Released on May 4, 2024, Star Wars: Tales of the Empire continues the animated anthology format introduced in Tales of the Jedi, but takes a far darker turn. Rather than focusing on noble Jedi, this six-part series dives deep into the Imperial era, following two very different women—Morgan Elsbeth and Barriss Offee—as they forge separate but equally tragic paths through the galaxy. Created by Dave Filoni and brought to life by Lucasfilm Animation, this follow-up season is visually stunning and narratively bold, offering fans an emotional journey into the rise and control of the Empire.
Veteran Star Wars talent returns in full force. Diana Lee Inosanto reprises her role as Morgan Elsbeth, with Cathy Ang portraying her younger self, while Meredith Salenger returns as Barriss Offee, the former Jedi who once betrayed her Order. Other familiar names include Lars Mikkelsen as Admiral Thrawn, Jason Isaacs as the Grand Inquisitor, and Matthew Wood as General Grievous. With Kevin Kiner and his children Sean and Deana composing another emotionally rich score, Tales of the Empire doesn’t just revisit characters—it redefines them.
Star Wars: Tales of the Empire – Official Trailer
Relevant Questions Answered
What is Tales of the Empire about?
This series is a character-driven anthology focusing on two “paths.” One tells the origin and rise of Morgan Elsbeth, a Nightsister survivor who eventually becomes an Imperial magistrate and ally to Thrawn. The other follows Barriss Offee, a fallen Jedi navigating life under the Empire’s shadow and dealing with the consequences of her actions.
How many episodes are there?
There are six shorts, each around 15 minutes long, split evenly between the two main characters. The stories are compact but incredibly layered.
Do you need to watch Tales of the Jedi first?
It helps. Tales of the Jedi provides emotional groundwork and stylistic tone, especially with returning Inquisitor characters and story parallels. However, Tales of the Empire can be viewed on its own.
Is it connected to Ahsoka or The Mandalorian?
Yes, particularly Morgan Elsbeth’s arc. Her appearance in The Mandalorian and Ahsoka adds depth to her character, but these episodes provide the necessary backstory for new viewers as well.
Is Tales of the Empire Worth Watching?
Absolutely. This is not just a side story—it’s a haunting character study that explores how trauma, manipulation, and ideology shape people in vastly different ways. Morgan Elsbeth’s arc offers insight into the survivors of Dathomir and her eventual loyalty to Thrawn. Meanwhile, Barriss Offee’s arc may be one of the most nuanced looks into post-Jedi life, pushing viewers to question redemption, survival, and moral ambiguity.
What sets Tales of the Empire apart is its maturity. The tone is somber, the pacing deliberate, and the emotional impact profound. It’s a Star Wars series made for fans who want to dig deeper into the gray areas of the galaxy far, far away. While it lacks lightsaber battles galore, it compensates with storytelling, mood, and reflection. If you’re someone who enjoyed Andor, this will likely resonate with you.
Star Wars Watch Order with Animated Series
Release Order
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- Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)
- Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
- Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983)
- Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (1999)
- Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (2002)
- Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (movie, 2008)
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars (series, 2008–2020)
- Star Wars Rebels (2014–2018)
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
- Rogue One (2016)
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
- Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
- Star Wars Resistance (2018–2020)
- The Mandalorian (2019–present)
- Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
- The Book of Boba Fett (2021)
- The Bad Batch (2021–2024)
- Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
- Tales of the Jedi (2022)
- Andor (2022)
- Ahsoka (2023)
- Tales of the Empire (2024)
- Tales of the Underworld (2025)
- Skeleton Crew (2025)
Chronological Order
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- The Acolyte (2024)
- The Phantom Menace
- Attack of the Clones
- The Clone Wars (movie + series)
- Tales of the Jedi
- Revenge of the Sith
- Tales of the Empire
- Tales of the Underworld
- The Bad Batch
- Solo
- Obi-Wan Kenobi
- Andor / Star Wars Rebels
- Rogue One
- A New Hope
- The Empire Strikes Back
- Return of the Jedi
- The Mandalorian
- The Book of Boba Fett
- Ahsoka
- Skeleton Crew
- Star Wars Resistance
- The Force Awakens
- The Last Jedi
- The Rise of Skywalker
FAQ – Tales of the Empire
Is Tales of the Empire canon?
Yes, the series is fully canon and developed by Lucasfilm as part of the official Star Wars timeline.
Who are the two main characters?
Morgan Elsbeth and Barriss Offee, each representing a different aspect of survival and ideology during the rise of the Empire.
Do I need to know Star Wars lore to enjoy it?
While deeper knowledge helps, each story is told clearly enough for casual viewers to understand and appreciate.
Will there be more “Tales” series?
Yes! Tales of the Underworld followed in 2025, focusing on Asajj Ventress and Cad Bane.
Conclusion – A Sinister Yet Human Story in the Empire’s Shadow
Star Wars: Tales of the Empire is a refreshing and brave entry in the Star Wars universe. By highlighting lesser-explored characters like Morgan Elsbeth and Barriss Offee, it breathes new life into the concept of Imperial loyalty, regret, and personal transformation. The animation is stunning, the voice acting grounded, and the score—once again led by Kevin Kiner and his family—delivers emotional highs and lows with impact.
That said, the series is not without critique. Some fans noted its slower pace and wished for more dialogue or context. Others felt Barriss’s redemption arc was too compact to feel fully earned. But these are minor flaws in what is otherwise a beautifully crafted piece of Star Wars storytelling.
For fans who want to understand the Star Wars universe from a different lens—one that doesn’t revolve solely around heroes and villains, but around choices and consequences—Tales of the Empire is an essential watch.
May the Force guide you through the darkness.
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