Star Wars: TNT, TBS nabs cable rights to all movies

The Force will be very strong on TNT and TBS for some time.

Turner announced on Wednesday that it has licensing agreements with Disney and 20th Century Fox that allow it to be the exclusive linear cable outlet for all Star Wars movies, which means you will be able to watch the six films from the George Lucas years, as well as those under J.J. Abrams’ domain (including 2015’s The Force Awakens, which hits cable in 2018) and three other upcoming Star Wars films (including spin-off Rogue One, which will air starting in 2019).  

In a statement, Deborah K. Bradley, executive VP of networks optimization, content strategy, and commercialization for Turner, said: “The Star Wars movies and characters are beloved across generations, captivating audiences and breaking box office records around the globe for nearly four decades… Through this deal, TNT and TBS will be the exclusive basic cable home of one of the most iconic, enduring and valuable movie franchises of all time, giving viewers the chance to watch this amazing collection from the very beginning.”

You won’t have to wait long to watch the first six: TNT will air them from Sept. 20 through 25.

Tuesday, Sept. 20

8 p.m. and 11 p.m. (ET/PT) – The Phantom Menace

Wednesday, Sept. 21

8 p.m. and 11:05 p.m. (ET/PT) – Attack of the Clones

Thursday, Sept. 22

8 p.m. and 11:05 p.m. (ET/PT) – Revenge of the Sith

Friday, Sept. 23

8 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. (ET/PT) – Star Wars: A New Hope

Saturday, Sept. 24

10:45 a.m. (ET/PT) – The Phantom Menace

1:45 p.m. (ET/PT) – Attack of the Clones

4:55 p.m. (ET/PT) – Revenge of the Sith

8 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. (ET/PT) – The Empire Strikes Back

Sunday, Sept. 25

5:15 a.m. The Phantom Menace

8:15 a.m. Attack of the Clones

11:20 a.m. Revenge of the Sith

2:25 p.m. (ET/PT) – Star Wars: A New Hope

5:10 p.m. (ET/PT) – The Empire Strikes Back

8 p.m. and 11 p.m. (ET/PT) – Return of the Jedi

2 a.m. (ET/PT) – The Phantom Menace