The Mandalorian takes place after Return of the Jedi, during the New Republic era, and before The Force Awakens. D23 reported the setting as approximately five years after Return of the Jedi—a broad marker, not an exact date for every episode.
Where The Mandalorian fits in galactic history
Return of the Jedi ends with the Empire’s defeat. The Mandalorian follows in the New Republic era, as the new government tries to reunite the galaxy while Imperial remnants still pose a threat. StarWars.com identifies the series with this era and places it after the fall of the Empire: the official series page.
That unsettled setting helps explain the show’s scattered communities, bounty hunters, and surviving Imperial forces. The New Republic is rebuilding, but the Empire’s defeat has not instantly brought order across the galaxy. StarWars.com describes the era in its New Republic overview.
How many years after Return of the Jedi is it?
D23’s report from the series panel in 2019 described The Mandalorian as taking place approximately five years after Return of the Jedi: D23’s panel report. “Approximately” matters: the available official descriptions establish the broad period, not a precise in-universe calendar date for every season or episode.
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- The evil Empire has fallen, and Imperial warlords are scattered throughout the galaxy. As the fledgling New Republic works to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, they enlist the help of Mandalorian Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and his young apprentice Grogu. Some flashing lights sequences or patterns may affect photosensitive viewers.
Dave Filoni, an executive producer of the series, described the broader stretch as “post-Return of the Jedi” and extending “all the way up to Episode VII [Star Wars: The Force Awakens].” That frames the era as a span between the original and sequel trilogies, rather than assigning every story a specific year.
Why the release date can be confusing
The series premiered on November 12, 2019, but that is its release date, not its place in Star Wars history. The official series page lists the release date separately from its New Republic era placement. For chronology, follow the in-universe order rather than the order viewers first encountered the stories.
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- The Journeys of the Mandalorian through the Star Wars galaxy continue. Once a lone bounty hunter, Din Djarin has reunited with Grogu. Meanwhile, the New Republic struggles to lead the galaxy away from its dark history. The Mandalorian will cross paths with old allies and make new enemies as he and Grogu continue their journey together.
Where The Book of Boba Fett fits
The Book of Boba Fett is important to the continuity between The Mandalorian’s second and third seasons. After the Season 2 finale, Grogu leaves with Luke; events in The Book of Boba Fett show his return to Din Djarin and include Din’s meeting with the Armorer. StarWars.com’s Season 3 refresher recaps those connections.
Viewers who go directly from Season 2 to Season 3 may therefore encounter character developments that took place in The Book of Boba Fett. It is part of the story bridge, not simply an unrelated side trip.
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Chronological order around The Mandalorian
StarWars.com’s chronological viewing guide places these released stories in this order:
- Return of the Jedi
- The Mandalorian
- The Book of Boba Fett
- Ahsoka
- Skeleton Crew
- The Mandalorian and Grogu
- The Force Awakens
- The Last Jedi
- The Rise of Skywalker
This is the official guide’s sequence for the released works it lists; future Star Wars stories may add to the timeline.
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![The Mandalorian: The Complete Third Season (SteelBook / Collector's Edition) [4K UHD + Blu-ray] [Region Free]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51D9jN2+e0L._SL160_.jpg)
- Stunning SteelBook Packaging: Limited Collector's Edition SteelBook featuring exclusive artwork, perfect for Star Wars enthusiasts and collectors.
- Pristine 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray: Enjoy every episode in breathtaking 4K UHD with HDR and Blu-ray for cinematic quality and vibrant visuals.
- Region-Free Playback: Universal compatibility ensures seamless enjoyment on players worldwide.
- Bonus Features Galore: Includes exclusive behind-the-scenes documentaries, cast interviews, deleted scenes, and special featurettes for an immersive experience.
- Essential Star Wars Collection: Continue the saga with Din Djarin and Grogu as they explore the mysteries of Mandalore and face new galactic challenges.
What the timeline does—and does not—establish
- Established: The series is set after the Empire’s fall, in the New Republic era.
- Approximate: D23 reported a setting about five years after Return of the Jedi.
- Not established by these official descriptions: An exact ABY date for each season or episode.
The official series page identifies The Mandalorian as a Disney+ series.
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![Mandalorian: Season 1, 2, 3 Complete Collection (SteelBook, Limited Collector's Edition - 6-Disc Set) [4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray] [Region Free]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51mTnp-QUsL._SL160_.jpg)
- Complete Seasons 1–3 Collection: Features all 24 episodes of Lucasfilm's live-action Star Wars series across three 2-disc 4K Ultra HD sets in a US edition bundle.
- Collector's SteelBook Packaging: Housed in three individual collectible SteelBooks with exclusive custom artwork and a total of nine collectible concept art cards (three per season).
- Cinematic 4K UHD Presentation: Delivers 2160p Ultra HD video in 2.39:1 widescreen, paired with immersive English Dolby Atmos audio and Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks.
- Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Features: Packed with bonus documentaries covering Grogu, Imperial remnants, Mandalorian culture, practical effects, droids, and a tribute to Carl Weathers.
- Star-Studded Cast & Creators: Created by Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, starring Pedro Pascal alongside Katee Sackhoff, Carl Weathers, Giancarlo Esposito, Rosario Dawson, and Temuera Morrison.
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