Here’s one for anybody who ever tries to tell you that TV critics never did nothin’ good for nobody: Tony Gilroy, creator and showrunner for Disney+ Star Wars series Andor, has stated in a recent Empire cover story that the rapturous critical reception given to the show’s first season has allowed him more freedom while making its second.

Andor is a critically acclaimed, riveting Star Wars drama, but the show's sparkling reviews and awards season recognition cannot fully hide its disappointing viewership numbers. Creator Tony Gilroy hopes he's done a better job of attracting a larger audience in Season 2,

It is 30 years since The Shawshank Redemption debuted, but it remains as beloved as ever, and its star Tim Robbins credits one man for its survival – Ted Turner. In an interview with The Guardian newspaper, Robbins rails against algorithms dictating our viewing habits and cites his 1994 film about the fates of prison …

And apparently, that critical acclaim has granted showrunner Tony Gilroy even more freedom on the highly anticipated second season. A new Empire cover story revealed that the praise granted Season 2 "a lot of momentum and key benefits going into this second season, the kind it may not have been afforded otherwise."