New Disney+ Show ‘Maul Shadow Lord’ Becomes Highest-Rated ‘Star Wars’ TV Show

Few areas of the ‘Star Wars’ universe have been as consistently engaging as the animated realm crafted by Dave Filoni, which spans from the cherished ‘Clone Wars’ to ‘Rebels’ and beyond. This animated legacy has always provided a certain depth for devoted fans, delivering character development that live-action films and series sometimes fail to achieve. For years, it set a high standard that seemed challenging to surpass.

‘Star Wars: Maul: Shadow Lord’ debuted on Disney+ on April 6, 2026, featuring ten episodes released in pairs each week leading up to Star Wars Day on May 4. Created by Dave Filoni for Lucasfilm Animation, the series is set after the events of ‘The Clone Wars’ and follows the former Sith Lord Maul during the Galactic Empire’s reign. From the very first episodes, it was evident that this series was something special.

Now, the statistics confirm its success. Rotten Tomatoes has reported that ‘Maul: Shadow Lord’ boasts a remarkable 98% critics score based on 40 reviews, with a consensus highlighting the series as an insightful exploration of an iconic character, demonstrating that the ‘Star Wars’ saga can thrive through animation. This score officially establishes it as the highest-rated ‘Star Wars’ TV show on the platform, a title it has claimed with confidence.

The premiere episode attracted 4.1 million views globally within its first week on Disney+, and the series has consistently ranked among the top titles on the Disney+ Top 10 Today since its launch. Critics have lauded the show’s dark, noir-inspired tone and visual ambition, with Screen Rant’s Lewis Glazebrook highlighting its animation as the standout feature from the very first frame, while Inverse referred to it as the best-looking ‘Star Wars’ animation ever produced.

Much of the show’s triumph can be attributed to the deep-rooted relationship between its lead and the character he has voiced for over a decade. In an interview with StarWars.com, Sam Witwer described this as “the most psychologically satisfying version of the character” he has ever portrayed, emphasizing that Maul is in a state of reassessment as the galaxy shifts under Imperial control. This emotional depth adds a unique texture to the series, distinguishing it from typical action-driven animated shows.

The series’ impressive 98% critics score is complemented by an 89% audience score, indicating a rare harmony between critical acclaim and fan approval that has not always been easy for ‘Star Wars’ projects to achieve in recent years. Critics have noted that ‘Maul: Shadow Lord’ continues a trend of complex, morally nuanced characters leading the franchise’s strongest recent narratives, following in the footsteps of ‘Andor’ and ‘The Mandalorian’.

Lucasfilm president and chief creative officer Dave Filoni expressed pride in the series, stating, “I’m very proud of our team as they continue to challenge themselves and raise the bar on our animated shows,” adding that he and the team are “really happy that fans are enjoying it.” With a second season already confirmed to be in development, the era of Maul has only just begun.

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