April 2022 EW Edition

Emily Willis

Photo: April 2022 EW Edition
The End of an Era: Unpacking the Landmark April 2022 EW Edition
For decades, Entertainment Weekly (EW) stood as a cornerstone of pop culture journalism, offering millions of readers a vibrant window into the worlds of film, television, music, and more. Its pages were a trusted source for breaking news, insightful reviews, and exclusive interviews that shaped our understanding of the entertainment landscape. However, April 2022 marked a pivotal moment in the magazine's history, as the April 2022 EW Edition arrived on newsstands, not just as another issue, but as its final print edition. This landmark issue, featuring a highly anticipated Star Wars cover story on the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, symbolized both a farewell to an era of physical media and a bold step into a fully digital future for the iconic brand.
This article delves into the significance of the Entertainment Weekly April 2022 issue, exploring its key features, the cultural impact of its transition, and the enduring legacy of a publication that helped define pop culture for over 30 years.
The Last Hurrah: A Farewell to Print
The decision to cease print publication after 32 years was a significant one for Entertainment Weekly, reflecting broader shifts within the media industry. For many loyal readers, receiving the EW April 2022 issue was a bittersweet experience, a tangible reminder of countless hours spent poring over its glossy pages. The magazine, launched in 1990, had carved out a unique niche by focusing on entertainment media news and critical reviews, differentiating itself from celebrity-focused tabloids and industry trade publications. It aimed for a general audience, providing accessible yet authoritative coverage of the hottest movies, TV shows, music projects, and novels.
The transition to an all-digital format was not an isolated event but part of a larger trend of media companies adapting to changing consumption habits. While the news was met with nostalgia by long-time subscribers, it also underscored the growing dominance of digital platforms in delivering instant, interactive content. The EW final print issue became a collector's item, a tangible piece of pop culture history marking the end of an era for print journalism in the entertainment sphere.
The Force Was Strong: Obi-Wan Kenobi Takes Center Stage
Fittingly for a farewell issue, the Entertainment Weekly April 2022 cover story was nothing short of epic: an exclusive deep dive into Disney+'s highly anticipated Obi-Wan Kenobi series. This choice resonated deeply with fans, as Star Wars has consistently been a pop culture phenomenon, and Ewan McGregor's return as the revered Jedi Master was a monumental event.
The cover itself was a striking visual, showcasing Ewan McGregor back in his iconic role, lightsaber in hand. This issue offered readers:
- Exclusive First Looks: Beyond the captivating cover, the April 2022 Entertainment Weekly edition provided the first episodic images from the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, giving fans a tantalizing glimpse into the show's visuals and atmosphere.
- Star-Studded Interviews: The issue featured in-depth conversations with Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen, who reprised his role as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader. These interviews delved into their reunion and their 17-year journey back to the beloved franchise, offering insights into the characters' evolution and the actors' personal experiences.
- Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Readers gained valuable perspectives from director Deborah Chow, writer Joby Harold, and Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, who discussed the challenges and excitement of bringing a story to the screen that bridges the 19-year gap between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope.
- Introduction of New Characters: The issue also offered a first look at the series' fearsome new villain, Reva, played by Moses Ingram, further building anticipation for the show's premiere.
The extensive coverage of Obi-Wan Kenobi not only served as a powerful send-off for the print magazine but also solidified EW's reputation for delivering exclusive, high-quality content that resonated with its audience. It was a testament to the magazine's ability to capture the zeitgeist of popular culture.
Beyond the Cover: Other Highlights and the EW Legacy
While the Obi-Wan Kenobi feature dominated the headlines, the April 2022 EW Edition likely contained other valuable content, consistent with the magazine's broad coverage of entertainment. Historically, EW issues included:
- News and Notes: Quick updates and tidbits from across the entertainment world.
- Feature Articles: In-depth pieces on upcoming films, TV shows, music albums, and books.
- Reviews: Critical assessments of new releases, guiding readers on what to watch, listen to, and read.
- The Bullseye: A section highlighting the week's best and worst in pop culture.
- Specialty Issues: Though the April 2022 issue was the final print, EW was known for its "Must List" issues, Fall TV Previews, and End-of-the-Year summaries.
The Entertainment Weekly magazine had a rich history of such content, establishing itself as a trusted voice. From its debut in 1990, it aimed to be a different kind of entertainment publication, focusing on content rather than just celebrity gossip. Over its 32 years in print, EW published 41 Star Wars covers, with Ewan McGregor gracing the cover six times for his role as Obi-Wan Kenobi, demonstrating its deep connection with major franchises and cultural moments.
The Digital Horizon: What's Next for Entertainment Weekly
The transition to an all-digital format for Entertainment Weekly signifies a crucial adaptation in the fast-evolving media landscape. This shift allows EW to:
- Deliver Real-Time Content: In the digital realm, EW can provide immediate updates, breaking news, and fresh insights as events unfold, rather than being constrained by print deadlines. This is particularly crucial in the entertainment industry, where news cycles are incredibly rapid.
- Enhance Interactivity: Digital platforms enable multimedia experiences, incorporating trailers, music clips, and direct links to streaming services, enriching the reader's engagement. Readers can easily access interactive features that complement the articles.
- Reach a Wider Audience: Without the limitations of physical distribution, EW's content can be accessed globally by anyone with an internet connection, expanding its reach far beyond its traditional print readership.
- Adapt to Reader Preferences: A growing number of consumers prefer to consume content on their devices, making a digital-first strategy a necessity for relevance and
Latest ✨
View Allglobal economic outlook for 2024 and beyond, highlighting key trends and strategies for businesses, policymakers, and individuals. It emphasizes the need for agility and adaptability in the face of economic turbulence and the pursuit of balance.

Emily Willis
Classic films may seem outdated in today's world of instant gratification and endless streaming options, but they offer enduring stories, masterful storytelling, historical insights, technical innovation, and artistic value that surpass modern offerings. While classic films face challenges such as accessibility and pacing, there are ways to overcome these obstacles, such as using streaming services, visiting local libraries, attending film festivals, and utilizing online resources.

Emily Willis
Parent's guide to easy, great-looking kids' haircuts. Achieve stylish, stress-free strands & make hair day a breeze for your child.

Emily Willis
Unlock your next great business idea! Learn a structured process to discover, evaluate, and refine entrepreneurial opportunities for real-world success.

Emily Willis
Business
View All
June 9, 2025
Map Your Customer JourneyDemystify customer journey mapping! Learn to visualize customer paths, uncover pain points, and create superior experiences for sustainable business growth.

Emily Willis

August 5, 2024
Tips for Utilizing Social Media to Increase Brand Awareness of Your Businessutilizing social media for businesses to expand their reach and build brand awareness. It emphasizes understanding the target audience, choosing the right platforms, creating engaging content, building a strong brand identity, and engaging with the audience. Specific strategies for maximizing social media presence on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and TikTok are also provided. Additional tips include prioritizing user experience, building a strong brand reputation, utilizing video marketing for SEO, monitoring and responding to negative SEO attacks, and staying patient and consistent in social media marketing efforts.

Emily Willis

June 8, 2025
Talent Acquisition: Find the Best PeopleMaster strategic talent acquisition. Go beyond recruitment to identify, attract, & secure top talent that drives innovation & future organizational success.

Emily Willis
Economy
View AllExplore how agricultural economics tackles global food security challenges, ensuring everyone has access to sufficient, nutritious food for a sustainable future...
Read MoreThe Green Economy: redefine progress for a sustainable future. Balance economic growth with environmental care & social equity.
Read MoreDemystifying private equity: Understand its surging influence, how it reshapes industries & economies, and its impact on modern capitalism.
Read MoreEntertainment
View All
July 8, 2025
Entertainment SquaredExplore "Entertainment Squared," the future of immersive, interactive, and personalized entertainment. Dive into next-gen fun beyond passive consumption.

Emily Willis

July 6, 2025
Gaijin Store FindsExplore "Gaijin Store Finds"! Discover unique international treasures that tell a story & connect you to global cultures. Beyond souvenirs.

Emily Willis

July 10, 2025
April 2022 EW EditionThe April 2022 EW issue was its last print edition, ending an era of pop culture journalism. Discover its Obi-Wan Kenobi cover & digital future.

Emily Willis
Health
View Allour minds are often overwhelmed with information and stimuli, leading to stress and anxiety. Mindfulness and meditation offer tools to cultivate inner peace and well-being. Mindfulness involves being present in the moment without judgment, while meditation involves focusing attention on an object or thought.

Emily Willis
Discover the comprehensive and critical services offered by ECMC Erie's ER Hub. Essential care when you need it most.

Emily Willis
The focus of nutrition advice is shifting towards personalized nutrition, taking into account individual genetic makeup, lifestyle, and health goals to create a customized eating plan. This approach can lead to improved health outcomes, enhanced nutrient absorption, increased motivation, and targeted support for specific health concerns.

Emily Willis
Trending 🔥
View All
1
2
3
5
6
7
8
9
10
Lifestyle



Sports
View AllAugust 5, 2024
The Future of Sports: Anticipating Trends, Embracing Innovation, Shaping a New Era
Read MoreTechnology
View All
August 5, 2024
AI Applications that are Changing the World Around Us
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept from science fiction, but a reality that is reshaping the world around us. From virtual assistants to self-driving cars, AI is making significant impacts in various industries such as healthcare, education, transportation, and agriculture. AI is also being used to address environmental challenges and enhance customer experiences.

August 5, 2024
What is Blockchain and How does it Work?
Blockchain technology is a decentralized digital ledger that records transactions securely and transparently across multiple computers. Key concepts include decentralization, cryptographic security, and consensus mechanisms. Transactions are verified, grouped into blocks, and added to the blockchain through a consensus process.

August 5, 2024
Benefits of Using Cloud Computing for Your Business
Cloud computing has revolutionized business operations by offering cost savings, scalability, improved collaboration, enhanced security, and robust disaster recovery. It allows businesses to access services over the internet, reducing the need for physical infrastructure and providing flexibility.

August 5, 2024
The Future of Cloud Computing and Its Impact on the Business World
Cloud computing has revolutionized business operations with benefits such as cost savings, scalability, and flexibility. The future of cloud computing includes trends such as edge computing, hybrid and multi-cloud strategies, AI and ML integration, serverless computing, quantum computing, enhanced security measures, and sustainability initiatives.