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When is Andor set? Star Wars timeline explained

The blockbuster series sets the stage for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Diego Luna as Cassian Andor and Adria Arjona as Bix in Andor season 2 stood looking serious

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Published: Wednesday, 23 April 2025 at 2:46 pm

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The first three episodes of Andor season 2 are officially here, with the new instalment covering more ground than the first as the series approaches the events of Rogue One.

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Diego Luna returns as Cassian Andor, and the man we once knew as a self-serving thief has now transformed into a revolutionary.

He still has a way to go until he becomes the hero we saw in Rogue One, though, and that's where Tony Gilroy's second instalment comes in – filling in the gaps, three episodes at a time, with each act spaced out by a year.

With every Star Wars series, the franchise timeline gets more complex – and it's important to know exactly where a given series lands on the Star Wars timeline as each era has its own distinct heroes, villains and pivotal locations, from Coruscant to Endor and Tatooine to Jakku.

Luckily, we're here to help clear up any confusion! Here, you can find our in-depth guide to where exactly Andor fits into the wider jigsaw puzzle that is Star Wars, as well as how it ties into Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Where does Andor fit in the Star Wars timeline?

Andor seasons 1 and two are set over the course of five years – from 5-0BBY, which is right before the events in A New Hope.

While season 1 only took place over a year, season 2 takes place over the course of four years, with each act showing a few days of each year. It's expected to lead into the events of Rogue One, meaning season 2 will cover the years 4BBY to 0BBY.

For those unfamiliar, BBY and ABY are the two periods by which Star Wars fans measure time in the fictional universe, representing events before and after the Battle of Yavin.

Ben Mendelsohn stars in Andor season 2 in a white Empire uniform

Ben Mendelsohn stars in Andor season 2. Disney Plus

Another thing to note: the Battle of Yavin is another name for the destruction of the Death Star by Luke Skywalker at the end of A New Hope – so for reference, 0 BBY is the year that the original Star Wars movie takes place.

From this, we know that Andor takes place roughly five years before the events of A New Hope, which is why both the Rebel Alliance and the Empire are less organised than they are in that film.

Here's a list of Star Wars projects around the same time, so you have an idea of what context you're stepping into with Andor.

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How long does the series chart in the timeline?

Andor seasons 1 and 2 combined take place over five years - from 5-0BBY.

Creator Gilroy previously told Deadline about the structure of season 2 that the arcs are "super condensed".

He added: "They’re like three days, four days, two weeks, four days. They’re really tight. It’s cool that way.

Genevieve O'Reilly stars in Andor season 2 in a brown dress

Genevieve O'Reilly stars in Andor season 2. Disney Plus

"That’s what’s exciting about it. You can go away for a year, come back for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and then jump a year. So they won’t be spread out. It won’t be like block two takes place over another year.

"So they’re very concentrated, which is fun. And then you have to account for all the negative space and what happened in the interim."

How does Andor tie into Rogue One?

Andor serves as a prequel to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, detailing how Cassian Andor came to make the ultimate sacrifice in Gilroy's 2016 film.

Season 2 will lead right up to the opening scene of Rogue One.

Andor is available to stream on Disney+. Season 2 is coming on Wednesday 23rd April 2025.

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Check out more of our Sci-Fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of James Hibbs, smiling against a lime green background.

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

Louise GriffinSci-Fi and Fantasy Editor

Louise Griffin is the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Editor for Radio Times, covering everything from Doctor Who, Star Wars and Marvel to House of the Dragon and Good Omens. She previously worked at Metro as a Senior Entertainment Reporter and has a degree in English Literature.

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