Amy Sherman-Palladino is back, and she’s traded her beloved Connecticut for the cosmopolitan hubs of New York and Paris. The creative mind behind the iconic “Gilmore Girls,” and the critically acclaimed “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” has teamed up with her frequent collaborator and husband, Daniel Palladino, to introduce “Étoile,” a brand-new ballet series premiering on Prime Video. Following the dazzling lights of Broadway, “Étoile” promises an enthralling blend of drama and artistry with a touch of that distinctive Palladino flair.
The Story Behind the Dance
Set against the backdrops of the always-bustling New York City and the romantic, dreamy Paris, “Étoile” plans to lure viewers with more than just pirouettes and pliés. Starring the supremely talented Charlotte Gainsbourg and Luke Kirby, the series weaves a narrative where the characters face off in a high-stakes gamble to protect their ballet studios. Enter Lou de Laâge, portraying a star dancer who becomes the chess piece in their strategic exchange of ensembles between ballet companies.
Palladino, known for her quirky storytelling and razor-sharp dialogues, aims to captivate not only ballet enthusiasts but also a broader audience. It’s a classic culture clash, yet instead of a battle of wits in a diner, we’re whisked away to stunning dance sequences on equally stunning backdrops.
Sherman-Palladino’s Comeback
This venture into the world of ballet is Sherman-Palladino’s first series since wrapping up the final season of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” on Prime Video. But let’s not forget her earlier adventures, like the brief but much-loved “Bunheads.” Fans have longed for another chance to see Palladino take on the world of dance since she mentioned she’d revive the show “in a heartbeat,” as echoed in various interviews. Alas, with the bustling digital age, those “Bunheads” dreams have dwindled, despite persistent “Change.org” petitions and fervent fan rallies.
Amid the crossfire of streaming giants, the narrative journey of Palladino’s past series like “Gilmore Girls” at Netflix has not always been without hiccups. Discussions around compensations, like with Lauren Graham being “paid in love” rather than residuals, add a sprinkle of industry drama contrasting nicely with the scripted drama she so masterfully crafts for television.
For a sneak peek into this world of narrative dance battles, you can catch the series trailer:
However, as “Étoile” kicks off all its eight episodes on April 24, the question remains—can Palladino’s latest series glide as effortlessly into viewers’ hearts as its predecessors?
Closing Credits
Sherman-Palladino’s latest venture, “Étoile,” set to release all eight episodes on April 24, is poised to blend drama and dance into an irresistible concoction, capturing both the intensity of the performing arts and human stories we all love. While her fans may still hold out hope for a “Bunheads” reunion, this might be their best opportunity to see the creator take on the world of ballet once more. In a world where streaming is king, “Étoile” is shaping up to potentially pirouette its way firmly into everyone’s watchlist.
