Motion Picture Sound Editors Unveil Full List of Golden Reel Nominees|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=January 17, 2014|access-date=July 21, 2019}}</ref> |- | rowspan="4" | 41st Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Special Class Animated Program | George Lucas, Dave Filoni, Cary Silver, and Athena Yvette Portillo | {{won}} | rowspan="4" | <ref name="emmytwo">{{cite web|last=Wang|first=Andrea|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/tv/la-et-st-daytime-emmy-awards-2014-complete-list-winners-nominees-story.html|title=Daytime Emmy Awards 2014: Complete list of winners and nominees|website=Los Angeles Times|date=May 1, 2014|access-date=September 9, 2019}}</ref> |- | Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation | Christopher Voy | {{won}} |- | Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing – Animation | Cameron Davis, David Acord, Frank Rinella, and Mark Evans | {{nom}} |- | Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing – Animation | Matthew Wood, Dean Menta, Jeremy Bowker, Erik Foreman, Pascal Garneau, Steve Slanec, Frank Rinella, Dennie Thorpe, Jana Vance, and David Acord | {{nom}} |- | rowspan="8" | 2015 | Motion Picture Sound Editors Awards | Best Sound Editing – Animation | Matthew Wood, David Acord, Kevin Sellers, Steve Slanec, Jeremy Bowker, Dean Menta, and Sean Kiner for the episode "Sacrifice" | {{won}} | <ref>{{cite web|last=McNary|first=Dave|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/motion-picture-sound-editors-announce-golden-reel-nominees-1201405083/|title=Motion Picture Sound Editors Announce Golden Reel Nominees|website=Variety|date=January 14, 2015|access-date=July 21, 2019}}</ref> |- | rowspan="7" | 42nd Daytime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Special Class Animated Program | George Lucas, Dave Filoni, Cary Silver, and Athena Yvette Portillo | {{nom}} | rowspan="7" | <ref>{{cite web|last=Littleton|first=Cynthia|url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/general-hospital-ellen-degeneres-young-and-the-restless-daytime-emmy-nominations-1201463476/|title=''General Hospital'', Ellen DeGeneres, CBS Lead Daytime Emmy Nominations|website=Variety|date=March 31, 2015|access-date=October 6, 2019}}</ref> |- | Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program | Mark Hamill as Darth Bane | {{nom}} |- | Outstanding Writing in an Animated Program | Christian Taylor | {{nom}} |- | Outstanding Directing in an Animated Program | Dave Filoni, Brian Kalin O'Connell, Danny Keller, and Steward Lee | {{nom}} |- | Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing – Animation | Cameron Davis, David Acord, Frank Rinella, and Mark Evans | {{nom}} |- | Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing – Animation | Matthew Wood, David Acord, Dean Menta, Jeremy Bowker, Steve Slanec, Andrea Gard, Kevin Sellers, Dennie Thorpe, and Jana Vance | {{nom}} |- | Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition | Kevin Kiner | {{nom}} |- | rowspan="7" |2021 |Producers Guild of America Awards |Outstanding Children's Program | rowspan="2" | ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' | {{nom}} |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hipes |first=Patrick |date=2021-02-26 |title=PGA Awards Sets Sports, Children's And Short Form Nominations: 'Star Wars: Clone Wars', 'Hard Knocks', 'Carpool Karaoke' On List |url=https://deadline.com/2021/02/pga-awards-2021-sports-childrens-short-form-nominations-1234702059/ |access-date=2025-05-22 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |46th Saturn Awards |Best Animated Television Series | {{won}} |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tartaglione |first=Nancy |date=2021-10-27 |title=Saturn Awards Winners: 'Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker' Leads With Five Prizes – Full List |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/saturn-awards-winners-2021-full-list-star-wars-the-rise-of-skywalker-once-upon-a-time-in-hollywood-knives-out-star-trek-1234863222/ |access-date=2025-05-22 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |48th Annie Awards |Best Animated Television/Broadcast Production for Children |Lucasfilm Animation / ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' "Shattered" | {{nom}} | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Milligan |first=Mercedes |date=2021-03-03 |title='Soul' and 'Wolfwalkers' Dominate 48th Annie Awards Nominations |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2021/03/nominees-announced-for-the-48th-annie-awards/ |access-date=2025-05-22 |website=Animation Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> |- |Outstanding Achievement for Music in an Animated Television / Broadcast Production |Kevin Kiner for the episode "Victory and Death" | {{nom}} |- | rowspan="3" |48th Daytime Emmy Awards |Outstanding Writing Team For A Daytime Animated Program | rowspan="2" |''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' | {{nom}} | rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nominees Announced for 48th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards |url=https://www.awn.com/news/nominees-announced-48th-annual-daytime-emmy-awards |access-date=2025-05-22 |website=Animation World Network |language=en}}</ref> |- |Outstanding Music Direction And Composition For A Preschool, Children's Or Animated Program | {{nom}} |- |Outstanding Sound Mixing and Sound Editing for a Daytime Animated Program | ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' mixing and sound editing crew{{efn|Matthew Wood and David Acord served as Supervising Sound Editors, with Kimberly Patrick and Danielle Dupre as Re-Recording Mixers. James Spencer contributed as the Sound Editor, while Frank Rinella acted as Foley Supervisor. Jason Butler handled Foley Mixing, and Andrea Gard and Margie O'Malley worked as Foley Artists. Peter Lam was the Music Editor. Dialogue Editing was managed by Cameron Davis, Brian Frank, Tony Diaz, and Carlos Sotolongo.}} | {{won}} |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schneider |first=Michael |date=2021-07-18 |title=Lupita Nyong'o, Mark Hamill Among Daytime Emmy Children's and Animation Winners |url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/daytime-emmys-children-animation-winners-list-1235022323/ |access-date=2025-05-22 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> |}
==Sequels== After ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' was initially cancelled following its fifth season in 2013, it was succeeded by ''Star Wars Rebels'' (2014–2018),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ng |first=Philiana |date=2013-05-20 |title='Star Wars Rebels' Animated Series Coming to Disney XD |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/star-wars-rebels-animated-tv-525337/ |access-date=2025-05-08 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> which is seen as a sequel that continues the stories of characters like Ahsoka Tano,<ref name=":12">{{Cite web |last=Bradshaw |first=Paul |date=2023-08-22 |title=Ahsoka review: lore-heavy Star Wars spin-off will please diehards |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/tv-reviews/ahsoka-tano-star-wars-rebels-darth-vader-3486563 |access-date=2025-05-08 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Motamayor |first=Rafael |date=2024-05-02 |title=The Voice of a Hundred Faces: Dee Bradley Baker's 'Star Wars' Journey |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/02/arts/television/star-wars-the-bad-batch.html |access-date=2025-05-12 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> while also adopting storylines originally planned for ''The Clone Wars''' scrapped eighth season.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |last=Sanders |first=Savannah |date=2025-04-01 |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 8's Scrapped Story Plans (Exclusive) |url=https://thedirect.com/article/star-wars-the-clone-wars-season-8-story-obi-wan-kenobi |access-date=2025-05-08 |website=The Direct |language=en}}</ref> This was followed by ''Ahsoka'' (2023), a spin-off of ''The Mandalorian'' (2019–2023)'','' which picks up where ''Rebels'' left off<ref name=":12" /> and further develops some of those unused storylines.<ref name=":14" />
Additionally, on July 13, 2020, ''Star Wars: The Bad Batch'', was announced as a spin-off, focusing on a squad of enhanced clones introduced in the seventh season. It premiered on Disney+ on May 4, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Disney orders 'The Clone Wars' spin-off series 'The Bad Batch' |url=https://ew.com/tv/disney-clone-wars-spinoff-bad-batch/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=EW.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Star Wars: The Bad Batch, An All-New Animated Series, to Debut on Disney+ in 2021 |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-the-bad-batch-series-announce |url-status= |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date=May 8, 2025 |website=StarWars.com |language=en}}</ref> Though a spin-off, the series also serves as a direct sequel, set during the early years of the Empire.<ref name=":26">{{Cite web |last=Motamayor |first=Rafael |date=2025-05-14 |title=Every Star Wars TV Show, Ranked |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/star-wars-tv-shows-ranked.html |url-access=subscription |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=Vulture |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Tallerico |first=Brian |date=2021-05-03 |title=Prepare Yourself for Star Wars: The Bad Batch |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/star-wars-the-bad-batch-disney-plus-viewing-guide-clone-wars.html |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=Vulture |language=en}}</ref> On October 26, 2022, the animated anthology series ''Tales of the Jedi'' premiered on Disney+,<ref name="TalesOfTheJediRelease22">{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=September 10, 2022 |title='Star Wars: The Bad Batch' Season 2 Debut Pushed To January; 'Tales Of The Jedi' Gets Premiere Date & Trailer |url=https://deadline.com/2022/09/star-wars-the-bad-batch-season-2-tales-of-the-jedi-premiere-date-trailer-1235114168/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> continuing the stories of ''The Clone Wars''.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=King |first1=Jordan |last2=Travis |first2=Ben |date=April 2, 2025 |title=Star Wars Confirms Tales Of The Underworld Miniseries For May The 4th — Watch The Trailer |url=https://www.empireonline.com/tv/news/star-wars-confirms-tales-of-the-underworld-miniseries-for-may-the-4th-watch-the-trailer/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |website=Empire |language=en}}</ref> On April 18, 2025, during ''Star Wars Celebration'', the animated series ''Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord'' was announced, which follows Maul as he reassembles his criminal empire while training a new apprentice on the planet Janix. The series takes place one year after the events of ''The Clone Wars'' series finale.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=2025-04-18 |title=Star Wars Celebration: Darth Maul Animated Series Coming to Disney+ |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/darth-maul-animated-series-coming-to-disney-plus-1236194926/ |access-date=2026-02-17 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Other media == === ''The Clone Wars Legacy'' === After the series was cancelled in 2013, ''Darth Maul: Son of Dathomir'', a four-issue comic miniseries based on completed scripts originally written for season six, was published between May 21 and August 20, 2014. It continues Maul's story following his defeat and capture by Darth Sidious in season five and it is the only ''Star Wars'' comic from Dark Horse Comics considered part of official canon.<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |last=Dinsdale |first=Ryan |date=May 4, 2023 |title=The Star Wars Canon: The Definitive Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-star-wars-canon-the-definitive-guide |access-date=May 2, 2025 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldman |first=Eric |date=2014-05-21 |title=Star Wars: Darth Maul - Son of Dathomir #1 Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/21/star-wars-darth-maul-son-of-dathomir-1-review |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>
Two unfinished story arcs from the canceled seventh season were released in story reel format on the official ''Star Wars'' website. The first arc, ''Crystal Crisis on Utapau'', debuted on September 25, 2014, featuring full voice acting, music, and sound despite its rough animation. According to Pablo Hidalgo, it remains part of official canon.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Paterson |first=Ewan |date=2021-02-16 |title=8 Star Wars Moments You Never Got To See (But Are Canon) |url=https://whatculture.com/film/8-star-wars-moments-you-never-got-to-see-but-are-canon-2?page=4 |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=WhatCulture |language=en}}</ref> The second arc, ''The Bad Batch'', premiered at Star Wars Celebration on April 17, 2015, and was released on the official website in May 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 9, 2015 |title=Sentences cases. Star Wars: The Clone Wars "Bad Batch" 4-Episode Arc Coming to Star Wars Celebration |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-the-clone-wars-bad-batch-4-episode-arc-coming-to-star-wars-celebration |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409204600/https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-the-clone-wars-bad-batch-4-episode-arc-coming-to-star-wars-celebration |archive-date=April 9, 2015 |access-date=May 2, 2025 |website=Star Wars}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nicholson |first=Max |date=May 1, 2015 |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Unfinished "Bad Batch" Episodes Now Online |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/05/01/star-wars-the-clone-wars-unfinished-bad-batch-episodes-now-online |access-date=May 2, 2025 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>
An eight-episode arc featuring Asajj Ventress and Quinlan Vos, originally planned for season seven,<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 9, 2014 |title=Star Wars: Dark Disciple Cover - Exclusive Reveal! |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-dark-disciple-cover-exclusive-reveal |access-date=May 2, 2025 |website=Star Wars}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldman |first=Eric |date=2015-07-07 |title=Star Wars: Dark Disciple Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/07/07/star-wars-dark-disciple-review |access-date=2025-05-02 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> was adapted into the canon novel ''Star Wars: Dark Disciple'' by Christie Golden, released on July 7, 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Golden |first=Christie |date=July 18, 2015 |title=Telling the Untold in Dark Disciple |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/telling-the-untold-in-dark-disciple |access-date=May 2, 2025 |website=Star Wars}}</ref> Another adaptation, ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Stories of Light and Dark,'' is a canon, young adult,<ref name=":13" /> anthology book released on August 25, 2020. It reimagines key episodes from the series through eleven short stories, each written by a different author. Ten of the stories retell major episodes and arcs, while one introduces a new tale set in the same era, with each story told from a character's point of view.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rankin |first=Seija |date=May 4, 2020 |title=Read exclusive first excerpt of 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Stories of Light and Dark' |url=https://ew.com/books/read-the-exclusive-first-excerpt-of-star-wars-the-clone-wars-stories-of-light-and-dark/ |access-date=2025-05-08 |website=EW.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Crouse |first=Megan |date=2020-08-25 |title=Star Wars The Clone Wars: Stories of Light and Dark Review |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/books/star-wars-clone-wars-stories-of-light-and-dark-review/ |access-date=2025-05-08 |website=Den of Geek |language=en-US}}</ref>
Additionally, ''Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars – Battle Tales'', a five-issue comic series published by IDW Publishing in 2020, presents an anthology of war stories told by characters from the series. Written by Michael Moreci, with framing sequences by Derek Charm, each issue features a different artist and explores different theme.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McMillan |first=Graeme |date=2020-01-23 |title='Star Wars: The Clone Wars' to Become Weekly Comic (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/star-wars-clone-wars-become-weekly-comic-1272058/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-03-10 |title=Dig into long lost war stories in first look at IDW's The Clone Wars: Battle Tales |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/preview-idw-star-wars-adventures-the-clone-wars-battle-tales |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=SYFY |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== ''Star Wars: Legends'' === {{See also|Star Wars in other media|l1=''Star Wars'' in other media}}
''Star Wars: Legends'' is the label for pre-2014 books, comics, games and other materials that were once part of the official timeline, known as the Expanded Universe. After Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, these stories were rebranded in 2014 to make way for a new canon.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schedeen |first=Jesse |date=2019-02-15 |title=It's About Time Lucasfilm Brought Back the Star Wars Legends Universe - Between the Panels |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/02/15/its-about-time-lucasfilm-brought-back-the-star-wars-legends-universe-between-the-panels |access-date=2025-05-05 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>
==== Selected printed materials ==== The series was accompanied by a comic book series of the same name, with artwork matching the series' visual style.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars #1 |url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/15-679/Star-Wars-The-Clone-Wars-1 |access-date=2025-05-08 |website=Dark Horse Comics}}</ref>{{efn|In addition to comics and graphic novels, the series inspired a range of young reader books, including original stories and adaptations of key episodes.}} Each issue included a main story and a "backup story," written and illustrated by various creators involved with the series, including Henry Gilroy and Dave Filoni.<ref name=":15" /> Published by Dark Horse Comics between September 2008 and January 2010, the twelve-issue run was later collected into three trade paperbacks. The first, ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Slaves of the Republic'', became a ''New York Times'' bestseller<ref>{{Cite news |title=Best Sellers - Books - Dec. 20, 2009 - The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/books/best-sellers/2009/12/20/ |access-date=2025-05-26 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and was the first Clone Wars comic to be adapted into an episode of the same name.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldman |first=Eric |date=2011-12-03 |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars - "Slaves of the Republic" Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/12/03/star-wars-the-clone-wars-slaves-of-the-republic-review |access-date=2025-05-12 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref> It was followed by ''In'' ''Service of the Republic'' and ''Hero of the Confederacy''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mullings |first=Nadia Grace |date=2022-03-24 |title=Star Wars: The 25 Best Comics Every Fan Should Read |url=https://gamerant.com/star-wars-best-comics/ |access-date=2025-05-26 |website=Game Rant |language=en}}</ref> Additionally, a special issue was released for Free Comic Book Day in 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.darkhorse.com/Comics/16-214/Free-Comic-Book-Day-2009-Star-Wars-The-Clone-Wars-DH-All-Ages-Split-Issue|title=Free Comic Book Day 2009 "Star Wars: The Clone Wars"|publisher=Dark Horse Comics|access-date=June 27, 2017|language=en}}</ref> A separate four-issue miniseries, ''Darth Maul: Death Sentence'', was released in July 2012, serving as a bridge between the events of seasons four and five of the series.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zawisza |first=Doug |date=2012-07-30 |title=Star Wars: Darth Maul -- Death Sentence #1 |url=https://www.cbr.com/star-wars-darth-maul-death-sentence-1/ |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hidalgo |first=Pablo |author-link=Pablo Hidalgo |date=July 14, 2012 |title=New Star Wars Books and Comics Revealed at San Diego Comic-Con |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/new-star-wars-books-and-comics-revealed-at-san-diego-comic-con |access-date=May 16, 2025 |website=Star Wars}}</ref>
The series was also accompanied by a 23-chapter weekly webcomic of the same name, released exclusively on ''StarWars.com''. Each chapter served as an introduction to that week's episode and was written to expand on the story.<ref name=":23">{{Cite web |last=Thielman |first=Sam |date=2008-10-03 |title='Clone Wars' has support system |url=https://variety.com/2008/digital/news/clone-wars-has-support-system-1117993369/ |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":28" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2008-08-07 |title=This Fall: Clone Wars Web Comics |url=https://www.starwars.com/vault/books/news20080807cwc.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080809083639/https://www.starwars.com/vault/books/news20080807cwc.html |archive-date=2008-08-09 |access-date=May 8, 2025 |website=starwars.com}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite web |date=2010-05-14 |title=First Look: Star Wars: Tales from The Clone Wars |url=https://www.starwars.com/theclonewars/webcomics_collected/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110913070028/https://www.starwars.com/theclonewars/webcomics_collected/index.html |archive-date=2011-09-13 |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=starwars.com}}</ref> These first-season installments, which also tied into online Flash games, were later collected in a trade paperback titled ''Star Wars: Tales from The Clone Wars'', published by Dreams & Visions Press in collaboration with Dark Horse Comics in August 2010.<ref name=":16" /> For the second season, the site introduced ''The Clone Wars: Act on Instinct'', a standalone webcomic with an original story that occasionally tied into the show's events.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-10-01 |title=New Clone Wars Web Comic Tells Original Tale |url=https://www.starwars.com/theclonewars/news20091001comics/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100305172145/https://www.starwars.com/theclonewars/news20091001comics/index.html |archive-date=2010-03-05 |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=starwars.com}}</ref>
With the start of the third season, ''StarWars.com'' launched ''The Clone Wars: The Valsedian Operation'', further expanding the series' narrative.<ref>{{Cite comic |date=Sep 14, 2010 |title=The Clone Wars: The Valsedian Operation |writer=Thomas Hodges |artist=Thomas Hodges}}</ref> Eleven quarterly graphic novels of the same name were also published by Dark Horse Comics to tie in with and expand upon the series. Written by various authors, including Gilroy, the novels were released between September 24, 2008, and June 19, 2013.<ref name="Shipyards">{{cite web |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars—Shipyards of Doom |url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/15-686/Star-Wars-The-Clone-Wars--Shipyards-of-Doom |publisher=Dark Horse Comics |access-date=2025-05-11}}</ref>{{efn|Titles in the series include ''The Clone Wars: Shipyards of Doom'',<ref name="Shipyards" /> ''Crash Course'',<ref>{{cite web |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars—Crash Course |url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/15-831/Star-Wars-The-Clone-Wars--Crash-Course |publisher=Dark Horse Comics |access-date=2025-05-11}}</ref> ''The Wind Raiders of Taloraan'',<ref>{{cite web |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars—The Wind Raiders of Taloraan |url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/15-843/Star-Wars-The-Clone-Wars--The-Wind-Raiders-of-Taloraan |publisher=Dark Horse Comics |access-date=2025-05-11}}</ref> ''The Colossus of Destiny'',<ref>{{cite web |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars—The Colossus of Destiny |url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/16-554/Star-Wars-The-Clone-Wars----The-Colossus-of-Destiny-TPB |publisher=Dark Horse Comics |access-date=2025-05-11}}</ref> ''Deadly Hands of Shon-Ju'',<ref>{{cite web |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars—Deadly Hands of Shon-Ju |url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/17-153/Star-Wars-The-Clone-Wars-Deadly-Hands-of-Shon-Ju |publisher=Dark Horse Comics |access-date=2025-05-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Star Wars Comics for October 2010 |url=https://www.starwars.com/vault/books/october2010_comics/index.html |publisher=StarWars.com (archived) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100715115233/https://www.starwars.com/vault/books/october2010_comics/index.html |access-date=2025-05-11|archive-date=July 15, 2010 }}</ref> ''The Starcrusher Trap'',<ref>{{cite web |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars—The Starcrusher Trap |url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/17-857/Star-Wars-The-Clone-Wars-The-Starcrusher-Trap |publisher=Dark Horse Comics |access-date=2025-05-11}}</ref> ''Strange Allies'',<ref>{{cite web |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars—Strange Allies |url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/17-532/Star-Wars-The-Clone-Wars--Strange-Allies |publisher=Dark Horse Comics |access-date=2025-05-11}}</ref> ''The Enemy Within'',<ref>{{cite web |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars—The Enemy Within |url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/19-465/Star-Wars-The-Clone-Wars--The-Enemy-Within-TPB |publisher=Dark Horse Comics |access-date=2025-05-11}}</ref> ''The Sith Hunters'',<ref>{{cite web |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars—The Sith Hunters |url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/19-780/Star-Wars-The-Clone-Wars-The-Sith-Hunters-TPB |publisher=Dark Horse Comics |access-date=2025-05-11}}</ref> ''Defenders of the Lost Temple'',<ref>{{cite web |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars—Defenders of the Lost Temple |url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/19-781/Star-Wars-The-Clone-Wars-Defenders-of-the-Lost-Temple-TPB |publisher=Dark Horse Comics |access-date=2025-05-11}}</ref> and ''The Smuggler's Code''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars—The Smuggler's Code |url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/22-282/Star-Wars-The-Clone-Wars-TV-digest-The-Smugglers-Code |publisher=Dark Horse Comics |access-date=2025-05-11}}</ref>}}
==== Video games ==== On November 11, 2008, ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Lightsaber Duels'', an action game for the Wii, was released. Developed by Krome Studios and published by LucasArts, it closely follows the film and series, presenting a sequence of duels where players can control various characters using the Wii Remote to simulate lightsaber movements.<ref>{{cite web |last=Siegel |first=Lucas |date=2008-06-19 |title=LucasArts Reveals Rumored Wii 'Lightsaber Duel' |url=http://www.newsarama.com/games/080619-wii-lightsaber.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080906161931/http://www.newsarama.com/games/080619-wii-lightsaber.html |archive-date=2008-09-06 |access-date=2008-06-24 |publisher=Newsarama}}</ref> On the same day, ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Jedi Alliance'' was released for Nintendo DS, also by LucasArts, based on the TV series.<ref>{{cite web|last=Casamassina|first=Matt|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/12/11/star-wars-the-clone-wars-jedi-alliance-review|title=Star Wars The Clone Wars: Jedi Alliance Review|publisher=IGN|date=December 10, 2008|access-date=June 28, 2017|language=en}}</ref>
On October 6, 2009, ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Republic Heroes'' was released, developed by Lucasfilm Animation Singapore and Krome Studios and distributed by LucasArts. The game is set between the first and second seasons and allows players to control Jedi or clone troopers. Main antagonists include the bounty hunter Cad Bane, the Skakoan Kul Teska, and Count Dooku.<ref>{{cite web|last=Roper|first=Chris|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/10/06/star-wars-the-clone-wars-republic-heroes-review|title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars -- Republic Heroes Review|publisher=IGN|date=October 6, 2009|access-date=June 28, 2017|language=en}}</ref> On March 25, 2011, ''LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars'' was released, the fourth installment in the LEGO video game series, based on the Clone Wars and covering the series, the film, and Episodes II and III. Main villains include Count Dooku, his apprentice Asajj Ventress, and General Grievous.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Silver |first=Curtis |title=Review: LEGO Star Wars Episode III: Clone Wars Is Epic, Engaging Fun |url=https://www.wired.com/2011/03/review-lego-star-wars-episode-iii-clone-wars-is-epic-engaging-fun/ |access-date=2025-05-05 |magazine=Wired |language=en-US |issn=1059-1028}}</ref> The MMORPG ''Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures'' launched on September 15, 2010, allowing players to create avatars and participate in mini-games to earn credits for gear and vehicles. The game was shut down on March 31, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|last=Whitehead|first=Dan|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-10-04-star-wars-clone-wars-adventures-review|title=Star Wars: Clone Wars Adventures Review|publisher=Eurogamer|date=October 4, 2010|access-date=June 28, 2017|language=en}}</ref>
In ''Disney Infinity 3.0'', a toys-to-life video game released in September 2015, several characters from the series are playable as action figures using NFC technology. Each copy of the game includes the "Twilight of the Republic" playset, an alternate Clone Wars storyline with Anakin and Ahsoka.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Hilliard |first=Kyle |date=May 13, 2015 |title=Fighting The Clone Wars: Ninja Theory's Take On Star Wars |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/05/13/twilight-of-the-republic-ninja-theory-brings-devil-may-cry-lessons-to-star-wars-and-disney-infinity.aspx?PostPageIndex=1 |access-date=May 31, 2016 |magazine=Game Informer |language=en}}</ref> Characters from the series also appear in mobile games for Android and iOS, including ''Star Wars: Galactic Defense'' (October 2014),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mahardy |first=Mike |date=2014-09-25 |title=Star Wars tower defence game announced |url=https://za.ign.com/star-wars-galactic-defense/81455/news/star-wars-tower-defence-game-announced |access-date=2025-05-05 |website=IGN Africa |language=en-za}}</ref> ''Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes'' (November 2015),<ref>{{cite web|last=Te|first=Zorine|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/star-wars-galaxy-of-heroes-is-out-now/1100-6432587/|title=''Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes'' Is Out Now|website=GameSpot|date=November 24, 2015|access-date=April 25, 2017}}</ref> and ''Star Wars: Force Arena'' (January 2017).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-01-23 |title=Game review– Star Wars: Force Arena offers old–fashioned fun |url=https://www.scmp.com/culture/arts-entertainment/article/2064028/game-review-star-wars-force-arena-offers-old-fashioned |access-date=2025-05-05 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref> Some ''The Clone Wars'' characters were added in a DLC expansion for ''Star Wars Battlefront II''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.starwars.com/news/ea-play-2018-star-wars-jedi-fallen-order-star-wars-battlefront-ii|title=EA Play 2018: ''Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order'' Revealed and New Clone Wars Content Coming to ''Star Wars Battlefront II''|date=June 9, 2018|access-date=July 21, 2018|language=en}}</ref>
== Notes == {{Notelist}}
== References == {{Reflist}}
== Further reading == * {{cite book |last1=Parisi |first1=Frank |last2=Scheppke |first2=Gary |url=https://archive.org/details/drawstarwarsclon0000unse |title=The Art of Star Wars: The Clone Wars |publisher=Chronicle Books |date=July 15, 2009 |isbn=978-0-8118-6889-1}} * {{cite book |last=Parisi |first=Frank |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Character Encyclopedia |publisher=Dorling Kindersley |date=July 1, 2010 |isbn=978-1-4053-5407-3}} * {{cite book |last1=Parisi |first1=Frank |last2=Chasemore |first2=Richard |title=Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Incredible Vehicles |publisher=Dorling Kindersley |date=September 1, 2011 |isbn=978-1-4053-5408-0 }} * {{Cite book |last=Sweet |first=Derek R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-p0hCwAAQBAJ&pg=PR9 |title=Star Wars in the Public Square: The Clone Wars as Political Dialogue |date=2015-12-15 |publisher=McFarland |isbn=978-0-7864-7764-7 |language=en}} * {{cite book |last=Wainerdi |first=Brandon |title=Star Wars Encyclopedia of Starfighters and other Vehicles |date=2025 |location=London |publisher=Dorling Kindersley |edition=Hardback |isbn=9780241722701}} * {{cite book |last1=Windham |first1=Ryder |last2=Wallace |first2=Daniel |last3=Hidalgo |first3=Pablo |last4=Baver |first4=Kristin |title=Star Wars Year by Year: A Visual History, New Edition |date=2021 |location=London |publisher=DK |edition=Hardback |isbn=9780241469408}}
== External links == {{sister project links|display=''Star Wars: The Clone Wars''|d=y|q=Star Wars: The Clone Wars|m=no|mw=no|species=no|s=no|wikt=no|b=no|v=no|c=Category:Star Wars: The Clone Wars|n=no}} * {{Official website|https://www.starwars.com/tv-shows/star-wars-the-clone-wars|''Star Wars: The Clone Wars''}} at {{URL|https://www.starwars.com|StarWars.com}} * {{Official website|https://www.lucasfilm.com/star-wars-the-clone-wars|''Star Wars: The Clone Wars''}} at {{URL|https://www.lucasfilm.com/|Lucasfilm.com}} * {{Disney+ browse}} * {{IMDb title}} * {{Wookieepedia|Star Wars: The Clone Wars|''Star Wars: The Clone Wars''}}
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