The Force Is With Mobile as ‘Star Wars Rebels’ TV Series Has Digital Debut
A long time ago, in a galaxy dominated by network TV, people gathered to watch a new show on a fixed day and time. The premiere of Walt Disney Co.’s “Star Wars Rebels” this week shows how much viewing has changed.
The animated series, the first new “Star Wars” program since Disney acquired the franchise two years ago, will be available online before traditional TV. The digital debut illustrates how programmers are blurring the lines between online and offline TV, particularly in kids’ entertainment, where viewers are often more computer savvy than their parents.
The hour-long first episode can be seen using the Watch Disney XD app starting Friday, three days earlier than first planned and a week before the Disney Channel. The Burbank, California-based company moved up the release date to grab weekend viewers and generate social-media buzz, according to Paul DeBenedittis, senior VP-programming strategy, Disney Channels Worldwide.
