While “Star Wars” has always been a hit, it’s undeniable that, under the direction of Disney+, it has reached a much wider audience than ever before. Therefore, it’s not surprising to see its latest series, “The Acolyte,” claim the #1 spot on the platform worldwide just one day after its release.
The show, helmed by Leslye Headland, known for producing “Bachelorette” and “Russian Doll” series for Netflix, immediately grabbed attention for its unique approach. From the starts, Headland curated a diverse writers’ room for the production, including some who were avid fans of the original trilogy, others who specifically admired Dave Filoni‘s “Star Wars” projects, and even one writer who had never before experienced the “Star Wars” universe.
As is typical with any Lucasfilm project, reactions from both critics and audiences have been incredibly mixed. While some praised the series for its respectful treatment of the original lore while still having fun, others criticized it for precisely the same reason.
‘The Acolyte’ ranks Top 1 series on Disney+ worldwide
“The Acolyte” has just dropped its first two episodes on Disney+, and within minutes of their release, it had everyone glued to their TVs. This immense viewership propelled the show to the top spot on the platform within 24 hours.
It has rapidly surpassed “Grey’s Anatomy,” the all-time most-watched series in the catalog. Additionally, despite being in different genres, it outshone “Bluey,” a favorite among kids and their parents, who make up a significant portion of the streamer’s user base.
Set a century before the events of “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,” “The Acolyte” delves into the emergence of dark side powers during the twilight of the High Republic Era. Specifically, it follows a Jedi Master as he investigates a series of crimes, unveiling sinister forces.
Headlined by a stellar cast including Amandla Stenberg, known for her role as Rue in “The Hunger Games,” Dafne Keen, who portrayed Laura in “Logan,” and Lee Jung-jae, famous for his performance as Seong Gi-hun in “Squid Game,” the series is poised to break streaming records.
With eight episodes slated for release weekly until July 16, anticipation is high. While the creator has expressed enthusiasm for a second season and has even pitched ideas to Lucasfilm producers, nothing about a continuation has been confirmed yet.
