For several decades, Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino have been delighting audiences with their chatty television shows. As a powerhouse duo, they’ve built an impressive reputation in the industry as masters of their craft, with popular series such as Gilmore Girls and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Now that their latest venture, titled Étoile, has been greenlit, viewers can look forward to another round of engaging, rapid-fire conversations and captivating characters with electric chemistry.
If you’re a fan of Amy Sherman-Palladino’s work since the Gilmore Girls days or just someone looking for your next binge, Étoile could be an excellent choice. It not only adds value to her existing collection but also represents a more cinematic expansion of her creative vision. But what is Étoile? Who’s in it? And does it live up to the signature Palladino style we’ve grown accustomed to? Dive into the details below to find out more.
Official Synopsis:
In New York and Paris, the star dancers and key personnel of two globally recognized ballet companies attempt a bold plan to preserve their historic organizations. They decide to exchange their top performers instead.
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The show, titled “Étoile,” initiates by putting forth a daring gambit: struggling ballet troupes from New York and Paris exchange their lead dancers to stimulate ticket purchases. This bold move is a last-ditch effort stemming from severe financial difficulties, as both companies are newcomers teetering on the brink of collapse. The scenario provides an ideal platform for eight episodes filled with international travel, artistic introspection, and ego clashes, reflecting life and its challenges.
Sherman-Palladino found it richly diverse, as it offered a blend of the past and present. There was an esteemed historical ballet company tracing its roots to royal courts, contrasted with a vibrant newcomer in the New York City ballet scene. It presented tradition, various forms of bureaucracy, unique challenges, and shared struggles in preserving the art form – all making it an engaging experience. In simpler terms, it was quite entertaining.
The title of the show, which translates to “star” in French, symbolizes a principal ballet dancer (either danseur or danseuse étoile). However, it also serves as a precursor for the series. Luke Kirby portrays the pressured director of Lincoln Center’s Metropolitan Ballet, an equivalent to the real-life New York City Ballet. When he enters into an agreement with Geneviève Lavigne, portrayed by Charlotte Gainsbourg, a tense conversation ensues, leading to dramatic consequences. As ideals collide and creative breakthroughs take place, personal stories unfold as the diverse group of dancers are displaced from their homes and experience culture shock.
| Character | Show | Core Traits | Portrayed By |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lorelai Gilmore | Gilmore Girls | Witty, self-reliant, emotionally avoidant | Lauren Graham |
| Michelle Simms | Bunheads | Acerbic, rootless, dryly maternal | Sutton Foster |
| Midge Maisel | The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel | Fast-talking, ambitious, image-obsessed | Rachel Brosnahan |
| Cheyenne Toussaint | Étoile | Stubborn, passionate, brooding | Lou de Laâge |
In this rephrased version: Lou de Laâge plays the main role as Cheyenne Toussaint, a fiery activist, anarchist, and dancer, who is compared to Johnny Rotten by creator Palladino. Cheyenne is known for her sharp wit and frequent instability, appearing quite different from traditional characters like Gilmore or Miriam Maisel created by Palladino, but she maintains the tradition of strong female leads who unapologetically embody their individuality.
Familiar Faces Join French Stars in Bilingual Ballet Drama
Mrs. Maisel and Gilmore Girls Actors Make a Comeback in Étoile
It’s clear that adherents of the Palladinos, given their past endeavors, are accustomed to seeing familiar collaborators in their projects, and this pattern holds true for *Étoile*. Even those with less sharp eyesight can pick out some well-known faces from the diverse cast.
As a dedicated admirer, I can’t help but express my joy: Sherman-Palladino consistently stands by her trusted collaborators, and this series is no exception. It continues her tradition while also broadening her horizons with seasoned French actors and professionally trained dancers. In an interview with Backstage, she admitted with a sigh of relief, “It’s such a comfort to know that what I write will come to life.
| Main Cast Name | Character | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Luke Kirby | Jack McMillan | Executive director of the Metropolitan Ballet Theater in New York; previously won Emmy for playing Lenny Bruce on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel |
| Charlotte Gainsbourg | Geneviève Lavigne | Former étoile turned interim director of Le Ballet National in Paris; known for indie films like Antichrist and Melancholia, daughter of one of France’s most notorious pop stars. |
| Lou de Laâge | Cheyenne Toussaint | Volatile French prodigy described as “our Johnny Rotten”; relative newcomer. |
| Yanic Truesdale | Raphaël Marchand | Gilmore Girls alum (Michel) plays an assistant at the Paris ballet company |
| Kelly Bishop | Clara McMillan | Gilmore Girls alum (Emily Gilmore) plays a demanding mother again for ASP. |
Among the new actors joining the cast are Gideon Glick, David Alvarez known for his role as Bernardo in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, and Taïs Vinolo, a former dancer with the National Ballet of Canada, who portrays Mishi Duplessis – an innocent soloist who departs New York for Paris.
Second Ballet Series Expands On Creator’s Professional Dance Background
From Personal History To Global Canvas: Palladino’s Dance Roots
Many people may not know that before Sherman-Palladino made waves in TV with her distinctive dialogue, she spent a significant portion of her life in dance shoes. As the child of a comedian father and a dancing mother, she received intensive dance training from childhood right through to her young adult years. Even when she began her career in television writing, she was still an active dancer, suggesting that her transition to television was more of a serendipitous career shift rather than something she had planned for all along. In a recent interview with CBS, she admitted, “I was supposed to be a dancer.
The Palladinos have had their share of dance world partnerships, and one such collaboration was the 2012-2013 series, “Bunheads,” where Broadway actress Sutton Foster played a Las Vegas showgirl who later taught at a rural ballet school. Despite receiving positive reviews, the show was unfortunately canceled by USA Network after only one season. This decision still irks Sherman-Palladino, who expressed that she is still upset about it. Given her love for ballet and her belief that everyone can appreciate its charm, it was a straightforward choice for her to return to the industry with the series “Étoile.” To CBS, she expressed her enthusiasm for the project.
For those who believe ballet might not appeal to them, here’s an interesting perspective: Are you captivated by compelling narratives, stirred by emotions, moved by power, and intrigued by the athleticism involved? If yes, then ballet, with its rich stories, emotional depth, and physical prowess, is a perfect fit for you!
Viewing Guide: How To Watch Étoile Right Now
How to Watch:
- Platform: Amazon Prime Video exclusively
- Episodes: All 8 episodes of Season 1 available now
- Release Date: April 24, 2025
- Cost: Free with Prime membership
- No Prime? 30-day free trial available for new subscribers
- Season 2: Already confirmed by Amazon
In my humble opinion as a film enthusiast, the Palladinos’ latest masterpiece, titled Étoile, has truly struck gold with Amazon. Before the first episode even graced our screens, this captivating production was already granted a second season! This early renewal speaks volumes about Amazon’s faith in Étoile, positioning it as their next blockbuster sensation. Rest assured, fans won’t be left yearning for more after the final credits roll.
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2025-05-24 03:28