13 Addictive Shows Every ‘Étoile’ Fan Has to Stream Next

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In a captivating reimagination, Amy Sherman-Palladino’s creation titled “Étoile” is a vivid, couture fantasy woven from sweat, heritage, and gracefully executed spins. Renowned for her sharp dialogue and rhythmic, conversational pacing, Sherman-Palladino (known for Gilmore Girls, Bunheads, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) has consistently danced on the border of theatricality. Yet in this work, she soars. The story unfolds within the reflective dance studios of New York’s Metropolitan Ballet and the haunted, storied halls of Paris’ Le Ballet National, offering a glimpse not just into the realm of elite dance, but into its very soul.

Luke Kirby gives an intense portrayal as Jack McMillan, a tormented ballet director who carries his family’s dance legacy and his grandmother Dorothy Fish’s (skillfully played by Kelly Bishop from Gilmore Girls) presence in every reflection. Charlotte Gainsbourg, with her intellectual grace and subtle threat, adds a noir sophistication to Geneviève Lavigne, the temporary leader of Le Ballet National whose history unfolds like a ribbon on stage. Lastly, Lou de Laâge shines as Cheyenne Toussant, a fiercely political prima ballerina whose spirit outshines even the brightest stage lights. This production offers a unique blend of eerie and avant-garde elements, creating a psychological thriller set within the realm of ballet.

Being deeply engrossed in dance shows means embracing a unique form of enchanting madness. These stories revolve around the constant battle for body and spirit; where the strain is felt in the muscles, and excellence is a kind of spiritual combat. Étoile stands out due to its blend of Parisian and New York City aesthetics, its criticism of traditional institutions, and its investigation into the shared space between sorrow and brilliance behind the curtain.

If you’ve watched every bit of its first season and can’t resist replaying it for those intense rehearsal gazes or poignant final bows, don’t worry. There’s a whole library of dance-related TV shows ready to entertain you – from the harsh glamour of ‘Flesh and Bone’, to the homely appeal of ‘Dance Academy’, all the way to the grandiose spectacle of ‘Smash’.

While these 15 shows might not perfectly capture the grace of Étoile note-for-note, they all grasp a key concept: when motion becomes narrative, tale, and existence, words become unnecessary to express everything.

13
‘Backstage’ (2016 – 2017)

As a movie critic, I initially thought that Backstage was just another polished teen drama set in an arts high school, bathed in the cold glow of fluorescent lights. But upon closer inspection, I discovered that it’s much more than that – a deeply nuanced exploration of the delicate balance between ambition and adolescence hidden beneath its shiny, filtered facade. Created by Lara Azzopardi and Jennifer Pertsch, this series masterfully weaves contemporary dance with raw teenage emotions, using choreography as both a release for deep-seated feelings and a tool to structure the narrative. It’s a show that truly grasps the agony of striving for artistic greatness – the restless nights, the throbbing muscles, and the self-doubt that drowns out even the loudest applause. Like Étoile, Backstage delves into the intricate power dynamics of mentorship, shining a light on teachers who straddle the line between nurturer and adversary, pushing their students towards greatness or the brink of collapse.

Beneath the Glossy Surface

Nonetheless, Backstage continues to be held firm by the charm of its cast, with Devyn Nekoda’s portrayal of Vanessa Morita particularly noteworthy. Her graceful performances hint at a deep internal struggle between self-expression and self-protection. This series masterfully conveys the universal tension experienced during adolescence: the desire to be noticed while simultaneously fearing the exposure that vulnerability demands. It beautifully symbolizes dance as embodying both a metaphor for and manifestation of youth—graceful yet delicate, uplifting but perpetually on the brink of falling apart.

12
‘Dance Academy’ (2010 – 2013)

The “Dance Academy” series is located at the crossroads of nostalgia and pain, disguising itself as a simple coming-of-age tale situated at Australia’s National Dance Academy. Here, aspirations blossom and wither away on a daily basis. This captivating production, orchestrated by Samantha Strauss and Joanna Werner, initially appears as a comforting treat, offering breathtaking views of Sydney Harbor and tranquil scenes of ballet lessons drenched in golden-hour radiance. However, beneath this serene exterior lies a rich and intricate examination of ambition, camaraderie, and the hidden physical and emotional tolls associated with professional dance.

Breaking the Ballet Myth

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but admire the unique charm of “Dance Academy,” a show that mirrors the captivating essence of “Étoile.” What sets it apart is its unflinching portrayal of failure not as an end, but as a crucial step in artistic development. The character of Tara Webster (Xenia Goodwin) beautifully encapsulates the idealism and fragility of youth, her story subtly swaying between moments of triumph and sorrow.

The show doesn’t mince words when it comes to depicting physical injuries, mental strain, and the oppressive burden of expectation. This is what makes “Dance Academy” relatable – it challenges the romanticized myth of dance, the belief that beauty emerges effortlessly without scars or sacrifice. Instead, it deconstructs this illusion gently, scene by intricate scene.

11
‘Glee’ (2009 – 2015)

Glee, crafted by Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan, and Brad Falchuk, burst onto the scene with a lively enthusiasm that reshaped the landscape of teen television. Housed within McKinley High School, this series skillfully interwove biting satire with genuine empathy, transforming musical theatre into a universal dialect of adolescent longing and ambition. Although not strictly a dance show, its choreographed performances—dramatically staged yet emotionally profound—captured the spirit of teenage desire. The performances from this show served as cultural landmarks, soaring beyond television to top charts and inspire nationwide tours, demonstrating the magnetic allure of its colorful, occasionally unconventional interpretation of pop and Broadway classics.

High School Musical Deconstructed

Glee stands out due to its bold exploration of themes like identity, bullying, and societal norms, using the art forms of music and dance to deliver insightful commentary. Characters such as Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) and Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer) encapsulate both the turmoil and joy of high school existence, with their dance routines revealing inner battles that simple dialogue could not convey. Choreographer Zach Woodlee’s breathtaking routines allowed the show to tackle intricate issues like LGBTQ+ acceptance, mental health, and more, with compassion, wit, and a strong conviction in the impact of performance. Despite its grandeur, Glee consistently demonstrated an emotional authenticity that resonated profoundly, providing a platform where misfits and visionaries could shine.

10
‘Pose’ (2018 – 2021)

Pose, a groundbreaking series by Ryan Murphy, delves into the vibrant, rebellious atmosphere of New York City’s ballroom scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Focusing on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals, the show masterfully employs voguing and ball culture as a means of escape and potent protest. Stunningly beautiful and emotionally intense, Pose makes dance the focal point of a story about tenacity and rebellion, using intricately choreographed ballroom scenes to portray the fierce determination and bold elegance of its characters.

Elegance in Defiance

In addition to its energetic dance contests and flamboyant attire, the series Pose masterfully delves into themes of family, self-identity, and resilience. Remarkable portrayals by Mj Rodriguez as Blanca Evangelista and Billy Porter as Pray Tell explore dance and ballroom culture not just as a form of entertainment, but as a bold declaration of existence, respect, and happiness in the face of hardships like discrimination and the AIDS epidemic. Each ballroom scene transforms into a powerful act of defiance and validation, symbolizing the power derived from chosen families and collective unity.

9
‘Smash’ (2012 – 2013)

The play named “Smash,” penned by the talented playwright Theresa Rebeck, provides a peek behind the scenes into the ruthless world of Broadway. Centered around the chaotic creation of a musical inspired by Marilyn Monroe, it delves into an enthralling tale of ambition, competition, and artistic invention. The show skillfully merges stage illusion with actual backstage happenings, using dance routines to symbolize the passionate intensity of theater life. In this production, rehearsals become battlegrounds and auditions transform into profound emotional trials.

Spotlight on Ambition

Smash, starring Katharine McPhee and Megan Hilty, showcases the glamour and grit of life in the theater. Choreographed by Joshua Bergasse, its dance scenes translate emotional conflicts and professional rivalries into intense physical drama, mirroring Étoile‘s examination of how dance serves as a language of fierce competition and deep storytelling. The series delves deeply into the creative process, unveiling the unyielding quest for perfection that pushes its characters to breathtaking heights and crushing lows. At its core, Smash is a show about the painful beauty of ambition, where dance serves as the most powerful embodiment of artistic and personal yearning.

8
‘Dance Life’ (2024 – Present)

Jennifer Lopez’s series, “Dance Life,” provides an honest look into the lives of professional dancers in Los Angeles. Unlike dramas, it leans more towards documentary style, stripping away the glamour to expose the hard work, persistence, and resilience needed to succeed in the cutthroat dance industry. The series documents the daily struggles – from auditions to rehearsals – and underscores the relentless chase for success amidst uncertainty. Its authenticity lies in its raw depiction of rejection, perseverance, and brief victories, painting a side of dancing often overlooked on screen.

Steps Behind Stardom

Exploring the journeys of dancers aiming for greatness, Dance Life offers a gripping portrayal of the emotional ups and downs faced by those pursuing dreams in Hollywood. By sharing personal stories and captivating performance clips, it underscores the challenges dancers face, both physically and mentally, highlighting their incredible resilience and unwavering determination behind each flawless routine. The series masterfully reveals the hidden efforts and emotional burden behind breathtaking performances, leaving viewers in awe of the genuine talent and tenacious spirit required to thrive under the harsh glare of the limelight.

7
‘Step Up: High Water’ (2018 – 2022)

Originally intended for YouTube Red and subsequently picked up by Starz, the series “Step Up: High Water” captures and amplifies the heart-racing intensity of its movie forebears while transforming it into a more complex, serialized narrative. Conceived by Holly Sorensen, this show is set within a fictional, highly competitive performing arts school in Atlanta, a city that doubles as both a scenic backdrop and a character itself. In contrast to the polished sophistication of Étoile’s Parisian ballet studios, Step Up: High Water pulsates with a gritty, street-smart energy, seamlessly blending hip-hop and contemporary dance into scenes that feel authentic and unfiltered—more like battles than rehearsals.

From Streets to Stages

The impact of the show lies in its exploration of the crossroads between art, politics, and personal identity. It challenges who has the right to create and whose stories are worth telling, while subtly criticizing how power structures within culture dictate the arts scene. Naya Rivera’s character, Collette Jones, stands out notably, as she portrays both strong mentorship and raw realism. Step Up: High Water recognizes that dance is more than an escape, it’s a tool for confronting and expressing the complexities of race, class, and power dynamics. Similar to Étoile, it implies that genuine artistic expression doesn’t stem from perfection, but from the raw authenticity born out of real-life experiences.

6
‘Make It or Break It’ (2009 – 2012)

In the high-pressure realm of elite gymnastics competitions, Make It or Break It delves into topics such as ambition, rivalry, and camaraderie with a deep emotional resonance and athletic fervor. This series offers an engrossing storyline that highlights the sacrifices athletes endure in their tireless chase for Olympic success, portraying gymnastics as both a thrilling display of skill and a grueling test of endurance. Characters whose ambitions often verge on personal compromise and professional excellence serve to illustrate the immense burdens shouldered by young athletes seeking perfection, while also showcasing the intense pressures they face in their pursuit of greatness.

Vaulting Ambitions

Make It or Break It, starring Chelsea Hobbs and Ayla Kell, blends drama with thrilling athletic displays. The show depicts the grueling training routines, physical setbacks, and personal conflicts that reflect the high-stress world of top-tier sports. It underscores how the quest for excellence can fuel ambition and ambition, yet also threaten to overwhelm those who dare to aim high. The storyline strikes a chord as it delves into the intricate relationships among teamwork, competition, and guidance, showcasing how these bonds significantly influence each gymnast’s path towards their aspirations.

5
‘Julie and the Phantoms’ (2020)

Julie and the Phantoms offers a sparkling escape from reality – a blend of youthful enthusiasm and the weighty melancholy of loss. The narrative revolves around Julie, a teenage musician, who discovers her voice, both literally and metaphorically, with the assistance of her ghostly bandmates. Madison Reyes delivers an illuminating portrayal, imbuing Julie with a mix of raw vulnerability and captivating self-assurance. The supernatural premise serves as a backdrop for exploring universal topics such as grief, friendship, and personal growth, where music and dance become powerful symbols of emotional rebirth.

Ghostly Crescendo

The show is full of lively dances and tunes you can’t help but love, with each performance serving as a uplifting hint that happiness can be found alongside sadness. It beautifully illustrates Étoile‘s complex portrayal of artistic fervor as something healing and transformative. Through dance, Julie and the Phantoms suggests gracefully that creative outlet can help heal emotional wounds—be they the gap between life and death or personal internal struggles.

4
‘Flesh and Bone’ (2015)

The show “Flesh and Bone” presents raw ballet – an unsparing look at the damaged humanity hidden beneath art’s polished facade, created by Moira Walley-Beckett. It follows the turbulent life of Claire Robbins, portrayed brilliantly by Sarah Hay. Claire’s exceptional talent is intertwined with haunting past traumas, resulting in a story brimming with emotional and mental tension, similar to the delicate yet troubled beauty of an “Étoile.” Hay’s performance is a testament to masterful chaos, showcasing both ethereal grace and a brooding undercurrent.

Haunted Elegance

In the first person as a follower:

Experiencing Ethan Stiefel’s gut-wrenching choreography, the show underscores movement not just as artistic accomplishment, but as a desperate struggle for survival. Each episode pulses with a tension that feels like a psychological thriller, exposing the raw vulnerability and unforgiving realities of dancers. Similar to Étoile, Flesh and Bone delves into the smothering legacy of artistic genius, hinting at an unsettling truth—that genius can teeter precariously on the edge of madness.

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2025-05-11 00:39