Common Sense Media Review
By Marty Brown
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Clone Wars spin-off has battles, military violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Star Wars: The Bad Batch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Based on 24 kid reviews
Kids say this show is a fantastic continuation of the Clone Wars universe, packed with action and engaging characters, especially for dedicated fans of the franchise, while also encompassing themes around strong role models. However, some reviews indicate that it suffers from filler episodes, darker content that may not be suitable for younger audiences, and mixed opinions about character development, particularly the character Omega, who received criticism for being annoying and slowing down the narrative.
- strong characters
- engaging action
- darker themes
- mixed opinions
- filler episodes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
The Bad Batch are Clone Force 99, a ragtag band of clones who have been augmented with special powers. All voiced by Dee Bradley Baker (Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts), Clone Force 99 thrive in battle. They're built to handle situations that other clones, and even Jedis, might shy away from. But when the members of Clone Force 99 are commanded to turn on their allies, it triggers a rift between them and their superiors. For the first time, the Batch must learn to make their own decisions, even if it means putting themselves in great danger.
Is It Any Good?
This series delivers on precisely what fans would expect from a Star Wars story: world building, unique new characters, and big action sequences with a moral allegory at the center that may resonate with teens and tweens. A Clone Wars sequel feels like wish fulfillment for a certain sector of Star Wars fans, and this should satisfy both superfans and casual viewers.
Built like a classic war movie, with a ragtag group of clone specialists at the center of it, The Bad Batch tells a tale of clones finding their true place in a complicated system. One complaint: The animation itself can feel as clunky as a video game cut scene, and it doesn't really add anything that couldn't have been achieved better with live action. Overall, though, the important lessons are clear: Though Clone Force 99 are built for violence, they ultimately learn to make ethical decisions for the good of others -- and become a positive "force" in their world.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Star Wars and its popularity over the years. Why do you think the stories set in this universe continue to be relevant?
Families can talk about Clone Force 99. What makes them unique? Why are they at the center of this story?
What do the Bad Batch learn about themselves and their situation over time? What causes them to change?
TV Details
- Premiere date : May 4, 2021
- Cast : Archie Panjabi , Freddie Prinze Jr. , Dee Bradley Baker
- Network : Disney+
- Genre : Action
- Topics : Adventures , Robots
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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