Étoile Season 1 just dropped — and if you loved Maisel or Bunheads, this is your next binge
If you’re a fan of Amy Sherman-Palladino’s signature style, fast-paced dialogue, quirky characters, and heartfelt drama, then Étoile Season 1 on Prime Video is your next must-watch. This new ballet dramedy blends the charm of Bunheads with the glam and drama of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, creating something fresh, fun, and totally binge-worthy.
All eight episodes of Étoile Season 1 are now streaming on Prime Video.
A New Ballet Tale from a Beloved Creator
Amy Sherman-Palladino and her husband, Daniel Palladino, are back with another show full of style and personality. While Gilmore Girls and Maisel made them famous, fans of Bunheads will be especially excited. Étoile brings ballet back into the spotlight, but this time, it’s global.
The show follows two major ballet companies, one in New York City and one in Paris. Both are struggling with low attendance and financial issues. To shake things up, the companies agree to swap dancers for one season. This bold move brings a mix of drama, excitement, and culture clash.
A Cast Full of Big Personalities
Charlotte Gainsbourg plays Geneviève Lavigne, the head of the French ballet. She’s sharp, stylish, and full of witty remarks, much like Lorelai Gilmore or Midge Maisel. Luke Kirby plays Jack McMillan, the American counterpart who’s charmingly neurotic and unsure of his next move.
Even though Geneviève and Jack live in different cities, their back-and-forth is one of the show’s highlights. Their chemistry adds heart and humor to the story, giving longtime Sherman-Palladino fans those cozy, familiar vibes.
Unique Characters Bring Life (and Laughs)
The dancers and choreographers are just as colorful as the leads. From Cheyenne Toussaint (Lou de Laâge), the fiery French star now in NYC, to Tobias Bell (Gideon Glick), an oddball choreographer adjusting to Paris life, each character brings their own chaos and charm.
Some may feel a bit over-the-top at first, but as the season unfolds, these characters reveal more emotional depth. Their growth makes the story richer, with a few sweet romantic subplots mixed in.
There’s also a standout arc with Mishi Duplessis (Taïs Vinolo), a young dancer with famous parents. Her journey feels real and inspiring, especially as she tries to carve her own path in the demanding world of ballet.
A Few Stumbles, But the Show Still Shines
Not everything hits the mark. One character, Crispin Shamblee (Simon Callow), is a billionaire who funds the ballet exchange. He’s meant to be funny, but his backstory, including some darker political ties, feels out of place in this lighthearted series. Luckily, he doesn’t take up too much screen time.
And yes, the show’s version of Paris is a bit cliché. Think berets, croissants, and charming streets. But that dreamy, exaggerated style is also part of the Sherman-Palladino brand. Just like Stars Hollow wasn’t a real small town and 1960s New York in Maisel had a fantasy feel, Étoile creates its own magical world.
If you love shows with fast, funny dialogue, emotional storytelling, and a touch of whimsy, Étoile will hit the spot. It may not be a Bunheads reboot, but it’s a strong spiritual successor. With gorgeous dance scenes, lovable weirdos, and heartfelt moments, it’s another win for Amy Sherman-Palladino.
And who knows? Maybe Bunheads will still make a comeback someday. Until then, Étoile is here to pirouette its way into your heart.