After watchingEtoile– the new TV show byGilmore Girls’ creator, Amy Sherman-Palladino, and her husband, Dan Palladino – viewers need to watch a comedy by the creative couple, which was shockingly canceled after one season. The Prime Video showÉtoilehas quickly captured the attention of fans of the Palladinos as well as new viewers who appreciate the art of ballet. The show follows two professional ballets that make a bold talent trade to gain the attention necessary to keep the doors open. Unlike other dance shows,Étoile’s castis packed with real ballet dancers.
The show puts attention and effort into showing the world of Ballet in an authentic and entertaining way, without the stereotypes of the cattiness and the glass in the pointe shoes. They succeeded with their goal, based onÉtoile’s mostly positive reviews. Unfortunately, viewers will have to wait to continue the story of the Metropolitan Ballet and Paris’ Le Ballet National untilÉtoileseason 2, which is confirmed but doesn’t have a release date, drops. After watching the new Prime Video series from the Palladinos, viewers should check out one of thebest shows likeÉtoile– the 13-year-old comedyBunheads.
Étoile Is Amy Sherman-Palladino’s Second Ballet-Centered Show After Bunheads
Étoilefeels unique in its ballet premise, fast-talking wit, and quirky characters. However, it’s actually the second ballet-centered show by Amy Sherman-Palladino and her husband, Dan Palladino.Bunheadswas released in 2012 and shares the same traits that fans like myself have come to expect from the creative couple.Bunheadstells the story of a Broadway dancer turned Vegas showgirl, Michelle Sims, who marries her obsessive fan, Hubbell, and moves to his home in Paradise, California, which he shares with his mother.
Bunheads writes a love letter to ballet while exploring the complex relationships between three generations of women.
Michelle doesn’t get off to a good start with her mother-in-law, Fanny Flowers, but they find a way to connect by teaching Fanny’s ballet school together. Theshow becomes like Gilmore Girlswhen Michelle develops friend-like relationships with four teenage ballet dancers. Bunheads writes a love letter to ballet while exploring the complex relationships between three generations of women. It’s the perfect middle ground betweenGilmore GirlsandÉtoile. I loved the series enough to buy it for VOD beforeit was released on Hulu and Disney+ for streaming.
“I was a dancer. My entire world growing up was in a dance studio. It’s something that if you love it, you never don’t love it.” –Amy Sherman-Palladino toPointe Magazine.
Why Bunheads Was Canceled After Just 1 Season, Despite Great Reviews
Bunheads Holds A Rare 100% Critic Score On Rotten Tomatoes & A 94% Audience Score
Despite only lasting one season, Bunheads had rave reviews that should have warranted a second season. As much as I hate the fact thatBunheadswas canceled after one season, they did have a very good reason to take that step. The decision might have seemed shocking since they were set to receive around $5 million to make season 2 (viaVariety), but the logistics of creating the show were just too complicated.
Amy Sherman-Palladino’s scripts are notoriously long, which wasn’t too much of an issue forGilmore Girlsbecause they had eight days per episode and adult cast members. However,Bunheadsalso had 80-page scripts but only seven days per episode, plus mostly child actors and dancers. The age of the actors meant they faced employment restrictions, making it difficult to coordinate their schedules.
On top of that, the young cast only had two to three days to learn their choreography, which is difficult even for adult professional dancers. Luckily,Étoilewon’t have most of these issues because of the streaming format and adult cast, making it less likely that the show will get canceled after season 2.
Bunheads
Cast
Bunheads is a TV series centered on Michelle Simms, a former ballerina who becomes a small-town dance instructor after marrying on a whim. Starring Sutton Foster as Michelle, the series explores her adjustment to rural life and her impact on a new generation of young dancers. Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, the show combines elements of comedy and drama against the backdrop of a ballet school.
Étoile
Étoile, releasing in 2025, follows the compelling story of world-renowned ballet companies undertaking an ambitious strategy to save their institutions. The plot centers on the cross-cultural exchange of their most talented stars, aiming to revitalize and preserve their artistic legacies.
