The new Disney+/Disney Junior series, Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures, follows the adventures of three Jedi younglings – Kai Brightstar, Lys Solay, and Nubs – as they train and live in the Jedi temple on the remote world of Tenoo. The show uses the classic Saturday morning cartoon format of two 12-minute stories per episode, with the younglings often heading out on adventures or helping the local community on Tenoo. Also joining the trio is Nash Durango, a pilot who is accompanied everywhere by her droid RJ-83, and prepubescent space pirate Taborr, who occasionally causes trouble for the group.
Young Jedi Adventures captures all the fun of Star Wars, honing the story by focusing on the core cast, their wants and ambitions, and the friendship that drives so much of what they do. The creators’ decision to set the series during the High Republic, a period that primarily existed on the page before now, frees them to explore the galaxy and the world of the Jedi through the eyes of its youngest and most keen. The Jedi are widespread and common during this time, and the show can therefore lean more into the slice-of-life side of things.
Young Jedi Adventures is unique in that it does not hinge on storytelling where lore and world-building combine with character motivations to propel them towards a predetermined endpoint. The show’s greatest strength is its character-focused approach, with an emphasis on storytelling that is relatable for younger audiences. The series is the perfect bite-sized Star Wars shenanigans for older audiences who might decide to check it out, too.
The creatives behind Young Jedi Adventures have put out something special: a show that is not only a worthy and delightful addition to the Star Wars canon but also a great entry point into the franchise for a whole new generation of fans.
Rating: A
Young Jedi Adventures premieres on May 4 on Disney+ and Disney Jr.
