10 Best Shows Like ‘Andor’ for Star Wars Fans

If you’re still buzzing from the raw intensity of ‘Star Wars: Andor,’ you’re not alone. Its blend of rebellion, espionage, and morally complex characters set a high bar for sci-fi storytelling.

I’ve picked 10 shows that deliver the same gritty drama and intricate plots. Each one feels like a natural next step, with worlds and stakes that echo what made ‘Andor’ so captivating. Let’s dive in.

The Expanse (2015-2022)

‘The Expanse’ throws you into a future where humanity’s split across Earth, Mars, and the asteroid belt. James Holden and his crew stumble into a conspiracy involving an alien substance, sparking tensions that could unravel the solar system. The show’s detailed world and sharp dialogue pull you into every conflict.

Its grounded take on political strife and rebellion feels right at home with ‘Andor.’ Like Cassian’s fight against the Empire, the crew’s choices carry weight, blending personal struggles with galaxy-sized stakes. The gritty visuals and slow-burn drama make it a perfect match.

Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009)

‘Battlestar Galactica’ tracks humanity’s remnants fleeing robotic Cylons in a desperate search for Earth. Led by Commander William Adama, the fleet faces internal betrayals and relentless attacks. The show balances raw emotion with tactical showdowns.

It captures ‘Andor’s’ essence through its focus on survival and resistance against overwhelming odds. The moral dilemmas and leadership struggles mirror the Rebel Alliance’s gritty fight, with a lived-in universe that feels as real as Ferrix’s streets.

Firefly (2002-2003)

‘Firefly’ follows the Serenity’s crew, led by war veteran Malcolm Reynolds, as they take risky jobs to dodge the authoritarian Alliance. This space western mixes sharp humor with heartfelt bonds. Every episode feels like a standalone adventure tied to a bigger struggle.

The show’s rebellious spirit and scrappy underdog vibe echo ‘Andor’s’ core. Its focus on a found family navigating a harsh regime feels like Cassian’s crew, with dusty, lived-in sets that ground the sci-fi in something tangible.

Silo (2023-Present)

‘Silo’ is a tense dystopian tale set in an underground bunker where survivors believe the outside world is deadly. Juliette Nichols, an engineer, digs into a murder that exposes the silo’s secrets worthy of suspicion. The claustrophobic setting amps up the suspense.

Like ‘Andor,’ it’s about questioning authority and uncovering hidden truths. The slow unraveling of the bunker’s rules mirrors the Empire’s oppressive grip, with ordinary people driving the rebellion in a stark, gripping world.

Foundation (2021-Present)

‘Foundation’ follows Hari Seldon, a mathematician predicting the galactic empire’s collapse. His plan to preserve knowledge sparks a centuries-spanning saga of power and survival. The show’s grand visuals and deep ideas make every episode epic.

It shares ‘Andor’s’ knack for blending big stakes with personal stories. The fight to reshape a crumbling system feels like the Rebellion’s early days, with complex characters and political chess games that keep you hooked.

Blake’s 7 (1978-1981)

‘Blake’s 7’ centers on Roj Blake, a rebel leading a band of outcasts against the Terran Federation. Their stolen spaceship becomes a base for guerrilla strikes in a dark, unpredictable universe. The raw production adds to its charm.

This British classic nails ‘Andor’s’ vibe of flawed heroes fighting a ruthless regime. The uneasy alliances and covert missions parallel Cassian’s journey, with a gritty edge that makes every victory feel hard-won.

Altered Carbon (2018-2020)

‘Altered Carbon’ dives into a cyberpunk world where immortality is real for the wealthy. Takeshi Kovacs, a revived ex-rebel, investigates a murder while navigating a city of corruption. The neon-drenched visuals pop with intensity.

Its mix of gritty action and class warfare feels like ‘Andor’s’ DNA. Takeshi’s reluctant fight against a rigged system mirrors Cassian’s arc, with both shows leaning into the personal cost of rebellion in vivid, stylish worlds.

The Americans (2013-2018)

‘The Americans’ tracks Soviet spies Elizabeth and Philip Jennings posing as an American couple during the Cold War. Their covert missions clash with family life and growing doubts about their cause. The tension never lets up.

This show’s espionage and emotional depth vibe with ‘Andor’s’ spy-thriller heart. Like Mon Mothma’s double life, the Jennings’ secrets drive the drama, with loyalty and betrayal weaving a story as human as it is thrilling.

Counterpart (2017-2019)

‘Counterpart’ stars J.K. Simmons as Howard Silk, a UN clerk who discovers a portal to a parallel world. As the two realities collide, he navigates espionage and identity twists. The show’s quiet intensity builds to big payoffs.

It matches ‘Andor’s’ slow-burn suspense and complex characters. The parallel-world conflict echoes the Empire’s vast control, with Howard’s reluctant heroism feeling like Cassian’s early steps into the Rebellion’s shadows.

Babylon 5 (1993-1998)

‘Babylon 5’ is set on a space station where humans and aliens broker peace and face looming wars. John Sheridan’s leadership guides the station through cosmic threats and political games. The long arcs reward patient viewers.

Its blend of diplomacy and rebellion feels like ‘Andor’s’ political core. The station’s bustling, diverse vibe mirrors Ferrix, with stories of resistance and sacrifice that hit the same emotional and strategic notes.